The Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau (LCCVB) announces that Leah Poole, GCCE, president and CEO, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Shooting Star Award by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS).
The award was presented during the STS Connections Conference in Richmond, Virginia, and recognizes emerging and established tourism professionals whose leadership, innovation, and contributions are making a significant impact on the tourism industry throughout the Southeast.
Poole was selected alongside tourism professionals representing destinations and organizations from across the 13-state Southeast Tourism Society region. She was recognized for her leadership, commitment to destination development, and ongoing efforts to elevate Liberty County as a premier visitor destination.
“This recognition is a reflection of the work being done throughout Liberty County every single day,” said Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette. “Tourism doesn’t happen because of one person — it happens because local governments, businesses, attractions, Fort Stewart, nonprofits, and community partners work together to create memorable experiences for our visitors. Leah has been instrumental in bringing those partnerships together, and we’re proud to see her recognized on a regional stage.”
“Leah has consistently demonstrated what destination leadership should look like,” added Hinesville Mayor Karl Riles. “She understands that tourism is about much more than marketing — it’s about community development, quality of life, historic preservation, and creating places people want to visit and businesses want to invest in. This award is well deserved, and we’re fortunate to have her representing Liberty County throughout the Southeast.”
Since joining the Liberty County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Poole has led numerous initiatives designed to strengthen Liberty County’s tourism economy, including destination marketing campaigns, heritage tourism development, strategic partnerships, grant initiatives, community events, and the promotion of Liberty County’s military, coastal, cultural, and outdoor assets. Her leadership has helped position Liberty County as a collaborative destination that brings together public and private partners to advance tourism and economic development.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Southeast Tourism Society,” Poole said. “Tourism is truly a team sport. This award belongs just as much to our Board of Directors, elected officials, staff, tourism partners, attractions, hotels, restaurants, businesses, volunteers, and community organizations who believe in showcasing everything that makes Liberty County special. It has been a privilege to help tell our story, and I’m excited about what lies ahead as we continue growing tourism and creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors.”
According to Southeast Tourism Society, the Shooting Star Awards celebrate professionals who bring “new ideas, energy and perspective” to the tourism industry while shaping the future of tourism across the Southeast.
The Liberty County Convention & Visitors Bureau works to promote Liberty County as a destination for leisure travel, meetings, sporting events, military visitors, heritage tourism, and outdoor recreation, while supporting local businesses and enhancing the county’s tourism economy.