Lee Sentell at the grand opening of Civil Rights Trail Market. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Lee Sentell, the longest serving tourism director in the country, is retiring from his post at the Alabama Tourism Department.

Sentell, who was first appointed by Gov. Bob Riley in 2003, oversaw massive growth in the state’s tourism revenue. In his tenure, the annual revenue grew from $6 billion to nearly $25 billion.

“Alabama is a truly special place, and it has been the honor of my career to share its people, places, and stories with visitors from across the country and around the world… I am grateful for the partnerships and friendships we’ve built, and I look forward to seeing Alabama’s tourism industry continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director

Under Sentell’s leadership, the Tourism Department pioneered annual campaigns spotlighting such diverse themes as small towns, the arts, barbecue, natural wonders, birding, and the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, winning the national industry’s coveted Mercury Award six times in 12 years.

Sentell has also served as a board member at: