Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546515
That hospitality is why she's on a speaking tour right now, trying to build local support for a convention center and convention hotel. It's why she's proud of a staff of one full-time employee, because "we are a small team, but not small-minded." It's why she says, with no hesitation, "This is a good cultural fit for me. There is a sense of pride when I walk into the historic Bridge House where the office is." Summerville is single and the mother of two adult children, ages 37 and 29. She went back to school as a non-traditional student at 40, determined to finish what she started. "My daughter and I were in college at the same time," she said. "I wanted to show my kids that it was important. I wanted to be an example. To look at how far God has brought me in my life." Summerville started in tourism in 2017, with no industry expe- rience. "I didn't have the experience, but I knew politics and com- munity engagement would transfer," Summerville said. "The job surprised me, but not my love for the industry." For Summerville, success starts with faith. "God is my source," she said. "That, plus the right people, a willingness to try new things, and being a lifelong learner." Hard work comes naturally to Summerville. Off the clock, she curates events, blogs, journals, misses Chicago-style stepping, and chases live music. She loves to travel — Jamaica, Cancun, the Dominican Republic — and quick weekend getaways. A Western Caribbean cruise is planned for this fall; Cape Town, Aruba, Dubai, and New York top her bucket list. A national search committee, led by The Chason Group, selected Summerville. "We are thrilled to welcome Kasey to Albany," said Johnny Seabrooks, Chair of the Visit Albany Board of Directors, upon Summerville's appointment. "Her extensive leadership experience, marketing expertise and pas- sion for community connection make her the right choice to lead us forward. For now, though, she's happy in Albany. "I like it here," she said. "I really enjoy it. If you had told me a year ago that I would be in Albany, I wouldn't have believed you. I asked God to position me where he wanted me to be." So she's positioning Albany. Telling its untold stories. Measuring the outcomes. Feeling the Movement. B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 16 "I really enjoy it. If you had told me a year ago that I would be in Albany, I wouldn't have believed you. I asked God to position me where he wanted me to be." photo credit: Wikipedia