Ferris to Take Over as Visit Oxford Director

Visit Oxford
Photo by Talbert Toole.

Kinney Ferris, deputy director of Visit Oxford, was promoted to director Monday by the Oxford Tourism Council.

The promotion, which takes effect on Friday, comes after the Tourism Council accepted Mary Allyn Hedges’ resignation at their October board meeting.

“We certainly celebrate all of the years Mary Allyn tirelessly led Visit Oxford and her achievements in having brought us to where we are today,” said Bryon Cohron, chairman of the Oxford Tourism Council.

Hedges was with Visit Oxford for 11 years, serving as director for the last five and a half years.

Mayor Robyn Tannehill said Hedges served Oxford well during her time as director.

“We are so thankful for her leadership in marketing the great tourism opportunities in Oxford,” Tannehill said.

Ferris has been with Visit Oxford since 2009 and has served in multiple roles during her time with Visit Oxford and was named Deputy Director in 2014. She significantly expanded Visit Oxford’s public relations efforts and earned her Travel Marketing Professional certification from Southeast Tourism Society in March of 2017.

Ferris was elected to serve on the Mississippi Tourism Association board in 2018.

“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Mary Allyn Hedges for so many years, she will be missed in our office and industry. I believe Oxford is a sought-after destination and I look forward to working with our team to bring the right visitors at the right times to Oxford in an effort to grow our economy,” Ferris said.

Cohron said the tourism board is looking forward to working with Kinney as Visit Oxford continues to provide economic stimulus for Oxford.

“It is not only a win for the Oxford Tourism Council board but ultimately the entire Oxford community,” he said.

Tannehill said Ferris’ experience will allow her to hit the ground running on Friday.

“Oxford has so many great assets – among those we treasure most are our people and their dedication to making Oxford the best place to live, work and visit in America,” she said. “I look forward to seeing the impact Kinney’s vision will have on the Visit Oxford program.”

Visit Oxford is the marketing arm for the city of Oxford whose role is to promote Oxford for the economic benefit of the community. Visit Oxford was awarded the tourism office of the year by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2017 and has continuously worked to grow and market Oxford as a year-round destination. Visit Oxford also puts on the annual Double Decker Arts Festival which brings in over 60,000 people the last weekend of April each year.

Courtesy of Visit Oxford