Kevin LangstonThe Georgia Department of Economic Development named Kevin Langston (right) the deputy commissioner of the state’s tourism division. In this role he will spearhead the state’s work to grow the tourism industry in Georgia. Mr. Langston has served as Assistant Commissioner for the tourism division since May 2007. He takes over for a retiring Charlie Gatlin on Dec. 1. More

Mary Beth Wilkerson

Mary Beth Wilkerson (left) will succeed Craig Ray as the tourism division director for the Mississippi Development Authority. Mr. Ray annonced his resignation effective at the end of December. Ms. Wilkerson joined MDA in 1991 and has served as deputy director since 2002. More

Louisiana Office of Tourism has hired Misty Velásquez as director of programs and services. Ms. Velásquez is a previous winner of the STS Rising Star Award (2002).
Tracy Aldridge

Tracy Aldridge (right) has been named senior vice president of sales for the Cabarrus County County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in North Carolina. Mr. Aldridge will be responsible for leading and directing the sales team and will oversee all sales functions. Mr. Aldridge will graduate from STS Marketing College in March 2010.

The Little Rock CVB announced the appointment of Monica Robinson as director of diversity sales. Ms. Robinson hails from the St. Louis area and most recently served as director of event services at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Ms. Robinson’s 15 years' experience garnered her listing in several editions of Who’s Who in Black St. Louis.

A record-breaking number of registrants attended the annual Kentucky Tourism Industry Annual Conference in Louisville in November. The theme of "Company's Coming, Kentucky Welcomes the World," was in anticipation of the international crowd coming to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010. More than 400 people attended the presentation of the Traverse Awards for excellence in marketing and pubic relations.

The Morehead City (N.C.) Marlins are the newest franchise of the Coastal Plain League. The Marlins will begin play in May 2010 in Big Rock Stadium at O’Neal Field. The Coastal Plain League is one of the nation’s hottest collegiate baseball leagues. Celebrating its 14th season, the league features 15 teams in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. More