Katie Williams, Executive Director of Visit Athens (Georgia)

Rick talks about everything Athens, Ga. today with Katie Williams, Executive Director of Visit Athens. Sports, along with creativity and the artsy vibe of Athens, Georgia are what make the Classic City stand out to visitors and locals alike. From potters and painters to jewelry makers and local artisans, the many artists in Athens make the city a flourishing hub for the creative and curious today. Add in the restaurants, the University of Georgia and a new arena, and you have a great destination that is close to Atlanta. Katie serves as Executive Director of Visit Athens, the official destination marketing organization charged with promoting Athens for tourism, groups, and meetings. Williams is passionate about the role of tourism in economic development, and strongly believes that community collaboration is the key to success. From 2009 – 2020, Williams served as the founding Executive Director of Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing organization for Dunwoody, Ga. She began her tourism career in 2008 in Thomasville, Ga., where a piece of her heart still resides among the roses. Hailing from Roswell, Ga., Williams attended the University of Georgia, receiving a degree in Public Relations. Williams is certified as a Travel Marketing Professional by Southeast Tourism Society. She is Past-President of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. In 2021, Williams was named an Athens-area Gamechanger. In addition to her day job, Williams is a wife and mom to three children.