executive director tourist commission
Paige Alost is the new Executive Director for the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission. Alost, who replaces retiring Arlene Gould, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. A native of Baton Rouge and alumna of Louisiana State University, Alost has dedicated over 25 years to tourism and place-based marketing leadership. For the past 23 years, she has lived in Athens, Ohio, where she made a significant impact as the Executive Director of the Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau for over 14 years. During her tenure, Alost grew the Bureau's budget from $250,000 to $750,000, significantly boosting the local tourism economy. She led numerous award-winning marketing campaigns and served in several prominent roles, including President of the Ohio State Travel Association, President of Ohio’s Appalachian Country, and Ohio’s representative to the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Tourism Council. Her leadership and strategic vision have consistently fostered a strong "love of place," enhancing community engagement and economic impact. "I’m very grateful to the Natchitoches Tourism Board for considering my qualifications and experience, and I’m so excited to carry the torch forward after Arlene Gould’s many wonderful years of service to the CVB, Natchitoches Parish, and the State of Louisiana," said Alost. "I’ve always carried a love of Natchitoches with me, and I’m excited to finally call it home. This is my dream job in my dream town, and I am eager to get started!" Alost's extensive professional experience also includes roles as New Development Marketer for Resort Lifestyle Communities, Economic and Community Development Educator at Central State University Cooperative Extension Service, and Director of Marketing, Communication, and Sales for senior living communities. Her background in strategic communications, branding, product development, and community development positions her perfectly to lead the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission. The Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau remains committed to maximizing economic growth by generating overnight stays through promoting tourism marketing, convention and meeting business, and festivals and events throughout Natchitoches Parish. The Bureau is confident that under Alost's leadership, these goals will not only be met but exceeded, continuing to build on the solid foundation laid by Arlene Gould. In additon to the exective drector, current members of the Natchitoches Tourist Commision are Landon Amberg, Dustin Dauzant, Lauryn Sharplin, Ricky LaCour, Mardy Summerlin and David Guillet and Justin French, who are appoined by the Natchiothes Parish Council. They serve three-year terms.