A regional leader in tourism and professional development, Erin Carrico was recently named the 2023 Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitor Bureau “Director of the Year.”
Serving the City of Murray as its CVB executive director for more than 15 years, her dedication, innovation and promotion of the Commonwealth’s opportunities — particularly in west Kentucky — didn’t go unnoticed.
Traci Cunningham, 2023 president of KACVB and Oak Grove Tourism’s long-time leader, surprised Carrico with the honor at a conclave in Henderson, and she noted many “fantastic executive directors” were nominated for this specific honor.
However, Carrico stood above the rest.
“When she became the KACVB President in 2021, it was when the pandemic had all our offices running in circles and not knowing the future of tourism,” Cunningham said. “[Carrico] stepped up when the industry needed her the most. It was under her visionary leadership that she emerged as a beacon of resilience, resourcefully adapting, and finding new ways to keep the tourism industry alive.”
Carrico played a pivotal role in legislative discussions, and spent considerable time advocating passionately in Frankfort. Her foresight significantly contributed to the securing of $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for Kentucky Tourism.
“To be honored by my peers…is such an incredible gift,” Carrico added. “The people I have met and worked with all of these years have become my closest friends, and have given me the fire to fight tourism battles. I am lucky to have my tourism family. Tourism is in my blood and Kentucky is my heart.”
Carrico, sometimes begrudgingly, is the wife of News Edge reporter Edward Marlowe.
