Chelsa Lourie

Chelsa Lourie is the Director of Workforce Development for the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association, where she works across the state to connect colleges, workforce partners, and industry leaders to strengthen Tennessee’s hospitality pipeline. In this role, she leads programs like the Student Ambassador Program at the Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism, coordinates industry roundtables, and builds partnerships that help students and jobseekers find meaningful careers in hospitality and tourism.
A Nashville native and graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Chelsa brings more than 15 years of experience in hotel operations, sales, and human resources to her work with the Association. She’s known as a connector and advocate, passionate about building career pathways, expanding internships, and supporting creative workforce solutions that benefit both employers and future talent.
Chelsa also leads the Nashville Kitchen Cabinet, a grassroots advocacy initiative that bridges restaurants with community partners and policymakers, and she was recently recognized as a finalist for Nashville Emerging Leaders. She stays actively involved in professional groups like Heels & Handshakes, a network for women leaders, and serves on several advisory boards for hospitality and tourism programs across the state.
Outside of work, Chelsa loves exploring new places through travel and cheering on Nashville and Tennessee sports teams. She’s an avid reader who values lifelong learning, and most of all, she enjoys time with her husband, Alex, and their two boys, Rowan and Julian, who keep life busy, fun, and full of adventure.