Strickland Named President-Elect of Mississippi Tourism Association

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) has announced its elected board of officers for 2024-2025. Visit Vicksburg’s Executive Director, Laura Beth Strickland, will serve as the state association’s president-elect starting July 1. Her term as President will begin on July 1, 2025.

Strickland, a Vicksburg native and proud Mississippian, joined the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau in November 2009. Her extensive experience and passion for growing the tourism industry are both professional and personal goals. As executive director, she represents Vicksburg on numerous boards. These include the Mississippi Tourism Association, Mississippi Delta Tourism Association, and Capital Area Tourism Association.

Strickland graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2008 with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Journalism and English, with an emphasis in Public Relations, Mass Media, and News Reporting. She is married to Michael, a farmer in Vicksburg. They have three children: May (7), Michael (6), and twins Hunter and Hadley (2).

Commitment and Expertise

“Tourism is a vital multi-billion-dollar industry for Mississippi,” said Danielle Morgan, MTA Executive Director. “This reflects the dedication of our tourism leaders and the strategic vision of state and local officials who have committed to investing in tourism growth. Our members have elected strong and capable leaders who will guide our association in revitalizing and expanding tourism across all sectors. The Mississippi Tourism Association benefits greatly from the commitment and expertise of our volunteer leaders, whose contributions are essential to our ongoing success and the future of tourism in our state. With this incredible team, we are well-positioned to drive our organization and Mississippi tourism forward.”

The MTA Executive Board also includes:

• Rickey Thigpen, President & CEO of Visit Jackson: MTA President
• Kurt Allen, President & CEO of Mississippi Aquarium: Vice President
• Paige Hunt, Director of Tourism at Visit Starkville: Secretary/Treasurer
• Christy Burns, Executive Director of Visit Corinth: Past President

Additionally, three members from five regions throughout the state and three at-large members make up the MTA Board of Directors.

Leadership and Vision

Also, President Dr. Rickey Thigpen added, “Tourism is a crucial economic driver in Mississippi, weaving together the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and hospitality to create a tapestry of experiences that captivate and enrich visitors from around the world. As the President of the Mississippi Tourism Association, I am excited to continue a tradition of excellence and economic vitality for our great state. Mississippi Tourism is proud to boast that it is the state’s fourth-largest employer, generating $7.5 billion in visitor spending in 2023. Last year, this activity saved each Mississippi household $663 in taxes while providing approximately 105,000 jobs for Mississippians. The Mississippi Tourism industry is committed to utilizing collective ambition as its strategy, resulting in an enhanced quality of life for our citizens and a sense of place for visitors.”