Tourism is one of Tennessee’s largest industries with a $16.7 billion direct economic impact in 2013, and Kevin Triplett is charged with growing it and spreading the wealth even more around the Volunteer State.
The new commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is a 49-year-old former vice president of public affairs for Bristol Motor Speedway.
Prior to joining BMS in 2005, he worked in various roles for NASCAR, ultimately serving as managing director of business operations, guiding the operation and administration of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, and Camping World Truck Series. He has twice been named one of NASCAR’s “25 Most Influential” by The Charlotte Observer.
Kevin TriplettTriplett and his wife, Jill, live in Bristol with their two children, Lucas and Sarah Grace. He replaces Susan Whitaker, who announced her departure in December.
Triplett talked with Mike Pare about his new role: