Josh Rivers will join Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports (TTS) as the director of community development, effective April 4th. Rivers will be leaving his role as assistant director at the Bryant Conference Center, where he has served for the past 10 years. Rivers joins the TTS team with 12 years of hospitality, tourism, and leadership experience.
“Josh’s contributions as a TTS board member along with the working relationship he and TTS has built over time at the Bryant Conference Center will serve him and TTS well in this position moving forward,” said Don Staley, president and CEO of TTS. “He brings a depth of knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry that will benefit West Alabama greatly.”
Rivers will take on the responsibilities of long-time employee, Bill Buchanan, who unexpectedly passed away this past December. As the director of community development, Rivers will be expected to develop relationships with local tourism service vendors and stakeholders, serve as an advocate for the organization and the industry, and inform locals and visitors about the great assets that Tuscaloosa County has to offer.
“While Josh has significantly big shoes to fill with the passing of longtime TTS family member Bill Buchanan, we know that Josh will honor Bill by carrying forward the many projects he was so passionate about,” said Staley.
Prior to joining the TTS team, Rivers has held many roles at the Bryant Conference Center including the building operations coordinator, conference manager and now the assistant director. Previously, Rivers also worked at the Russell House University Union at the University of South Carolina as the operations and events coordinator.
Rivers has been on the Board of Directors for TTS since 2018, having most recently served as the board chair. Rivers attended the University of South Carolina and earned a master’s degree at The University of Alabama. He is married to Litsa and they have two children, Larkin and Jackson.
“I am honored to join the TTS family, and I appreciate the confidence and support of Don and his team. I am excited to share the story of our community to our locals as well as our visitors,” said Rivers. “One can never replace Bill Buchanan, but I hope to create a lasting impact in the special way he did.”
