Southeast Tourism Society (STS) recently recognized Christy Sherman, Executive Director of the Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau, as a 2026 Shooting Star at its Conference in Richmond, Virginia. This honor goes to exceptional professionals across the Southeast who work tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate the travel experience, strengthen their communities, and shape the future of tourism in meaningful ways.

“I’m honored to be recognized by a regional tourism organization and especially proud to be included among such an outstanding group of recipients,” said Sherman. “I love having the opportunity to highlight the unique places, stories and experiences that make our community special and give people a reason to come visit.”

In addition to Sherman, STS also named the following as 2026 Shooting Star Award Recipients:

• Abby Tingle – Discover Monroe-West Monroe

• Anna-Grace Agnini – Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

• Anya Turpin – Visit Perry

• Aubrey Caldwell – Visit Lake Charles/Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority

• Barbara Wolke – Rutherford County CVB

• Carl Sobocinski – Table 301 Hospitality

• Cynthia Boone – City of Petersburg, Virginia

• Dawn Tanner – Big Haynes Creek Nature Center

• Dudley Jackson – Discover South Carolina

• Emily Treme – Visit Lake Charles

• Fred Ferguson – American Bus Association

• Hilda Thomason – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

• Karen Trevino – North Little Rock Tourism

• Karron Alford – Louisiana Office of Tourism

• Lauren Powell – Visit Cleveland Mississippi

• Leah Poole – Liberty County Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Marcus Lawson – Straight Forward Insights

• Marie Stagg – Visit Baton Rouge

• Mercedes Miller – ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Paige Hunt – Greater Starkville Development Partnership

• Robyn Bridges – Auburn-Opelika Tourism

• Shelbey Morris – North Little Rock Tourism

• Sondra Corbitt – Explore Houma

• Tanya Leader – Visit The Northshore

• Toni Chapman – Visit Lake Charles

“Tourism is powered by people who bring new ideas, energy and perspective to our industry,” said Nan Marchand, President & CEO of Southeast Tourism Society. “The Shooting Star recipients represent the talent and dedication shaping the future of tourism across the Southeast. We are proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate the impact they are already making.”