Longtime Sevierville Chamber CEO celebrated for her leadership, innovation and impact on Tennessee tourism.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Travel Center) — After nearly three decades of championing Sevierville and Tennessee tourism, Brenda McCroskey is retiring as CEO of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.
McCroskey announced her retirement this week during the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Banquet, where friends, colleagues and tourism leaders gathered to celebrate her career and lasting impact on the community.
Among those recognizing McCroskey was Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell, who described her not only as a respected leader in the state’s tourism industry, but also as a longtime friend.
Ezell said McCroskey played an important role in his own introduction to the tourism industry when he began serving as commissioner.
He was joined at the celebration by Tennessee Tourism team members Melanie Beauchamp and Pete Rosenboro, who have worked alongside McCroskey for many years.
McCroskey has led the Sevierville Chamber since 2000, becoming one of the region’s most recognizable voices for tourism and economic development.
One of her early goals as CEO was to grow the organization’s annual budget from $600,000 to $1 million.
Her approach was simple.
She has joked that she didn’t know exactly how she was going to reach that goal — so she simply did it.
That determination became a hallmark of McCroskey’s leadership.
Today, the chamber’s budget far exceeds that original goal, helping Sevierville promote itself to millions of potential visitors each year across the United States and around the world.
Her retirement comes during a period of tremendous growth for Tennessee tourism.
Since 2018, Sevier County has experienced nearly 58% growth, according to Tennessee Tourism.
That growth represents more than statistics. It reflects decades of work by tourism leaders, business owners and community advocates who have helped introduce visitors to the Smokies and the experiences found throughout the region.
Leaders like McCroskey have helped drive that growth by championing new ideas, advocating for local businesses, telling the community’s story and finding innovative ways to reach visitors.
For those who have worked with her, McCroskey’s influence extends well beyond her title.
She has been a mentor, advocate, colleague and friend to many throughout Tennessee’s tourism industry.
“Congratulations on choosing retirement, Brenda,” Ezell said. “I am grateful for your friendship and the incredible work you have done for Tennessee Tourism.”
After nearly 30 years at the helm of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, McCroskey leaves behind a legacy measured not only in budgets, visitors and tourism growth, but in the people and communities she helped champion along the way.
And for Sevierville, her impact will be part of the community’s tourism story for years to come.
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