Nancy Conley named new executive director for Corbin tourism

The City of Corbin officially has a new tourism director, and she is a 15-year veteran of the tourism industry.

Nancy Conley

During a special called meeting Wednesday afternoon, the Corbin Tourist and Convention Commission voted to name Nancy Conley as its new executive director.

“With great excitement, Nancy Conley has accepted the position of executive director of the City of Corbin Tourist and Convention Commission. Her skills and experiences combined with her deep passion for tourism and community development will serve Corbin, Kentucky well,” the tourism commission said in a statement.

Conley’s background encompasses a 15-year career in tourism with the City of Berea where she works in the business and tourism development department. In her most recent position as tourism operations manager, she demonstrated a record of achievement, management, destination marketing and partnership building.

“Nancy takes great pride and dedication in her work and the community she serves. Prior to her work in tourism, she worked in facets of the hospitality, service and banking industries,” the statement said.

Conley was not present at Wednesday’s meeting.

Her first day in her new position will be Monday, June 10, and she is slated to preside over her first Corbin Tourist and Convention Commission meeting the next day on June 11.

A reception is planned for later in June to introduce Conley to the community.

Conley replaces Maggy Monhollen, who resigned as tourism director in late March in order to become general manager of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

“We are really excited. She comes with a lot of energy and excitement. So we are really excited,” said Corbin Tourist and Convention Commission Chairwoman Jeannie Hensley. “I think she will bring a lot of good, new ideas for Corbin.”

Conley was one of 11 applicants for the executive director position.

Hensley said that Conley’s experience in tourism set her apart from the other applicants. In addition, she is familiar with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and grant writing,

Conley’s career in tourism began working as the welcoming receptionist for the tourism office. She now manages a department of 11 people.

“At Berea tourism she started from step one and she has climbed the ladder,” said Tourist and Convention Commission Member Sudhir Patel. “We have a good person with 15 years of experience in the same field so it is good.”

Tourist and Convention Commission Member Summer Jackson added that Berea tourism’s office is also located in a historical train depot building, and Conley has done some work with historical train towns, which the commission members find exciting.

Conley’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in technology and industrial arts with a concentration in business management from Berea College. She holds a tourism and travel marketing professional and festival and event planner certification from Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College.

She continues her education by attending professional development sessions and education seminars to broaden her knowledge and stay up to date on tourism industry trends and market changes.

In her free time, she likes to garden, camp, enjoy outdoor adventures and spend quality time with friends and family.

“Nancy loves adventures, challenges and the growth opportunities that come with them. She is looking forward to collaborating with partners throughout the country and using her skills to contribute to the sustainability and advancement of tourism in Corbin, Kentucky,” the statement read.

Conley’s base salary will be a $70,000 plus a standard benefits package.

She currently lives in Berea, but plans to move to Corbin, Hensley said.