The Louisiana Travel Association Board re-elected Paragon Casino Resort Vice President of Marketing Joan Botts to serve with the organization after its annual meeting.
Botts continues her service on the board as Paragon marks another year of leadership in Louisiana tourism.
“I am deeply honored to continue serving on the Louisiana Travel Association Board and supporting the growth of tourism across our state,” Botts said in a statement. “I value the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders to strengthen Louisiana’s travel economy and promote the destinations and experiences that make our state unique.”
Botts has led the Paragon Casino Resort marketing efforts for more than two years. She directs marketing initiatives for one of Louisiana’s first land-based casinos, overseeing brand marketing, advertising, direct marketing, promotions and events, entertainment, player development, public and community relations, social media and strategic sponsorships.
“Joan’s leadership and marketing expertise continue to elevate Paragon Casino Resort and the broader tourism industry,” said Paragon Casino Resort General Manager Marshall Ray Sampson Sr. “Her re-election to the LTA Board is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her ongoing contributions to Louisiana tourism.”
Betts has led marketing teams in Durant, Oklahoma; Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana. She recently participated in the 2025 Leadership CENLA program and served as a 2024 to 2025 board member of the Marksville Chamber of Commerce, where she supported initiatives focused on business growth and regional tourism development.
2026 officers:
- Chair: Nelson Gumm, AJR Media Group
- Vice-Chair: Carla Tate, Tangi Tourism
- Treasurer: Adrienne Breaux, The Royal Sonesta
- Secretary: Timothy Bush, Visit Lake Charles
- Immediate Past Chair: Donna O’Daniels, Visit the Northshore
2026 new directors:
- Paige Alost, Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau
- John Bennett, Gray Media
- Amanda Carrier, Experience Ruston
- Dustin Gontarski, Compass Media
- Adrienne Hennis, Advance Travel & Tourism
- Laci Laperouse, Visit St. Martin Parish
- Joshua Robinson, LIVE! Casino
2026 returning directors:
- Jay Artigues, Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics
- Scott Ballard, Ballard Brands
- Ben Berthelot, Lafayette Travel
- Joan Botts, Paragon Casino & Resort
- Leslie Brewer, Destrehan Plantation & Houmas House
- Stacy Brown, Visit Shreveport-Bossier
- Ralph Calhoun, Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
- Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe
- Sondra Corbitt, Explore Houma
- Georgia Craven, Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission
- Aaron Dirks, Joieful
- Jay Ducote, JDD Consulting LLC
- Kyle Edmiston, Visit Lake Charles
- Cody Gray, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou
- John Grubb, Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership
- Greg Hennagin, Golden Nugget Lake Charles
- Stephen Hightower, University Club Baton Rouge
- David Johnson, Renaissance Baton Rouge
- Jill Kidder, Visit Baton Rouge
- Walt Leger, New Orleans & Co.
- Violet Peters, Visit Jefferson Parish
- Kristen Preau, Jambalaya Girl
- Jady Regard, Cane River Pecan Company
- Jill Dryden Silva, Deep South Today
- Sally Stiel, LSU Alumni Association
- Justin Vincent, Tiger Athletic Foundation
- Vito Zuppardo, Miles Partnership
- Rebecca Blankenbaker, Cane River National Heritage Area, Ex-Officio
- Doug Bourgeois, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Ex-Officio
“Our executive committee and board of directors play a crucial role in meeting the needs of our members and ensuring we achieve our goals of providing top-notch educational and marketing opportunities while advocating on behalf of the industry,” said LTA President and CEO Chris Landry. “We are thrilled to begin another year with this exceptional group of industry leaders representing the entire state.”
Each year, the Chairman selects a nominating committee composed of members who are not up for re-election and are not seeking office. This committee presents a slate to the association members that reflects all regions of the state and segments of the tourism industry.
