Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543954
B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 8 JESSICA BARNES JOINES ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER SALES TEAM The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has hired Jessica Barnes as the new National Sales Manager. In this role, she focuses on attracting new organizations and businesses to the Convention Center and New Orleans. Her efforts will benefit the entire city by boosting tourism, driving economic development and supporting small businesses. She is responsible for pro- moting the Convention Center and securing new events from various markets, while working closely with New Orleans & Company and the local hospitality community. Barnes will also lead site visits for prospective clients, negotiate facility use contracts, and collaborate across departments to ensure events are effi- ciently planned and executed. "Jessica is the ideal addition to our sales team, bringing both exceptional expertise in meetings and events and a pas- sion for New Orleans culture," said Elaine Williams, Chief Commercial Officer of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. "She is already drawing on her years of experience to introduce fresh ideas and strong leadership. She is a standout in our field, and we are excited to see the impact she will make for New Orleans." Barnes' professional background spans hospitality, corpo- rate sales and nonprofit program management, equipping her to manage complex event logistics with clients and stakehold- ers across sectors. With more than 13 years of experience, she has led national programs, improved event systems and amplified engagement across multiple organizations. A native New Orleanian, Barnes earned her master's degree in leader- ship and administration from Boston College and a bachelor's in hospitality and tourism from Delaware State University. While contributing an average of $2.4 billion annually and $4 million in direct spending with small business partners with capital projects, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center remains a valuable resource to the Greater New Orleans region. For more information, visit (u)mccno.com(eu). JW MARRIOTT CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA BOLSTERS EXECUTIVE TEAM WITH THREE STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS The Resort Welcomes Tesha Mascarenhas, Rashad K. Brown, and Nicholas Plys to Elevate Operations, Dining, and Guest Recreation JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, the premier luxury destination on the Gulf Coast, is pleased to announce the appointment of three industry veter- ans to its executive leadership team. With a combined 40+ years of luxury hospitali- ty experience, Tesha Mascarenhas (Director of Opea- tions), Rashad K. Brown (Director of Restaurant Opera- tions), and Nicholas Plys (Dire-ctor of Recreation) join the resort at a pivotal time of growth and elevated guest pro- gramming. "We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished group of leaders to JW Marriott Clearwater Beach," says Colin Mills, General Manager of JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. "Each brings a proven track record within luxury hospitality, deep brand knowledge, and a shared passion for delivering excep- tional, meaningful experiences for our guests and associates alike." TESHA MASCARENHAS, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS With more than 19 years of experience across Marriott's luxury and premium portfolios, Tesha Mascarenhas joins the resort following her successful tenure as Resident Manager at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Marco Island, as well as a corporate role at Marriott International Headquarters as Senior Manager for Loyalty Operations. Known for driving record- breaking guest satisfaction scores and a people-first leader- ship style, Mascarenhas oversees all daily operations to ensure a seamless guest journey. RASHAD K. BROWN, DIRECTOR OF RESTAURANT OPERATIONS A respected food and beverage leader with over 20 years of experience, Rashad K. Brown most recently served as NEWSMAKERS