Tennessee tourism chief honored nationally

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker has been chosen 2013 State Tourism Director of the Year.

The honor is being announced today by the U.S. Travel Association's National Council of State Tourism Directors at a luncheon in Richmond, Va.

The award is made annually to the state tourism director who contributes to successfully raising the profile of their state as a travel and tourism destination, selecting the individual exhibiting the most impressive achievements.

Whitaker was reappointed to her post at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development by Gov. Bill Haslam in January 2011. She served in the same capacity through both terms of Gov. Phil Bredesen's administration.

Learning of the coming honor, entertainer Dolly Parton said Whitaker is one of the best friends Tennessee tourism has ever had.

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