BARDSTOWN, Ky. (Feb. 6, 2018) — The Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission has announced the hiring of Mike Mangeot as its new executive director. Mangeot began his new position on Monday, Feb. 19.
Mangeot, a native of Frankfort, served in the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism during the Beshear and Patton administrations as the deputy commissioner and director of marketing and advertising and more recently as commissioner of travel and tourism. He oversaw the day-to-day operations of the commonwealth’s lead marketing agency and was responsible for strategic planning, budget forecasting, creation and implementation of marketing plans that included television, digital, print, radio, public relations and communications.
He also helped lead the state with the Tourism Marketing and Incentive program and was the state’s spokesperson on a state, regional and national level.
“I’m very excited to lead the tourism efforts for Bardstown and Nelson County,” said Mangeot. “I know firsthand the assets that Bardstown has to offer, and my goal is to work with the distilleries, local attractions and businesses to expand upon the success and growth that you have seen over the past few years. I want everyone to know – throughout Kentucky, the US and internationally – that Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World and is an authentic experience they shouldn’t miss.”
In addition to his roles in Kentucky Tourism, he has been involved with several state and national tourism related organizations including being chairman of Travel South USA, a board member of the U.S. Travel Association and Southeast Tourism Society, an ex-officio member of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association and a member of the National Council of State Travel Directors.
Josh Hollifield, the chairman of the Tourism Commission and member of the search committee said, “I am excited to have Mike on board and look forward to him taking on the executive director role. The commission and I feel that Mike’s extensive experience in both the tourism and marketing fields will allow him to lead Bardstown and Nelson County Tourism in exciting new directions as we continue to honor our rich history and advance our recognition as Bourbon Capital of the World.”
Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton and Nelson County judge-executive Dean Watts met with Mangeot last week and discussed the importance of tourism and shared their visions for the future of local tourism.
“Mike brings a very strong and diverse background in both tourism and economic development to the position of executive director of the Bardstown-Nelson County Tourism Commission,” said Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton. “Tourism is a major business for us and I am confident Mike will help this industry grow and at the same time enhance the visitor experience here in Bardstown and Nelson County.”
Judge Watts was also pleased with the search committee’s selection. He states, “Mike brings a lot of experience to the Tourism Commission that will be very beneficial moving our community forward.”
The Oliver Group, a talent acquisition and development firm from Louisville was hired to conduct and lead the search process. Members of the Tourist and Convention Commission Board, as well as representatives from various attractions in Nelson County, made up the search committee.
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