Hugh Stump III
Tourism Director
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About
Experienced tourism, conference, association and event management executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience planning, coordinating, marketing, and executing conferences, festivals, meetings, entertainment programs, and tourism initiatives.
Experience
Tourism Director - Stanton Tourism and Convention Commission - Stanton, KY
(2024-10 - 2026-01)
- Developed a new tourism program for Powell County, Kentucky.
- Collaborated with regional and state tourism partners on annual conferences, meetings, and promotional initiatives.
- Produced new tourism advertising campaigns and promotional materials for the agency.
Tourism Director - Cullman County Tourism Bureau - Cullman, AL
(2023-04 - 2024-05)
- Developed and enhanced the tourism program for Cullman County, Alabama.
- Recruited and developed events designed to stimulate the local economy through increased out-of-county visitation.
- Produced tourism advertising and promotions while partnering with Cullman Parks and Recreation on city-wide events.
Executive Director - Greater Gadsden Area Tourism - Gadsden, AL
(2009-09 - 2023-03)
- Created, developed, and led a new tourism agency serving Gadsden and Etowah County.
- Recruited national-level bass tournaments including BASS Elite, BASS Opens, and MLF Toyota Series events.
- Planned and executed conferences, meetings, and special events at the city's new meeting facility.
- Increased lodging tax collections by 67% and tourism visitor expenditures by 57% over a 14-year period.
- Built partnerships with local businesses, government leaders, and tourism stakeholders to strengthen regional tourism initiatives.
Executive Director - Visit Oxford / Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau - Oxford, MS
(2004 - 2009)
- Created, managed, and developed a new Convention and Visitors Bureau for Oxford and Lafayette County.
- Managed a staff of 10 across sales, marketing, event production, and facility maintenance operations.
- Oversaw marketing and operations for the Oxford Conference Center.
- Directed marketing and event operations for the Double Decker Arts and Music Festival, attracting more than 60,000 attendees annually.
Planning and Marketing Director, Oxford Conference Center - City of Oxford, MS - Oxford, MS
(2002 - 2004)
- Oversaw construction and opening of a new conference center facility.
- Developed, marketed, and managed conference center operations.
- Increased lodging tax revenue by more than 27% within three years.
Regional Manager, Mississippi - Greg Thompson Productions
(2000 - 2002)
- Hired and managed a 16-member technical crew.
- Supervised a company manager and 28-member cast during regional productions and performances.
Marketing and Entertainment Director - Elvis Presley's Memphis Live Entertainment Restaurant and Nightclub - Memphis, TN
(1997-05 - 2000-09)
- Developed and managed marketing and entertainment strategies for a high-profile entertainment venue.
- Negotiated national and local entertainment contracts.
- Coordinated entertainment scheduling, promotions, and special events.
Entertainment Director - Sheraton Hotel and Casino - Tunica, MS
(1994 - 1997)
- Served on the hotel and casino opening team, developing entertainment policies and procedures.
- Managed a $1.95 million annual entertainment budget.
- Negotiated national and local entertainment contracts and coordinated live entertainment programming.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Business Administration - University of Mississippi (2001)
