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Commission elects Lisa LeClaire chair; Mark Hayes reappointed vice chair; staff highlights Chart Climbers program and new transport service
Summary
The Tourism and Convention Commission elected Lisa LeClaire as chair and reappointed Mark Hayes as vice chair. Staff also summarized the inaugural Music City Chart Climbers program results and announced a near‑term airport‑to‑downtown shuttle pilot and other member announcements.
The commission conducted its annual officer elections and received program updates and community announcements.
Lisa LeClaire accepted a nomination and was elected chair for the upcoming commission year following a motion and voice vote. Mark Hayes was nominated and elected to serve another year as vice chair; the vice‑chair motion was moved by a commissioner and seconded before a voice vote carried the appointment.
Staff member Marie summarized the Music City Chart Climbers program, which launched after the commission’s strategic planning work. Marie said the first cohort was selected from about 85 applicants and included roughly 15 participants representing a range of hospitality‑adjacent small businesses (experiences, catering, transportation, photography). The cohort completed an eight‑month program with panels, speakers and site visits; Amazon has signed on as a sponsor for the 2026 cohort, and staff said the application for the next year will open the following week.
Announcements: Derek Free reported that Gray Line Tennessee received the IMG International Motor Coach Group operator‑of‑the‑year award. A private operator said it has been soft launching a new airport shuttle service providing downtown and Cool Springs transfers with an expected one‑way rate near $25 and encouraged commissioners to share the option with guests. Rob Higgins (Gaylord Opryland Hotel) previewed holiday ice and a new Cirque show for the season.
Why it matters: Officer elections set leadership for the coming year; the Chart Climbers program aims to expand supplier diversity and small‑business capacity within Nashville’s hospitality sector. The new shuttle service and transportation recognitions could affect visitor access and ground‑transport choices.
