Meet The STS Team
Monica Smith serves as President and CEO of Southeast Tourism Society (STS) and has 27 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Prior to joining the staff of STS, she served on its Board of Directors for 6 years during her positions as the Vice President of Sales and Services for Visit Jacksonville (Florida), and as the President & CEO of Visit Macon (Georgia).
Monica is a graduate of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration and currently serves on the following industry boards: Destinations International, Heritage Development Partnership (National Heritage Areas), Middle Tennessee State University-Tourism & Hospitality Management Advisory Board, National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) Legacy Fund, Roswell Economic Development and Tourism, Inc., U.S. Travel Association, U.S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Board. She has a passion for developing the next generation of tourism leaders and educating communities on the importance of tourism as an economic and community development strategy.
Suzanne Moon, otherwise known as “Mama Moon”, is a Southern Girl, tried and true. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Suzanne joined the STS staff in 1992 and recently celebrated her 30th anniversary with the association. Her role as Vice President of Operations includes a variety of responsibilities: Financial Management, Human Resources, Meeting Planning, and Dorm Mom to STS Marketing College attendees. If you ask her what she enjoys most about her role at STS, she will tell you, “I love, love, love everything and anything that has to do with Marketing College. Suzanne is a graduate of Auburn University and during football season, you can catch her cheering on her beloved Auburn Tigers.
Tonja Ray-Smith, TMP, FEP served in multiple roles since joining STS in 2019. She brings more than 15 years of tourism experience to her current role as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, where she leads the efforts for ongoing communication plans and the annual STS award programs. Prior to joining STS, this Mississippi native served as Executive Director for Grenada Tourism Commission, Yazoo County CVB, and the Greenwood CVB. Tonja attended Mississippi State University. In her free time, you will find her amid festivals, food, family, and music. Speaking of music, be sure to ask about the harmonica she carries with her.
Sandra Turner Morales joined the STS team in September of 2023 as the Executive Assistant to our CEO, Monica Smith. With over 20 years of experience in both corporate and non-profit environments, she has successfully navigated roles like support, project coordination, and recruitment for companies like Levi Strauss, Nestle’ and Goldman Sachs and is excited to contribute to the momentum and success of STS. When she’s not working, she’s discovering new music artists to add to her playlist, looking for new outdoor adventures, and planning her next trip.
Julie Fisher joined the staff as the Director of Membership Development in 2024. In her role, Fisher will develop and implement member and sponsor recruitment and retention efforts, develop membership and sponsorship benefits, and identify markets and organizations to cultivate new business. She has extensive experience in sales with 20 years in the hospitality industry. Fisher, a Military child, earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University.
Additional Support
Daphne Reid Herrin is a Certified Meeting Professional with over 30 years in the hospitality industry. She started her career working at hotels, convention centers, and a convention & visitors bureau in sales, catering, and convention services. Daphne ventured into the meeting planner side in 2003 and has extensive experience in both corporate and association meetings and incentives. A seasoned planner with executive presence, Daphne thrives on watching the success of an event develop from beginning to end.
