Rhea Economic & Tourism Council’s new Executive Director Dennis TumlinDAYTON, Tenn. – The Rhea Economic and Tourism Council board has hired county native Dennis Tumlin as its new executive director and announced goals for 2014.
Tumlin, who said he brings “a network in tourism” to the job from his work interactions with Dollywood and Ripley’s, announced his “Vision 2020” plan for the county’s growth after he was introduced to area leaders. He officially began the job Jan. 21.
Former Chairman Gary Louallen had said the board interviewed nine candidates for the post, which was vacated by John Payne in July 2013. Computer literacy and sales savvy ranked high when narrowing the list, he said.
Tumlin announced his plan “Vision 2020” for the county’s growth in tourism and industry after Louallen introduced him recently to more than 20 community leaders.
The first priority, Tumlin said, is the board’s need to implement a plan leading up to the year 2020.