Lewis Earns Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program Mastery Level Certificate

Visit Jackson, the destination leadership organization for the City of Jackson, Mississippi – the City With Soul, is pleased to announce that Kim Lewis, Tourism & Destination Development Manager, has earned a certificate of completion for the Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program at the Mastery Level.

The Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program (master’s level) is a two-year program offered by the Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) in partnership with the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Center for Government and Community Development that provides college level training and development opportunities for tourism professionals. The program covers a wide range of timely topics, and participants gain invaluable perspectives and insights in leadership, advocacy, and public policy and administration.

To achieve the Mastery Level of certification, participants must complete all the required coursework and projects, as well as a capstone project that demonstrates their understanding of the program material and their ability to apply it to their work.

Lewis implemented a Junior Ambassador Program at Clausell Elementary for her project. Visit Jackson adopted the third-grade students at Clausell Elementary where students learned about the people, places, and events that shaped Jackson into the City With Soul. In this program, community leaders spoke about their professions and encouraged students to learn and explore opportunities to prepare for their futures.

Lewis is passionate about promoting Jackson as a dynamic and vibrant travel destination. She is well respected and has built a strong network in the Jackson tourism community. Lewis serves on the Board of Directors for Keep Jackson Beautiful, Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, and Board Chair for Capital City Pride.

“We are so proud of Kim for completing the Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program at the Mastery Level,” said Visit Jackson President and CEO Dr. Rickey Thigpen. “Her dedication to her professional development and her commitment to the Jackson tourism industry are truly inspiring.”

“The Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program has been a challenging but rewarding experience,” said Lewis. “I have learned so much from the program and from my fellow participants. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this program and I am excited to apply what I have learned to my work at Visit Jackson to help us continue to grow and promote Jackson as a premier travel destination.”

About the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Government and Community Development

The Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension Center for Government and Community Development seeks to build the capacity of community leaders by providing customized certificates in Community Leadership and Tourism. Through robust education, MSU Extension fulfills communities’ need for effective leaders with unique skills to facilitate positive and lasting change in vibrant and growing communities.