Shelbyville, KY (January 21, 2026) — Janette Marson, President & CEO of ShelbyKY Tourism, has been named the Kentucky Tourism Director of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (KACVB). The prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and significant contributions to Kentucky's tourism industry.
Marson, who is beginning her 13th year in the tourism industry, was honored for her dedication to advancing tourism across the Commonwealth and her commitment to supporting fellow tourism professionals throughout Kentucky.
“Janette Marson leads with integrity, experience, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed,” said Lori Saunders, President of the Kentucky Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. “She consistently shows up for Kentucky tourism—sharing her knowledge, supporting her peers, and strengthening the industry far beyond her own community. Her leadership and service make her a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 KACVB Director of the Year award.”
Upon receiving the award, Marson expressed gratitude for the recognition from her peers. “I am deeply honored and truly humbled to receive the Kentucky Tourism Director of the Year Award. To be recognized by my peers across the Commonwealth makes this honor especially meaningful, and it leaves me feeling incredibly appreciated, supported, and affirmed that the work I do is making a real difference for tourism in Shelby County and across Kentucky.”
Marson brings to the tourism industry a strong background in advertising and media, with prior experience in television and marketing that emphasized strategic storytelling, audience engagement, and brand development. Before joining ShelbyKY Tourism in March 2022, she served as Executive Director of the Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission, where she further strengthened her expertise in destination marketing and tourism leadership.
The KACVB Director of the Year Award is presented annually to a tourism professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovative marketing strategies, and a commitment to collaboration within Kentucky's tourism community.
About ShelbyKY Tourism — ShelbyKY Tourism promotes Shelby County, Kentucky as a premier destination for visitors seeking authentic Kentucky experiences, from bourbon and horse country heritage to outdoor recreation and small-town charm. For more information, visit www.VisitShelbyKY.com.
About the Kentucky Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus — The Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (KACVB) was established in 1993 and is a non-profit Kentucky association with membership exclusive to executive directors of tourist & convention commissions and convention & visitor bureaus in Kentucky. The purpose of KACVB is to provide continuing education, networking and support for the tourism executives across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more information, visit www.KYCVB.com.
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