Mona Herring, vice president of the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau, has announced her plans to retire April 30, 2013.

Herring joined the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce as an administrative assistant in September of 1987. She was promoted to the newly formed position of Convention and Visitors Bureau Director in January 1995 and has been serving in that capacity ever since.  

During her tenure, Herring realized her dream of opening a state-of-the-art Visitors Center, where the Chamber offices are also housed. In addition, she helped complete the county wide signage project, the most significant one of its kind in Tennessee. She was also instrumental in implementing The Jack Trail, a Discover Tennessee Trail and Byway driving tour which runs through Rutherford County, and the Civil War Trails signage program.

“Mona is the kind of team member you want to keep forever,” said Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce President Paul Latture. “Her work ethic, generous spirit and positive attitude make her a joy to have around, and she will certainly be missed. We congratulate her on 25 years of service to the Chamber and our community.”

Herring received a bachelor of science in business from Missouri Southern State University. She earned industry designations as a Certified Tennessee Tourism Professional from the Tennessee Tourism Roundtable and as a Travel Marketing Professional from the Southeast Tourism Society. She is a graduate of Leadership Rutherford and currently serves as the treasurer for the Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. She is the current chair of the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council, and a member of the Bank Travel, American Bus Association, Tennessee Society of Association Executives and Southeast Tourism Society. She also serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

In February, Herring was honored with the Tennessee Tourism Spotlight Award from the Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus for recognition of her leadership and service. This was only the second Spotlight Award ever given.

The process to replace Herring will begin in January, 2013. More information will be provided at a later date.

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce seeks to promote economic development and a quality of life to benefit all residents of Rutherford County. Programs, events and services are offered to both members and non-members. The Chamber operates out of a main office on Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro, and branch offices in Smyrna and La Vergne. Learn more at www.rutherfordchamber.org.