Joan Botts Re-elected

Paragon Casino’s Joan Botts

re-elected to State Tourism Board

By Lenox Hill
Joan Botts, Vice President of Marketing for Paragon Casino Resort, was reelected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Travel Association following the organization’s 2026 annual meeting.

A Marksville resident, Botts continues her service on the statewide board as Paragon Casino Resort marks another year of leadership within Louisiana’s tourism industry.

“I am deeply honored to continue serving on the Louisiana Travel Association Board and supporting the growth of tourism across our state,” Botts said. “I value the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders to strengthen Louisiana’s travel economy and promote the destinations and experiences that make our state unique.”

Botts has led the marketing efforts for Paragon Casino Resort for more than two years. In her role, she oversees brand marketing, advertising, direct marketing, promotions and events, entertainment, player development, public and community relations, social media, and strategic sponsorships for one of Louisiana’s first land-based casinos.

“Joan’s leadership and marketing expertise continue to elevate Paragon Casino Resort and the broader tourism industry,” said Marshall Ray Sampson Sr., general manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “Her reelection to the LTA Board is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her ongoing contributions to Louisiana tourism.”

Botts brings decades of experience in the casino and resort industry, having previously led marketing teams in Durant, Oklahoma; Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Shreveport and Bossier City. Her recent leadership experience includes participation in the 2025 Leadership CENLA program and service as a 2024 to 2025 board member of the Marksville Chamber of Commerce.

The Louisiana Travel Association also announced its 2026 officers. - Nelson Gumm of AJR Media Group will serve as chair. - Carla Tate of Tangi Tourism was named vice chair. - Adrienne Breaux of The Royal Sonesta will serve as treasurer. - Timothy Bush of Visit Lake Charles was named secretary. - Donna O’Daniels of Visit The Northshore will serve as immediate past chair.

New directors elected for 2026 include: - Paige Alost of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau - John Bennett of Gray Media - Amanda Carrier of Experience Ruston - Dustin Gontarski of Compass Media - Adrienne Hennis of Advance Travel and Tourism - Laci Laperouse of Visit St. Martin Parish - Joshua Robinson of LIVE Casino.

Returning directors include: - Jay Artigues - Scott Ballard - Ben Berthelot - Joan Botts - Leslie Brewer - Stacy Brown - Ralph Calhoun - Alana Cooper - Sondra Corbitt - Georgia Craven - Aaron Dirks - Jay Ducote - Kyle Edmiston - Cody Gray - John Grubb - Greg Hennagin - Stephen Hightower - David Johnson - Jill Kidder - Walt Leger - Violet Peters - Kristen Preau - Jady Regard - Jill Dryden Silva - Sally Stiel - Justin Vincent - Vito Zuppardo - Rebecca Blankenbaker - Doug Bourgeois.

“Our executive committee and board of directors play a crucial role in meeting the needs of our members and ensuring we achieve our goals of providing top notch educational and marketing opportunities while advocating on behalf of the industry,” said Chris Landry, LTA president and chief executive officer. “We are thrilled to begin another year with this exceptional group of industry leaders representing the entire state.”

Each year, the chairman of the board appoints a nominating committee composed of members who are not up for reelection and not seeking office. The committee presents a slate that reflects all regions of the state and segments of Louisiana’s tourism industry.