Anna Lindsey-Brown grew up on the family farm in Cherokee County near Centre. Cotton and soybeans were the staples of her formative learning in her early years, so when it was time to go to college, she naturally majored in what was familiar – Agribusiness.
After graduating from Auburn University, her career path began at the Little River Canyon Center in Ft. Payne. The director was looking for someone to run the newly created gift shop for the partnership between the National Park Service and Jacksonville State University.
The director chose her, and she helped build it into a $200,000 a year business that welcomes half a million visitors, wielding an economic impact of $16 million annually.
Recognizing the value of such experience, the Etowah County Tourism Board chose Lindsey-Brown to lead its tourism effort into the future. “A Northeast Alabama native with a strong background in tourism, events, and community engagement, Anna brings fresh energy and a passion for showcasing everything that makes Etowah County a premier destination,” the Board said in naming her executive director.
“I come from a tourist attraction,” Lindsey-Brown said, and she looks forward to putting her experience to work for Etowah County. While in school, she also served another tourist attraction – Jules Collins Smith Museum of Art in Auburn.
Because Greater Gadsden Tourism is a countywide role, she said, “you can make a bigger impact. There are a lot of things going on in Etowah County. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Her first weeks have been invested in getting to know the community by attending meetings, ribbon cuttings and local events while connecting with leaders, businesses and tourism partners across the county.
Highlights have included the grand openings of the Challenger Learning Center and The Bluff Amphitheater, as well as attending Arts Trail on Broad and many other community events.
As tourism continues its upward momentum across the region, Greater Gadsden Area Tourism is focused on “promoting our unique venues, excellent lodging partners, upcoming events, local shopping and dining and the incredible outdoor adventures that make Etowah County special.”
Lindsey-Brown agreed. “There is so much positive momentum happening across Etowah County,” she said. “I’m truly grateful for the warm welcome and excited to help continue telling the story of our communities.”
