Columbia County hires Lake City native to oversee tourism

Cody Gray will take over as executive director of the Columbia County Tourism Development Council.

Courtesy Columbia County

Key Points

The Columbia County Tourist Development Council selected Lake City native Cody Gray as its new executive director, starting on March 4.

Gray has worked in the tourism industry for more than 10 years, previously serving with the council.

Most recently, Gray worked in Louisiana as CEO of Cajun Bayou Tourism, guiding the organization through significant growth while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida, a press release said.

Gray said in the release that he plans to work with the council, elected leaders and industry partners to expand the county’s tourism.

“I am thrilled to launch this new chapter in my career and return to my roots in Lake City,” Gray said in the release. “Columbia County has grown so much over the recent years and is poised for even greater expansion.”

Gray headed the construction of a new Visitor Center in Raceland, Louisiana, and was recognized as the Rising Star of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association and received the Pelican of Distinction Award from Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.