Kristen Branscum was named Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism in January 2016, returning to the office after previously serving as Tourism Development Director from 2004-2008. As Commissioner, she and her staff are responsible for marketing and promoting Kentucky as a travel destination domestically and internationally.

Prior to being named Commissioner, Branscum worked for eight years in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in various leadership roles. From 2012-2016, she was Executive Director of Marketing for the department and in addition to managing six divisions and 50+ employees, Branscum oversaw the highly successful Kentucky Proud™ branding program which is the official logo for agricultural products in the state.

Ms. Branscum is a member of the Board of Directors for Travel South USA and was voted on the Executive Board as Secretary/Treasurer in August. She is also a member of the board for the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Southeast Tourism Society. Branscum is also a member of the National Council of State Travel Directors and was named Chair of Kentucky’s 225th Anniversary of Statehood Commission, which is tasked with marketing, promoting and celebrating Kentucky during 2017.

Ms. Branscum is a graduate of Auburn University and received post-graduate degrees at the University of Kentucky. She is a native of Russell Springs, Kentucky and currently lives in Lexington.