LAPLACE – The River Parishes Tourist Commission is proud to announce the hiring of Denise Burrell as its first Deputy Director of Operations. Burrell previously served in the Department of Economic Development for St. John the Baptist Parish.

A lifelong resident of the region, Burrell grew up in St. John the Baptist Parish and graduated from East St. John High School. She attended Southern University and A&M College for her undergraduate studies and is currently working on earning her Louisiana certification in economic development.

“I��m very excited to take the skills I’ve learned in economic development and apply them to growing such a vibrant industry, hospitality and tourism, for the entire river region,” Burrell said.

Burrell’s duties include board engagement, managing all office operations of the Commission and supporting the executive director in Tourist Commission events, including the upcoming River Region Tourism Summit later this summer.

Burrell is the girl’s basketball coach at John L. Ory Communication Arts Magnet School in LaPlace. Civically, she is a member of the LaPlace Rotary Club and Friends of St. John Theatre.

Burrell graduated from the River Region Leadership Academy in 2019 and was previously named a “Citizen of the Year” by the LaPlace Rotary Club.

River Parishes Tourist Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe said Burrell’s experience would be an asset in her new position.

“As the Commission grew and our role in the community evolved, it became evident that we needed a strong addition to our staff to keep the trains running on time, and Denise brings economic development experience while also understanding the role a government agency plays in the region,” Boe said.

The River Parishes Tourist Commission is comprised of nine board members, three from each of the River Parishes.

As the official marketing organization for New Orleans Plantation Country and is the driving force behind tourism to the area, the Tourist Commission offers assistance to visitors and advocacy to its stakeholders while helping to stimulate the region’s economic growth.

The next Tourist Commission meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the St. John the Baptist Parish Council Chambers.