Lee Sentell retires after 20+ years as Alabama Tourism Director
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Lee Sentell, the longest serving tourism director in the country, is retiring from his post at the Alabama Tourism Department.
Sentell, who was first appointed by Gov. Bob Riley in 2003, oversaw massive growth in the state’s tourism revenue. In his tenure, the annual revenue grew from $6 billion to nearly $25 billion.
“Alabama is a truly special place, and it has been the honor of my career to share its people, places, and stories with visitors from across the country and around the world… I am grateful for the partnerships and friendships we’ve built, and I look forward to seeing Alabama’s tourism industry continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director
Keep reading to learn more about Sentell’s career with the Alabama Tourism Department + find out who will be replacing Sentell.
Lee Sentell served as Alabama Tourism Director since 2003
Prior to joining the Alabama Department of Tourism, Sentell was the first director of marketing at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and recruited the first 100,000 students to Space Camp.
Sentell has served as a board member at:
- Alabama Historical Commission
- Alabama Humanities Foundation
- Alabama State Council on the Arts
- Alabama Shakespeare Festival
- Rosa Parks Museum
- Encyclopedia of Alabama
Under Sentell’s leadership, the Tourism Department pioneered annual campaigns spotlighting such diverse themes as small towns, the arts, barbecue, natural wonders, birding, and the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, winning the national industry’s coveted Mercury Award six times in 12 years.
The Department’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail campaign received the International Travel and Tourism Award for best regional promotion at the World Travel Market in London, becoming the first U.S. state tourism agency to be honored.
READ MORE: Alabama Tourism Earns Global Recognition for Year of Alabama Trails Campaign
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Sentell’s retirement on Wednesday.
“Lee should certainly be commended for his passion for our state and for its many attractions. From promoting Alabama’s pristine beaches to our award-winning food to Civil Rights history, space, outdoors and everything in between, Lee has always had a special way for sharing the many great facets of our state’s tourism industry. Thanks to his service, we have broken tourism records, supported more jobs for Alabama families and created significant and meaningful revenue for our state.”
Gov. Kay Ivey
Glenda Allred named new director
Ivey is appointing Glenda Allred to lead the department for the remainder of her time as governor.
Allred comes to the post after serving as Deputy State Treasurer.
She previously spent 15 years in the private sector with a bank holding company managing media relations, shareholder relations, all publications to shareholders and advertising for a 72-branch franchise in Alabama.
“I am honored by Governor Ivey’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Department of Tourism to advance our shared mission of improving the lives of the people of our state and all those who visit!”
Glenda Allred
She is a 1991 graduate of Huntingdon College and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Allred’s appointment is effective immediately.
