(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Jennifer Mamon
Age: 38
Employer: Experience Ruston
Title: Sales and Services Manager
Hometown: Ruston, LA
Years Living in Ruston: Lifelong resident (proud “home girl”!)
Civic Volunteer Organizations: Lincoln Rotary Club
Professional Highlights: Over the past seven years, I’ve steadily grown within Experience Ruston, from administrative assistant to Director of Destination Sales with a proven track record of enhancing visitor satisfaction and streamlining several operations. This journey provided me with a deep understanding of the organization and allowed me to hone my customer service skills. My current role capitalizes on my strong community relationships and industry connections to promote Ruston and Lincoln Parish as a leading small-market destination.
Beyond my professional work, I actively contribute as Lincoln Rotary Club’s Public Image Chair and participate in several tourism-related organizations including Group Tour Committee Chair for the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights and a Committee Member for the Louisiana Travel Association DEI Task Force. This combination of experience, community involvement, and recognition as a Rising Lincoln Leader fuels my passion for promoting our thriving destination.
Tori Davis, Director of Marketing & Communications at Experience Ruston, on Jennifer Mamon:
“Jennifer is such an invaluable asset to the Ruston community. She has an incredible gift of building relationships, identifying needs and opportunities, and finding creative solutions to fill those gaps. She is endlessly caring and thoughtful, which can be seen in her personal and professional relationships, through her volunteer work in the community, and when interacting with visitors and tourism stakeholders. It’s been a joy to work alongside Jennifer and see her grow into the strong leader she is today.”
Q&A with Jennifer Mamon:
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
Lincoln Parish holds a special place in my heart. It’s a community that thrives on a genuine sense of connection. Here, you’ll find friendly faces, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to making our home a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
We have a vibrant cultural scene, with a rich history reflected in our museums and local festivals. We also have stunning natural beauty that offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. Most importantly, it’s the people who make Lincoln Parish special. Our neighbors are always willing to lend a helping hand, and there’s a strong sense of community spirit that makes everyone feel welcome.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
In my role at Experience Ruston, I have the privilege of showcasing Lincoln Parish’s charm to visitors from all over. It’s incredibly rewarding to attract new people to our community and help them discover the hidden gems we have to offer.
Beyond my work, I’m actively involved with the Lincoln Rotary Club. Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” perfectly captures my passion for giving back. Whether it’s volunteering in literacy programs or participating in service projects, I believe everyone has a role to play in strengthening our community.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
Several individuals have been instrumental in my professional growth. My husband, LaDarius Mamon, has been a constant source of encouragement and support. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering belief in my abilities have pushed me to strive for excellence.
Amanda Carrier, my incredible boss at Experience Ruston, has been an invaluable mentor. Her guidance in developing my sales and leadership skills has been instrumental in my career advancement. Tori Davis and Amy Stegall, both pillars of the Ruston community, have also played significant roles. Their expertise in marketing and community development has broadened my perspective and inspired me to make a positive impact on our city.
Each of these individuals has instilled in me the importance of staying true to myself, continuously learning, and giving back to the community. Their support and mentorship have been invaluable in shaping the professional I am today.
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