Debra Smith
Assistant Commissioner of Marketing
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Executive
Professional Bio
Debra Smith, a native Tennessean, joined the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in 2022 as Assistant Commissioner of Marketing. With more than 30 years of experience in travel and tourism, she leads statewide marketing, sales, and communications efforts, ensuring Tennessee is promoted with strategic consistency to domestic and international audiences.
She oversees the state’s marketing agency of record, supports city Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) initiatives, and builds partnerships that drive economic impact. Previously, Debra spent 20 years with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, most recently as Senior Vice President of Visitor Experience & Digital Marketing, where she helped position Nashville as a premier global destination.
Her career also includes leadership roles in sales and marketing at Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Drury Hotels, and Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, providing her broad experience in promoting major attractions, destinations, and hospitality brands. Debra holds a BA in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Alabama.
She oversees the state’s marketing agency of record, supports city Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) initiatives, and builds partnerships that drive economic impact. Previously, Debra spent 20 years with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, most recently as Senior Vice President of Visitor Experience & Digital Marketing, where she helped position Nashville as a premier global destination.
Her career also includes leadership roles in sales and marketing at Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Drury Hotels, and Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, providing her broad experience in promoting major attractions, destinations, and hospitality brands. Debra holds a BA in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Alabama.
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