GEN HOWARD

Louisville Tourism

Director of Sports Market Development

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Gen Howard is the Director of Sports Market Development for Louisville Tourism. Howard is a native of Louisville and has worked in the hospitality industry for 25 years. She joined Louisville Tourism in 2008. Prior to Louisville Tourism, Howard served as the Sales & Marketing Manager for the Hard Rock Café Louisville for six years. She began her career at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, where she worked in various marketing & sales positions.

 

Howard has helped lead the strategic effort for sports tourism in Louisville and grown the market to be the largest segment driver for the city. She has been successful in bringing many high-profile and championship events to the city, including NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regionals, NCAA Women’s

Volleyball Championship, NCAA Fall Division II National Championships, USA Gymnastics Combined Championships, USA Gymnastics Winter Cup, PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, USA Track & Field Youth Indoor Track Championships, National Wheelchair Basketball National Championships, National Veteran Wheelchair Games and many more!

 

Howard was named one of Connect Magazine’s 2013 40 under 40 and 2016 “Trailblazer & Groundbreaker.” Howard served on the Sports ETA Board of Directors from 2019 – 2022 and New Roots Board of Directors from 2016 – 2021. Howard currently serves on the Destinations International Economic Impact Calculator Super User Group, representing the Sports EIC.

 

Howard attended Western Kentucky University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and Minors in Marketing and Dance. In her spare time, Howard enjoys hiking, gardening, playing pickleball, and enjoying time with her two sons.