In her time at Visit Franklin, Westman Chin helped spearhead development initiatives that include the creation of a Music Tourism Convention in partnership with international partner Sound Diplomacy, making Franklin the pilot city for Mars Petcare's Better Cities for Pets initiative, the launch of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, creation of the Williamson County Sports Authority and Franklin Public Arts Commission, along with launching the popular Masters & Makers Trail.
"We thank Ellie for the incredible leadership and vision she brought to Visit Franklin," Visit Franklin board chairman Andy Marshall said. "Under Ellie's leadership, Franklin and all of Williamson County has reached heights in tourism that many would have said were never possible. We are known on the world stage now, and that is thanks in large part to the efforts of Ellie and the team she has directed since 2014."
Combined with sales and marketing efforts under the direction of Westman Chin, Visit Franklin increased the number of meetings, events, and youth sports tournaments recruited to Williamson County exponentially, garnering unprecedented national and international attention for Franklin and Williamson County. In that same time, 13 new hotels have been constructed in the county which represent 30% of all hotel rooms in the county.
"We set out on this search to find someone who saw Madison as a top travel destination, had the industry experience and vision to lead the organization through COVID and beyond, and most importantly was inspired by and 'got' Madison's vibe," Destination Madison Board Chair Greg Frank said. "In Ellie, we found a leader who has had incredible success at every career stage, is considered a national expert in travel and tourism, is committed to DEI, and has the personality to connect with our community."
In addition to her role at Visit Franklin, Westman Chin serves on the boards of the U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International Foundation, Nashville Predators Foundation, Greater Nashville Hospitality Association and the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce as well as on the Tennessee Tourism Committee and the Franklin Public Arts Commission.
Prior to Visit Franklin, Westman Chin was vice president, business development & corporate events for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. She previously worked for Empire Force Events in New York City and started her career assisting with the creation of the Nashville Sports Council for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation. In that role, she supported the city's efforts to attract the NFL and NHL to Nashville.
Westman Chin's last day with Visit Franklin is Jan. 29, and she — along with her husband Ken — will transition to Madison shortly thereafter.
Emily West is a reporter for The Tennessean, covering Franklin and Williamson County. You can reach her on Twitter @emwest22 or email her at erwest@tennessean.com.