Chelsa Lourie

Chelsa Lourie serves as Director of Workforce Development for the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association (TNHTA), where she leads statewide initiatives that strengthen Tennessee's hospitality and tourism workforce pipeline. She works closely with employers, educators, workforce agencies, and community partners to build career pathways, expand workforce opportunities, and connect individuals to meaningful careers in hospitality and tourism.

Chelsa oversees workforce and education initiatives including hospitality apprenticeships, Restaurant Ready, the HOPES reentry workforce program, regional workforce taskforces, industry symposiums, and the Student Ambassador Program at the Governor's Conference on Hospitality & Tourism.

A Nashville native and graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Chelsa brings more than 15 years of experience in hospitality operations, sales, human resources, and workforce development. She was recently named a finalist for the 2025 and 2026 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards in the Hospitality & Tourism category.

In addition to her work with TNHTA, Chelsa serves on the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development's UI Employer Advisory Board, the Board of Directors for Kymari House, multiple hospitality and tourism advisory boards at colleges and universities across Tennessee, and the Nashville Emerging Leaders Board as Alumni Relations Chair.

Outside of work, Chelsa enjoys reading, traveling, cheering on Tennessee sports teams, and spending time with her husband, Alex, and their two sons, Rowan and Julian.