(This is one of our profiles of this year’s honorees, who were selected by an anonymous committee from 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 of HawkinsPhoto.com for the portrait photos.)

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Name: Jennifer Mamon

Age: 38

Employer: Experience Ruston

Title: Sales and Service Manager

Hometown: Ruston, Louisiana: The best beaches in the region

Years lived in Ruston: I have lived here since I was born (proud homegirl!)

Civic volunteer organizations: Rotary Club of Lincoln

Professional highlights: Over the past seven years, I have steadily progressed at Experience Ruston, from Administrative Assistant to Director of Destination Sales with a proven track record of increasing visitor satisfaction and streamlining multiple operations. This path has given me a deep understanding of the organization and allowed me to hone my customer service skills. In my current role, I leverage my strong community relationships and industry contacts to promote Ruston and Lincoln Parish as a leading small market destination.

In addition to my professional activities, I am actively involved as the Public Image Chair of the Lincoln Rotary Club and serve on several tourism-related organizations, including as Chair of the Group Tour Committee for the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights and as a committee member of the Louisiana Travel Association’s 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 an invaluable asset to the Ruston community. She has an incredible gift for building relationships, identifying needs and opportunities, and finding creative solutions to fill those gaps. She is endlessly caring and considerate, which is evident in her personal and professional relationships, her volunteer work in the community, and her interactions with visitors and tourism stakeholders. It has been a joy to work with Jennifer and watch her grow into the strong leader she is today.”

Questions and answers with Jennifer Mamon:

What makes Lincoln Parish so special?

Lincoln Parish holds a special place in my heart. It is a community that thrives on a genuine sense of connection. Here you will 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 provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. Most importantly, it’s the people who make Lincoln Parish special. Our neighbors are always willing to lend a hand, and there’s a strong sense of community that makes everyone feel welcome.

What role/place do you see in making our community such a wonderful place to call home?

In my role at Experience Ruston, I have the privilege of showcasing the charms of Lincoln Parish to visitors from all over the world. It is incredibly rewarding to attract new people to our community and help them discover the hidden treasures we have to offer.

Outside of work, I am actively involved in the Lincoln Rotary Club. The Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” perfectly expresses my passion for giving back. Whether it’s volunteering in literacy programs or participating in service projects, I believe everyone can play a role in strengthening our community.

Who played a role in your professional development and why?

Several people have contributed significantly to my professional development. My husband, LaDarius Mamon, has been a constant source of encouragement and support. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering belief in my abilities have driven 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 critical to my career advancement. Tori Davis and Amy Stegall, both pillars of the Ruston community, have also played a vital role. Their expertise in marketing and community development has broadened my horizons and inspired me to make a positive impact on our city.

Each of these people 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 developing me into the professional I am today.

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