Explore Ridgeland Announces New President/CEO

Media Contact:
Amelia Dalton, TMP
Creative Director
Explore Ridgeland
(o) 601.605.5250
amelia@exploreridgeland.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Explore Ridgeland Announces New President/CEO

Ridgeland, Miss. — The Explore Ridgeland Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Kelly Durrett as the organization's new president and CEO. Durrett, a seasoned tourism marketing professional with more than 25 years of industry experience, will lead Explore Ridgeland's efforts to promote Ridgeland as a premier travel destination and advance the economic impact of tourism for the city.

"Kelly's journey with Explore Ridgeland, from director of communications and digital marketing to vice president of marketing and communications and director of sales, has given her an unmatched understanding of this organization and the community we serve,” said Lesley Holleman, president of the Explore Ridgeland Board of Directors. “The board has full confidence that her passion, experience and leadership will carry Explore Ridgeland into an exciting new era. We are thrilled to have her at the helm.”

Durrett began her career in the tourism industry following her graduation from Judson College in Marion, Alabama, where she earned a degree in communications and public relations. She served as convention marketing manager for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Bureau before setting her sights on the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

There, she spent more than 20 years gaining broad experience through sales and marketing roles with Miles Partnership and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., as well as serving as executive director of the Greater Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce.

Durrett relocated to Mississippi in 2017 to be near family and joined the Ridgeland Tourism Commission as director of communications and digital marketing and vice president of marketing and communications. During her career in Mississippi, she also served in a leadership role with the Mississippi Food Network, helping lead the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while supporting its mission of serving communities across the state. She later returned to Explore Ridgeland, where she served as director of sales, gaining experience across every facet of the organization's operations. Her extensive experience in tourism marketing, sales and destination management, combined with nearly a decade of service to Explore Ridgeland, positioned her as the ideal candidate to lead the organization forward.

"Returning to lead Explore Ridgeland is both a professional honor and a personal privilege," said Durrett. "This organization and community have been an important part of my life, and I am excited to build on the strong foundation already in place. Ridgeland continues to earn recognition as one of Mississippi's premier destinations, and I look forward to working with our team and partners to expand that success in the years ahead."

Durrett and her husband, Johnny, enjoy boating on the Reservoir and spending time with Bosley, their Boston terrier. The couple has a son and daughter-in-law in New Orleans and a daughter in Biloxi.

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In Ridgeland, Mississippi, small-town southern charm meets big-city luxury and travelers have near-endless possibilities to explore their passions. Just north of the capital and along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway is a paradise for cyclists, with nationally recognized trails and a vibrant biking community. “The Rez” beckons water lovers for boating, fishing and more on its sprawling 33,000 acres. Guests can discover unique art at the Bill Waller Craft Center, indulge in diverse culinary delights and enjoy top-tier shopping or high-end spas.