Experience Franklin Co. Executive Director Graduates from Indiana Tourism Academy

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 10:29 AM

By Travis Thayer @eagle993

The mission of the academy is to provide education, resources and networks.

Photo provided.

INDIANAPOLIS - Nine individuals are being celebrated for graduating the Indiana Tourism Academy.

The Indiana Tourism Association launched the Indiana Tourism Academy in 2022. The mission of the academy is to provide education, resources and networks needed to develop tourism professionals for the state of Indiana.

The third Indiana Tourism Academy class graduated during the Indiana Tourism Conference this week. Certified Indiana Tourism Professionals graduates include:

• Allyson Gutwein, Executive Director, Discover Boone County
• Beverly Spurlin, Executive Director, Experience Franklin County
• Erin Hawkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Columbus Area Visitors Center
• Heather Weyer, Sales and Marketing, Dubois County Visitors Center
• Janice Barniak, Executive Director, Vincennes Visitors and Tourism Bureau
• Jessica Heslin, Tourism Coordinator, Hamilton County Tourism, Inc.
• Katrina Youngs, Digital Marketing Manager, Visit Indy
• Kim Fox, Tourism Marketing Manager, Visit Hendricks County
• Nate Riggs, Creative Content Producer, Indiana Destination Development Corporation

By completing the Indiana Tourism Academy, these graduates have gained invaluable industry knowledge, leadership development, and a strong professional network, positioning them to elevate tourism initiatives in their communities and across the state.

“As we celebrate the third class of Indiana Tourism Academy graduates, it’s inspiring to see the impact this program has already had on tourism professionals statewide,” said Carrie Lambert, Executive Director of the Indiana Tourism Association. “Graduates from previous years have applied their knowledge and connections to drive meaningful tourism initiatives in their communities. I have no doubt that this year’s class will continue that legacy, strengthening Indiana’s tourism industry and fostering growth in the years to come.”