Get to Know the Team Members of TDTD

Photo Caption: (From L to R) Middle Tennessee Division Manager Ashley DeRossett, West Tennessee Division Manager Marty Marbry and East Tennessee Division Manager Dave Jones

With the start of the New Year, it is the perfect time to connect with TDTD and learn how we can assist you. TDTD’s outstanding Division Managers are the department’s critical resources in the field and can help connect YOU with workshops, grants, initiatives, communications and other relevant information from the department. So grab your cup of coffee and get to know our three Division Managers: East Tennessee Division Manager Dave Jones, Middle Tennessee Division Manager Ashley DeRossett and West Tennessee Division Manager Marty Marbry.      

What do you do for TDTD?

Jones: “I am privileged to represent the resources of the state’s tourism agency in the 34 counties of East Tennessee.” Jones is always on a mission to assist communities, businesses and stakeholders in the growing tourism expenditures and increase employment. He says that assisting his East Tennessee partners always begins with listening and exploring.

DeRossett: “I am the Middle Tennessee Division for TDTD. My role serves 34 counties in Middle Tennessee (not including Davidson, Perry, Wayne, Houston, Humphreys and Stewart). My role is supporting partners to increase visitation to each county, with the goal of growing the economic impact through our resources, grants and initiatives.”

Marbry: “As the West Tennessee Division Manager, I cover all 21 counties in West Tennessee and the five river counties in Middle Tennessee. I am always here to help them – my job is to work with our partners to ensure their growth and success.”

Why do you like working for TDTD?

Jones: “I met Dolly on my first day with TDTD. TDTD expanded my understanding of tourism beyond the model so successful in Sevier County. It has enlightened me on culture and arts, the value of local and state government and the economic value for every community. Every day is different from the one before. Every community is unique and Tennessee’s tourism assets are never lacking, created by nature and man.”

DeRossett: “I have worked for TDTD for two years now. It has been a blessing to connect with so many partners in the field to provide resources. I enjoy helping in any capacity.”

Marbry: “It affords me the opportunity to help the partners achieve greater success.”

How does your role benefit our industry partners?

Jones: “My role is to help those I serve to be more successful as a tourism business or community in the state. Sometimes it’s through brainstorming, connecting opportunities to solutions or personally assisting when called upon. My mission is helping you tell your story. Let’s collaborate more in 2022.”

DeRossett: “My role connects all partners to each division of TDTD. Quickly connecting partners is a great benefit. As a DM, I can help with workshops, grants, initiatives, communications to name a few.”

Marbry: “I believe that the partners benefit by having a central person that they can call or email to ask questions, learn more in-depth information, share ideas, help navigate through new projects, education opportunities and much more. A great benefit to the partners is the educational workshops we host. They not only learn more about our programs and usable information but also have the opportunity to network with each other. I love brainstorming and strategically working with the partners to advance tourism to the forefront of planning for each community.”

What’s your background?

Jones: “I grew up in Tullahoma. Served in the U.S. Army for two years and finished my education in Texas where I studied music at Baylor then Radio TV Film at ‘the other UT’ in Austin. Over the years, I have acquired experience in all forms of communications involving radio, some TV, print, public relations and public speaking.”

DeRossett: “My degree is in Business Administration. Before joining TDTD, I served for 10 years as the Vice President of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. Our organization was tasked with membership, workforce, public policy, economic and community development, tourism and retiree relocation.”

Mabry: “I worked in the healthcare industry for 15 years in marketing and Public Relations and served as the Director of Communications for the Memphis Medical Society, a 2,000+ physician member association. I then served as the Marketing and Tourism Director for a major retail developer for 10 years. I oversaw a base property and traveled the country opening upscale shopping malls. I have since worked for TDTD for 16 years.”

What do you like to do on the weekend?

Jones: “Road Trips, returning with family to destinations I visit when I am working and getting their response when they experience for the first time.”

DeRossett: “On the weekends, I am spending time with my kids and husband. Kadyn, Raylie and Lilah Kate are very involved in sports and our church. My husband is a first responder, so his time at home is limited.”

Mabry: “Spend time with family, paint and restore furniture and cook.