Turner resigns as leader of tourism committee – Winchester Sun

Nancy Turner, a native of Clark County, has long served in the community.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

After nearly 25 years as executive director of the Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission, Turner is stepping down from his position.

She will take on a new role in Frankfort as deputy commissioner of Kentucky Tourism.

“I have been presented with an amazing opportunity… that first came about during a phone conversation in February,” she said. “As much as I love this course and the community, what a gift to expand my career at this stage of the game!”

Although the announcement was made in advance, thoughts on the positive contributions Turner has made were shared at the Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 30.

Among the speakers was Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, who Turner has known since she was a teenager.

“On behalf of the city of Winchester, you have brought a lot of sunshine (and) a lot of light to this community,” Reed told Turner. “Things were done correctly, they were on time and you have brought so much to this community.”

Elizabeth Chalfant, chairwoman of the Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission, also spoke.

“We thank her for her dedication,” Chalfant said. “It was her push and information that… (got us) where we are today.”

As Turner herself admits, she started getting involved in tourism when she was a youth.

“My very first tourist gig was when I was in fourth grade,” she said. “It was the very first Pioneer Festival…and the tourist office was in a trailer (near Rural King.”)

During the festival, Turner was given multiple tasks, including filling information packets.

“Who would have thought I’d still be here all these years later?” Turner asked rhetorically.

After graduating, Turner worked for several organizations, including the University of Kentucky Basketball Museum and – upon her return to Winchester – the Bluegrass History and Heritage Museum.

When Turner took over the position in the early 2000s, he certainly wanted to tighten up certain points.

“We really didn’t have any attractions that were open and the first eight years were mostly tourism development, trying to create activities that people could come in and see and do,” Turner said, noting that the plan was a success. “Over the past few years, it has been a blessing to see all the entrepreneurial efforts in tourism. (It was a) good ride!”

When asked what she enjoyed most, Turner didn’t have to think long.

“I’ve met great people in this community that I can learn from (and) be mentored by,” Turner said, citing former Mayor Ed Burtner as one such example.

While noting that she will also miss the Winchester community, Turner states that she is looking forward to her current position and adds that the community is in a solid place.

“I am confident that my successor will be led by great people, and that they will do great things!” she said.