JACKSON COUNTY, NC (December 9, 2015) – The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) announced Nick Breedlove as the new tourism director of the TDA today. Thedecision for this contracted position was made at a special meeting of the JCTDA Board of Directors on Dec. 9, 2015. Breedlove will begin his official duties on Jan. 1, 2016.

A familiar face in Jackson County tourism, Breedlove brings a wealth of experience promoting the area and working with community leaders to develop partnerships for economic growth along with a personal passion for the area he calls home.

As tourism director, Breedlove will be responsible for working with the JCTDA board to provide community direction in engineering long-range tourism development strategies, including the planning, coordination, and timely implementation of county-wide marketing and promotional efforts and working with community groups and business partners to foster a robust and sustainable tourism environment.

“We are pleased to have someone of Breedlove’s caliber coordinating the TDA,” said Tourism Development Authority Chairman, Robert Jumper. “He possesses the unique qualities perfect for the role of tourism director and his passion for Jackson County was paramount to his nomination. We are confident that he will build on our achievements and continue to raise the profile of Jackson County, the Play On brand and the beautiful natural resources our area offers while also building solid relationships with our dedicated business partners.”

Most recently Mayor of Webster, Breedlove held the distinct recognition of being the youngest mayor in North Carolina at 30 years of age. Breedlove owns his own photography business, Nick Breedlove Photography and is also a former reporter for The Sylva Herald. Growing up in Jackson County, he went to Western Carolina University and is proactive in local leadership and community involvement.

Contracting an executive director to carry out the marketing and promotions has been in the TDA’s plan since the countywide tourism authority’s inception. The new director position is a one-year contract with a scope of work representing the responsibilities that would be expected of a staff director.

The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority was developed in January 2013 by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners to create a strategic marketing plan to enhance the tourism industry in Jackson County. Since its inception, the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority has launched the Play On branding campaign with new advertising, marketing, public relations, social media and a redesigned logo and new website to position Jackson County as a premiere tourist destination among outdoor enthusiasts.