Left, Jesse Newsom; right, Roger Steele / Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce
CULLMAN – Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center Tourism Director Jesse Newsom will soon step into a new role with Cullman Parks and Recreation. Newsom's last day at the Chamber will be Friday, Oct. 20 before taking over as athletic director for Cullman Parks and Recreation.
Effective immediately, the Chamber announces Roger Steele, a Cullman native and sales and marketing professional, as interim Tourism Director.
“We wish Jesse the best,” said Chamber President and CEO Leah Bolin. “This only strengthens our partnership with Cullman Parks & Recreation as both parties strive to make the Cullman area a prime tourism destination, as well as the ideal community to live, work and play.”
As athletic director for Parks and Recreation, Newsom's primary focus will be on bringing significantly more sports-based tourism to the Cullman area.
“We are very excited to welcome Jesse aboard our team,” said Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Anderson. “His vast background in sports tourism will be an asset not only to our department, but to our entire community.”
Newsom was raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in recreation administration. He previously headed up the Fayetteville Area CVB Sports division from 2012-16 and the Jacksonville Onslow Sports Commission from 2008-12.
Well-known in the sports tourism landscape for critical thinking and knowledge of the industry, Newsom has worked with numerous organizations, including USSSA, AAU, USATF, NCAA, USA Boxing and USYSA, among others. He's served on several boards and committees with the National Association of Sports Commissions and Sports North Carolina, and currently serves on Sports Alabama.
Newsom is married to his wife, Natalie, and has two children, Jackson and Jenna Kate, and two dogs.
