Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau President Katy Brown has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the leading young professionals in the tourism industry.

Brown was recently honored as a member of the inaugural “Forty for the Future” Class of 2012, a press release said. She is one of 40 honorees chosen under the age of 40 who represent tourism-related businesses and organizations across the country.

“All of them have demonstrated leadership in their careers and communities and are beacons for others,” said Bill Hardman, president and chief executive officer of the Southeast Tourism Society. “Our objectives with ‘Forty for the Future’ are to recognize leadership, demonstrate how varied tourism jobs are, and inspire even younger people to consider tourism as a career.”

The press release said Brown has been with the ORCVB since 2001. She started as sales manager, then worked as vice president of communications, and has served as president of the organization for the past six years. She also received the Postma Young Professionals Medal in 2011 from the East Tennessee Economic Council.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for something that is truly a passion for me,” Brown said. “I’ve been given a story to tell, that so many here lived, so I feel like I am truly blessed by my surroundings and our unique history. I’m so honored to work with an incredible group, from our staff to our volunteers to our entire tourism team, I am only a cog in the wheel of this unique story.”

Brown has been recognized by other regional and state travel organizations that rely upon her leadership and experience for their own organizations, the release said. She serves on the Anderson County Tourism Council, the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council Executive Committee, and the Southeast Tourism Society Board of Directors.

Visit the ORCVB website at www.oakridgevisitor.com or call (865) 482-7821 for more information.