After more than 16 years of dedicated service to Albany’s tourism and hospitality community, Rashelle Minix will step down from her role as executive director of the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) on December 31, 2024. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter, defined by innovative leadership, significant milestones, and a legacy that will resonate in Albany for years to come. 

Minix began her journey with the Albany CVB in July 2008 as welcome center manager. By 2012, she had been promoted to tourism director, a role that set the stage for many of her groundbreaking achievements. Under her guidance, the Albany CVB became a standalone 501(c)(6) organization in 2018, and she was named its executive director. During her tenure, Albany saw unprecedented growth, with hotel/motel tax revenues increasing by more than $1 million and visitor spending by $105 million, generating a real economic impact on the community. Her comprehensive media plan garnered press trips with national and international journalists, which returned over $12 million in earned media annually. 

One of Minix’s most recent achievements was spearheading the creation of Albany’s vibrant new brand, which garnered both national and international recognition. She also championed initiatives such as the Dixie Highway Scenic Byway designation; downtown kayak launches, city’s first wayfinding signage program, set for installation next month; and the redesign of Albany’s gateway welcome signs. These efforts reflect her unwavering commitment to making Albany a more inviting and accessible destination. 

"Rashelle has been an advocate for the City of Albany, Georgia, since the day I met her. Her dedication to tourism and this region has driven extraordinary growth for both the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the local tourism industry. While her departure saddens us, we take comfort in knowing she will continue to excel in her future endeavors," said Johnny Seabrooks, chairman of the CVB Board of Directors. 

Her leadership has earned accolades from industry organizations like Explore Georgia and Southeast Tourism Society. Rashelle Minix was named the Southeast Tourism Society’s Rising Star in 2012 and received the Larry Allen Leadership Award in 2015. Her influence also reached state levels as President of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and as a frequent speaker at tourism and economic development events. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rashelle Minix is a true advocate for her community. She is a school board member for Baconton Community Charter School, serves on the Albany Technical College Foundation Board, and is an alumna of Leadership Albany and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. 

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this amazing community and for the support of so many who have shared in our vision for Albany’s success," Minix says. "While this is a bittersweet farewell, I am excited to continue contributing to our region in new and meaningful ways through my new venture." 

Rashelle Minix is supported by her loving family, including her husband Markus, her children Zach and Mary Frances, and her bonus daughter Anna, along with her son-in-law Hoyt and her granddaughter Amelia. 

The Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors will begin the national search for Minix’s successor in the coming weeks.