Title: 1) Owner and Executive Director; 2) Owner
Company: 1) Cave City Tourist and Convention Commission; 2) Haunted Oaks of Bon Ayr LLC
Location: Glasgow, Kentucky, United States
Jennifer McNett, Executive Director at Cave City Tourist and Convention Commission and Owner at Haunted Oaks of Bon Ayr LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Tourism and Entertainment.
Ms. McNett, a leading expert in tourism and entertainment, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive economic growth and promote her community. Since 2018, she has served as the owner and executive director of the Cave City Tourist and Convention Commission in Cave City, Kentucky. In this capacity, Ms. McNett works closely with local attractions and business owners to identify strategies that attract travelers, collaborates with movie producers and directors to bring film projects into the region, and supports economic development by promoting Cave City as a gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park in south-central Kentucky. Her proactive approach has included securing movie projects during government shutdowns that impact tourism, assisting tourists in finding additional activities and encouraging extended stays in the area.
Having begun her career with a part-time position at the Cave City Tourist and Convention Commission from 2006 to 2013, Ms. McNett gained foundational experience in tourism management. She then advanced to district manager at Fazoli’s from 2016 to 2018, overseeing operations and developing her leadership skills before returning to the commission as its executive director.
In addition to her primary role as the owner of Cave City Tourist and Convention Commission, Ms. McNett founded Haunted Oaks of Bon Ayr LLC in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, in 2024, offering a haunted walking trail and haunted house experience that has quickly become a regional attraction. Moreover, since 2008, Ms. McNett has owned a seasonal fireworks business.
Ms. McNett’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology in 2010 and a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2019 from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Her education has provided her with critical skills in understanding human behavior and leadership, attributes that have contributed significantly to her professional achievements.
Actively involved in several industry organizations, Ms. McNett serves on the executive board of the Caveland Marketing Association and holds memberships with the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, the Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and her local chamber of commerce, where she serves on numerous committees. Her civic affiliations include serving as the vice president of the Southern Kentucky Film Commission, as a board member of the local tourism board, as an executive board member of the Caves, Lakes and Corvettes Region, and participation in Cave Country Trails initiatives. Ms. McNett’s dedication to community service is evident through her involvement with local police department programs, such as the Citizens Police Academy. These roles have allowed her to foster strong relationships within the community while advancing regional tourism initiatives.
Ms. McNett’s leadership was instrumental in earning the Most Innovative Award from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association in 2024 on behalf of the Southern Kentucky Film Commission. This recognition was awarded for transforming a neglected attraction into a movie set, which led to the filming of two movies, including Lionsgate’s “Gunslingers” starring Nicolas Cage. The site also hosted a Country Music Association award-winning music video for Sony. Additionally, Ms. McNett received the Most Economic Impact Award from her local chamber of commerce in 2024.
Attributing her success to unwavering focus, determination and resilience, Ms. McNett also notes her family’s support and her ability to build strong teams. Eager for the future, she remains committed to professional growth within tourism, striving for continued recognition while working tirelessly toward new achievements. She is also dedicated to expanding Haunted Oaks into a legacy for her children and future generations, aiming for it to provide stability and opportunity for them. Through steadfast dedication to both career advancement and community enrichment, Ms. McNett continues to shape the future of tourism in southern Kentucky while building opportunities for those around her.
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