NASHVILLE, Tenn. – July 16, 2025 – Tennessee Tourism Committee (TTC) has appointed seven new members to help guide the state’s tourism strategy, Chairman Hugh Morrow, CEO of Ruby Falls, and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) Commissioner Mark Ezell announced today.
Established in 2011 by former Gov. Bill Haslam, the TTC promotes tourism development statewide and advises the state on growth opportunities. Its mission is to make Tennessee a top destination for business and leisure travel. The committee includes leaders from destination marketing organizations, attractions, tourism-related businesses and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. In 2024, Tennessee’s tourism industry generated a record $37.1 billion in visitor spending, reinforcing its role as one of the state’s top economic drivers.
“Our industry continues to break records and reach new heights as a state, and these new committee members will only help us keep that momentum going,” said TTC Chairman Hugh Morrow, CEO of Ruby Falls. “Together, we’ll continue working to make Tennessee a top destination for visitors and deliver the availability for economic impact in communities across the state.”
“The remarkable work of Tennessee’s second-largest industry is only possible thanks to the people behind it,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner, TDTD. “These new members bring a depth of experience from across the hospitality industry and diverse communities throughout our state, and we’re grateful for their willingness to lead and help guide Tennessee’s continued success.”
New TTC members include:
Andy Marshall, CEO and Proprietor, A. Marshall Hospitality – A Tennessee native, Andy Marshall grew up in the grocery business. At age 26, he purchased his first grocery store – an investment that quickly led to four additional locations, and his being named President of the Tennessee Grocers Association and the Piggly Wiggly Association. In 1998, Marshall sold those stores and bought Puckett’s, a small grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tenn. He launched a formal dinner and music program to enhance the shop and complement the town’s roots. Today, Marshall has expanded A. Marshall Hospitality to encompass Puckett’s Restaurant locations in downtown Franklin, downtown Nashville, downtown Columbia, downtown Chattanooga, downtown Murfreesboro, Pigeon Forge, and Cullman, AL; Puckett’s Trolley, the brand’s mobile food venue; Puckett’s Events & Catering; Scout’s Pub, an upscale modern pub concept in the Franklin community of Westhaven; and Deacon’s New South, a Southern steakhouse that features elevated, chef-curated dishes with a focus on high-quality cuts of meat dry-aged onsite and hints of flavors and techniques from around the world. Each family-owned eatery focuses on providing friends new and old with home-cooked food and Southern hospitality, the Marshall way.
Ryan Egly, President and CEO, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce – Ryan, a native of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is a graduate of Columbia State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University, and holds a Master of Arts in Leadership & Public Service from Lipscomb University. His passion for public service was shaped early on by his family’s belief in giving back and his involvement in school, church, and community outreach. After college, he worked in the Lawrence County courts, where he recognized that many systemic issues—substance abuse, poverty, and recidivism—were tied to joblessness. This realization led him to pursue a career in economic development to bring opportunity to his hometown. Joining the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce in 2015, he advanced from Project Manager to President & CEO, helping attract over $271 million in private investment and create nearly 1,300 jobs, while also securing over $40 million in grants for local initiatives. His leadership has earned recognition statewide, including an appointment by Governor Lee to the Launch Tennessee Board, an election by his peers to serve as the Middle Tennessee Representative of the Tennessee Economic Development Council, and being named one of Southern Business & Development Magazine’s “50 Under 50 Economic Developers to Watch” in 2024. Ryan also serves on the board of Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, is active in the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club, and enjoys music, travel, reading, fishing, and serving at his local church.
Frank Lett, President and Chief Tourism Officer, Visit Kingsport – Frank started his career at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) at The Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, where he was National Sports Manager for track & field, cross-country, gymnastics, jump rope and taekwondo. While at AAU, he managed 10 National Championships throughout the United States each year. From the AAU, he then became the Director of Operations at United States Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association, where he oversaw membership and assisted in managing the relationship between NCAA coaches and the NCAA National Office. In September of 2005, Frank came back to Tennessee where he accepted a position with Visit Kingsport as the Director of Sports. He has been promoted twice within the organization to Associate Executive Director and then President and Chief Tourism Officer. Frank is currently the Treasurer of Play Tennessee, an organization he assisted in founding. He is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Sports Events and Tourism Association.
Brooks Shaw, President, Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village – Brooks Shaw is the president and 3rd-generation owner of the Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village, a landmark family attraction in Jackson, Tennessee. Along with over 100 team members, Shaw welcomes over 650,000 guests annually to Casey Jones Village. In 2025, the Old Country Store celebrated 60 years of serving millions from West Tennessee and beyond. Born and raised in Jackson, Shaw sees great opportunities for his hometown’s growth. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Mississippi in 2013, he returned home where he worked his way up through his family’s business, from dishwasher to President in December 2024. Brooks and his wife, Megan, have two daughters, Grace Anne and Willow.
Melvin Keebler, SVP and General Manager, Jack Daniel’s Supply Chain –
Melvin Keebler is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Jack Daniel’s Supply Chain, overseeing all operations and homeplace activities at the Lynchburg, Tennessee site. With more than 20 years at Jack Daniel’s, he previously worked as a process engineer and area manager at a chemical facility in north Alabama. A U.S. Navy veteran, Melvin served in the engineering section aboard Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. He lives with his wife and two children.
Boo Mitchell, Co-Owner, Engineer and Producer, Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios Memphis – Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell is a 2x Grammy Award-winning American record producer, audio engineer and songwriter, best known for his work at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Born into a musical family, Boo is the son of legendary producer Willie Mitchell, who was instrumental in shaping the sound of Hi Records and producing hits for Al Green and many others. Boo has worked with a wide range of artists across various genres, including Bruno Mars, John Mayer, Solomon Burke and the Wu-Tang Clan. He played a pivotal role in the production of the Grammy Award-winning single “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Known for his ability to blend traditional Memphis soul with modern sounds, Boo continues to uphold the legacy of Royal Studios while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music production. In addition to his music career, Boo served as Music Consultant, Contractor and Producer on the motion picture Sinners, expanding his influence into the world of film.
Ben Rodgers, Executive Director, County Officials Association of Tennessee – Ben Rodgers leads the County Officials Association of Tennessee (COAT), advocating for and supporting elected county officials statewide. He previously served as a County Government Consultant for UT’s County Technical Assistance Service and began his career in public accounting with a Nashville CPA firm specializing in tax and music industry audits. A Baxter native, Ben serves on the Putnam County Commission, including four years as chairman and 11 years chairing the budget committee. He also chairs the 911 Emergency Communication District and serves on several local boards, including the Ag Extension Committee and the Highlands Residential Service. Ben holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Tennessee Tech, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Public Service from Lipscomb, and certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Public Manager. He was named COAT’s Outstanding Public Servant of the Year in 2022. Ben and his wife, Amy, live in Putnam County with their two dogs, Sam and Maggie.
About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.
