PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2024

CVB Contact: Alana Cooper
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: acooper@monroe-westmonroe.org

Allison Masterson and Chris Post Graduate from Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy

Monroe-West Monroe, LA – The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) celebrated the graduation of Allison Masterson, Discover Monroe-West Monroe Public Relations and Media Coordinator, and Chris Post, City of West Monroe Director of Event Facilities, from the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy (LTLA) at the association’s 2024 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

The 30 members of the LTLA class spent all of 2023 developing their leadership skills while learning from seasoned professionals from throughout the tourism industry. The goal of the program is to equip each class member with knowledge and skills that will enrich their tourism-related organizations, therefore strengthening the state-wide tourism industry.

“It has been a great year learning and growing in the tourism industry. I can’t wait to use my new knowledge to share our stories in Ouachita parish,” said Allison Masterson, Public Relations & Media Coordinator.

Members of the class gave back to the tourism industry by selecting businesses within the industry for pro-bono projects. The five separate groups developed a marketing plan, social media plan, a product development plan, SWOT analysis, and tourism advocacy plan.

“Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy was a great experience that broadened my understanding of hospitality and tourism I other parts of the state. Connections, friendships and knowledge was gained during my year long experience. I want to give a special thanks to Discover Monroe-West Monroe for allowing me to have this opportunity,’” said Christ Post, City of West Monroe Director of Event Facilities.

The 2023 Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy graduating class also includes:

Kathleen Abels, Livingston Parish Tourism
Laura Atkinson, Bienvenue Mon Ami Bed & Breakfast
Tyrone Bufkin, Springhill Lafayette South
Caroline Byrne, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
Olivia Celata, New Orleans & Co
Devan Corbello, West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission
Tyler Duplantis, Explore Houma
Lynley Farris, BREC
Anna Gasperecz, Visit Baton Rouge
Rachel Gilbert, Ascension Parish Tourism
Shaninoor Hafez, Von Mack Agency
Shannon Hamm, Hotard Coaches, Inc
Megan Leblanc, St. Martin Parish Tourism
Tara Lusignan, New Orleans & Co
Arianna Mace, Propel Consulting LLC
Caroline Marcello, Lafayette CVC
Judy McCleary, Golden Nugget Casino
Millicent Norbert, City of Broussard
Cicely Parson, Shreveport-Bossier CTB
Brittany Perry, Divi Hospitality
Craig Price, Jr., Tangipahoa Parish CVB
Brady Renard, Visit Lake Charles
Devan Richoux, Visit the Northshore
Isabella Rubiano, Miles Partnership
Randy Whetstine, Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission
Gina Stephens, Visit Baton Rouge
Desiree Frey, Shreveport Bossier CTB
Casey White, Cajundome

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About Discover Monroe-West Monroe:
Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings, and sporting events creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org.

About the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy:
LTLA was created to build future tourism leaders, develop their leadership skills and strengthen their networks, therefore enriching their tourism-related organizations. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.