Recognized locally and globally, the tourism organization takes top honors in six categories across multiple award circuits
Explore Gwinnett, the county’s official tourism organization, recently announced a remarkable series of achievements, securing recognition across six prestigious award platforms. The accolades celebrate both the organization’s excellence and the outstanding contributions of its team members, earning local, state and global distinction.
The awards
Explore Gwinnett was honored as a Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 2024 Small Business Award winner in the 6-24 employees category.
Nominated in ConventionSouth‘s Readers’ Choice Awards, Explore Gwinnett was voted as a winner in the Georgia category.
Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Anders, was named one of Georgia’s most influential economic development executives as part of Georgia Trend’s 2024 ‘Georgia 500’ and was honored with a Silver Stevie® Award for Female Executive of the Year in the government and nonprofit sector, marking the second consecutive year Anders has achieved both accolades.
Explore Gwinnett also celebrates Clara Rooks, senior marketing communications manager, as one of Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s, 35 under 35 recipients.
Finally, Maurice Odoms, senior sales manager, was elected to the Gwinnett Technical College advisory board.
Team pride and a year of growth
“This year, I have been extremely proud of my team and have marveled at their dedication to highlighting Gwinnett County as a premier meeting and leisure destination,” said Anders. “I am humbled to serve as the leader of this amazing organization, and it brings me immense joy to watch individual team members, as well as our entire organization, receive praise for our efforts of driving tourism, economic development and growth for the communities we promote.”
Gwinnett County, the second-largest county in Georgia with nearly one million residents, boasts tourism expenditures exceeding $900 million annually.
In her role, Anders has overseen the creation and growth of the Gwinnett Film Office, which collaborates with productions, location managers and industry partners to position the county as a key player in the film industry. Under her leadership, the office has facilitated over 50 productions, 150 permits and more than 500 film-friendly locations.
Additionally, Anders developed and now manages Gwinnett County’s first arts and culture grant program, the Gwinnett Creativity Fund (GCF), which financially supports arts initiatives and fosters the county’s diverse cultural scene.
Looking forward to 2025
Recently promoted from executive director to COO, Anders also now oversees the Gwinnett Sports Commission, a division focused on positioning the county as a premier destination for sports tourism.
“I really am just so passionate about what I do, and I am especially proud to be recognized this year alongside so many inspiring leaders, including my peers across the state of Georgia and others within the government sector nationwide,” said Anders.
“These outstanding recognitions celebrate our entire team and the unwavering commitment each member of Explore Gwinnett strives for each day to elevate our county’s ongoing success. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead in 2025!”
For more information, visit ExploreGwinnett.org. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook.
