Blevins has held numerous positions with the bureau since 2011, including marketing director, marketing assistant, and interim director. Blevins had been heading the bureau since last November when long-time director Randy Newcomb resigned.
The tourism industry in Marshall County and Kentucky Lake has experienced difficult times due to the Asian Carp crisis, a changing travel landscape, and now the global pandemic.
Blevins says she is looking forward to leading the local tourism industry through a period of diversification and growth as it strives to recover.
“My predecessor, Randy Newcomb, led this organization proudly and successfully for over two decades,” Blevins said. “His knowledge and understanding of the industry is unparalleled, and he was loved and respected by our peers across the state. I know he is missed by many and that I have some big shoes to fill!”
Blevins says she is looking forward to leading the local tourism industry through a period of diversification and growth as it strives to recover.
“My predecessor, Randy Newcomb, led this organization proudly and successfully for over two decades,” Blevins said. “His knowledge and understanding of the industry is unparalleled, and he was loved and respected by our peers across the state. I know he is missed by many and that I have some big shoes to fill!”
Blevins graduated from Murray State University with a bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication. She received a master's degree from Mid-Continent University in Human Resources Management in 2014. Additionally, she recently completed a Travel Marketing Professional Certification through the Southeast Tourism Society.
She has served numerous local organizations, including The Benton Partnership, Calvert Area Development Association, Marshall County Rotary Club, Kentucky Lake Young Professionals, Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Lake Economic Development, and Marshall County Industrial Development Authority.
“The promotion happened back in March, right as the travel industry was shutting down across the nation due to COVID-19,” Blevins said. “At that point in time, it just didn’t feel right to make such an announcement with the future so uncertain. I went straight to work trying my best to keep the industry as informed as I could during this unprecedented time. Thankfully, our beautiful destination survived the shutdown, and we have reopened to find that people have truly appreciated our destination and the natural distance it provides through an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Throughout this crisis, Kentucky Lake has been discovered by many new people as well as rediscovered by the local and regional community.”
“I believe the tourism industry plays a vital role for our local community,” she said. “We create opportunities for people to spend quality time with those they love, and time is universal. I have always been passionate about what this industry can do for people, and I hope to bring new opportunities for all to enjoy while visiting our destination, whether they are five minutes from home or five hours.”
