Meet Our Team at South Central Tennessee Tourism!

Welcome to the heart of South Central Tennessee, where the charm of our region is as warm and inviting as the people who call it home. In this edition of our newsletter, we're delighted to introduce you to the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of South Central Tennessee Tourism. From seasoned tourism experts to passionate community advocates, our team is united by a shared love for this extraordinary part of the Volunteer State. The South Central Tennessee Tourism Association "SCTTA" is a non-profit tourism promotional agency, created by the state of Tennessee, with a mission to serve as a catalyst to enhance regional economic and community growth through the support, promotion, and development of tourism.

Ryan French - Executive Director 

Ryan French has been the Executive Director of the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association since 2020. The father of five boys, Ryan has been married to his wife Rebecca French since 2013.

Ryan brings over 15 years of local government and granting experience to the position including serving 10 years on the Manchester Tourism and Community Development Commission.

In the private sector Ryan held management positions in two Fortune 50 Companies and managed WFTZ Fantasy Radio 101.5 FM in Manchester for five years. 

Currently Ryan serves on the Tourism Advisory Council for Columbia State Community College and is set to graduate the Southeast Tourism Marketing College in 2024.

Dominic Gialdini - Strategic Partnerships

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Dominic Gialdini received his Bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration from San Diego State University. Subsequently, he lived in Denmark, Slovenia, and Spain and conducted academic research in Italy to earn a Master's degree through the Erasmus Mundus European Master in Tourism Management program. 

In 2021, he moved to Grundy County to execute sustainable economic development projects as an AmeriCorps volunteer in service to America (VISTA), and he subsequently served as the executive director of Tennessee’s South Cumberland Tourism Partnership, a DMO that he helped to create to represent Grundy County, Monteagle, and Sewanee, TN.

Lori Grimes - Membership

Lori Grimes, a seasoned professional in leadership, hospitality, and communication, has joined South Central Tennessee Tourism as the Director of Business Strategy. With a degree in Organizational Communication from MTSU, Lori has worked closely with businesses and organizations to design systems that foster engagement and drive growth, including Southern Living and the Experience Community Church.  

A native of Southern California, Lori and her husband Billy moved to Shelbyville in 2010 where they live on a 5 acre farm. Lori and Billy are parents to Alyssa and Will and grandparents to Jax, Fox and Lou. 

Cindy Dupree Holloway - Public Relations 

Cindy Dupree Holloway, a public relations and marketing specialist, has spent her entire career in the tourism and entertainment business, and is excited to join the SCTTA team as the PR manager.

As an independent publicist and marketing consultant, Cindy’s recent work has garnered coverage for clients in national, regional and local outlets, including NPR, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and WSMV-TV. 

Originally from Arab, AL, Cindy’s career led her to New York City, where she worked for 16 years in the entertainment business, including in Corporate Relations for Broadcast Music, Inc., and managing an Off-Broadway Theatre in Times Square. Cindy received her Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from New York University. 

Most recently, Cindy served as director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development for 13 years.

Cindy and husband David recently built their dream home in Grundy County, Tennessee, where Cindy works most days from their porch, surrounded by God’s beauty. 

Tessa Davis, originally from Rock Island, Tennessee, discovered her passion for tourism while serving as a Tour Guide at Cumberland Caverns and in the welcome center of Rock Island State Park. Currently residing in Baxter, she has assumed the role of Marketing and Sales Manager for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau. Tessa has developed a deep affection for the South Central Region during her travels and eagerly anticipates contributing to the promotion of its stunning towns and businesses as the Marketing and Content Director. Together with our valued partners and industry members we are working together to attract more visitors to South Central Tennessee, which intern generates more revenue to local businesses and creates a thriving, tourism industry that benefits everyone!