New partnership development director brings ‘exuberance’ to Go Laurel Highlands

When it comes to her career, Kelli Brisbane’s priority is creating an impact in the community.

The former executive director for Animal Friends of Westmoreland, Brisbane has been named the partnership development director of Go Laurel Highlands — a destination marketing organization based in Ligonier that seeks to bring tourism to various attractions in the Laurel Highlands region.

“I don’t just have a job,” Brisbane said. “I like to do something where I’m really going to make a difference.”

Like her predecessor, Louise Henry, who held the position for six years, Brisbane is responsible for helping partners boost their community presence, including development of social media and hosting business interviews for the Go Laurel Highlands podcast.

Executive Director Ann Nemanic said Brisbane will also work on a new project — a short-form video series that will promote Go Laurel Highlands’ partners to the public.

Brisbane, of Hunker, said she is excited to “become part of a creative team environment” and spread awareness of Laurel Highlands’ resources to the community.

“(We’re) finding those really unique experiences that other people might not know about,” Brisbane said.

Brisbane also hopes to digitize the files and paperwork for the convenience of Go Laurel Highlands’ partners.

For now, however, Brisbane is focusing on making the transition to her new role.

“Once I understand the process, I think I’ll be able to pick up the ball and keep rolling,” she said. “I think I’m getting closer to that each day.”

Brisbane expressed gratitude for the support of her coworkers and the opportunity to reconnect with people she worked with while employed at the Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

“It’s a really nice environment, a great office,” she said. “I’m getting to work with a very diverse group of people and it’s very positive.”

Nemanic said Brisbane’s exuberance makes her the perfect candidate to continue telling the unique stories of Go Laurel Highlands’ partners.

“Kelli comes to us with a tremendous background,” Nemanic said. “She brings a great energy to the table.”