FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2026
Media Contact: Danielle Morgan, Executive Director
dmorgan@mstourism.com • Cell: 601-720-2245
(Jackson, Miss.) – The Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA), the state’s voice of tourism for more nearly 40 years, is pleased to announce its elected board of officers for 2026-2027. Visit Starkville’s Director of Tourism, Paige Hunt, began serving as the state association’s president starting July 1.
The MTA Executive Board also includes the following members:
- Kinney Ferris, Executive Director – Visit Oxford: President-Elect
- Vanessa Burse, Regional Property Sales Manager – Caesars Entertainment: Vice President
- Jonathan Pettus, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer – Visit Jackson: Secretary/Treasurer
- Laura Beth Strickland, Executive Director – Visit Vicksburg: MTA Past President
President Paige Hunt said, “Tourism is Mississippi’s front porch to the world — inviting visitors to experience the rich history, culture, music, and food that define our state’s unique story. Beyond showcasing the best of Mississippi, tourism is a powerful economic driver. The latest data shows 44 million visitors spent $11.9 billion across the state, generating $1.1 billion in state and local taxes and supporting communities and businesses in every corner of the state. The Mississippi Tourism Association continues to play a vital role in advocating for Mississippi’s tourism industry, and we look forward to the leadership and vision of these board members as they work to strengthen tourism and economic development across the state.”
Paige is an experienced destination marketer who has worked at both the state and local level. She joined The Partnership in 2021 as the Director of Tourism. In her role, she works to develop and implement programs to further the vision for tourism in Starkville: Mississippi’s College Town. She focuses on the promotion of Starkville as a destination market for conventions, sporting events, and cultural tourism efforts that directly benefit the Starkville economy. Under her leadership, Starkville has been awarded Tourism Partnership of the Year, Small Festival/Event of the Year, Large Festival/Event of the Year and the Best Overall Digital Media Campaign at the MTA Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Additionally, Paige was recognized as the Mississippi Tourism Association’s Member of the Year in 2023.
Before joining The Partnership, Paige most recently served as Director of Sales & Visitor Services at VisitHATTIESBURG, where she actively sold Hattiesburg as both a leisure and corporate destination. Prior to that, Paige served as Senior Bureau Manager for Tourism Communications at the Mississippi Development Authority. Here, Paige strengthened digital outreach for Visit Mississippi’s comprehensive tourism efforts through video and social media campaigns along with an updated website.
Paige currently serves as Vice President for the Mississippi Destination Marketing Organization Association, as President of the Board of Directors for Visit the Cities of the SEC, as President for the Mississippi Tourism Association, and as Vice President of the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area Alliance.
In addition to her passion for tourism marketing, Paige enjoys reading, singing in her church choir, live theater and attending Mississippi State sporting events. She and her husband Andy have a 13-year-old son.
“Tourism continues to deliver meaningful economic impact for Mississippi by strengthening communities, supporting jobs, and creating opportunities across every region of our state,” said Danielle Morgan, Executive Director of the Mississippi Tourism Association. “At MTA, we are committed to advancing Mississippi’s travel industry through strong advocacy, workforce development, industry education, and meaningful collaboration across all sectors. As we welcome our new executive board, we are excited to bring together leaders who reflect the strength and diversity of our industry and who share a passion for moving Mississippi tourism forward. Their leadership and perspective will help us continue building momentum, supporting our members, and ensuring tourism remains a driving force for economic growth and community development across our state.”
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ABOUT MTA
The Mississippi Tourism Association unites and advances Mississippi’s travel industry by serving as its leading voice and convener, driving sustainable growth through advocacy, workforce development, industry education and collaboration across all sectors. For nearly 40 years, MTA has led the state’s tourism industry through education, advocacy and professional development.
More information is available at www.mstourism.com.
