Our Team

Don Cason is the Executive Director for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority. He has over 20 years of Tourism and Economic Development experience. Don's experience includes over 10 years in Gatlinburg, TN and 8 years in Jefferson County, TN as a property owner, and Executive of the Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in Strategic Plans and Capital campaigns in both communities. Don is a proponent in focusing on the future and bringing people together to create an atmosphere to work together to accomplish goals. Under Don's direction, the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority is currently working on a county-wide Tourism Strategic Plan. This plan will focus on Rutherford County's Tourism Asset Development for the future. When Don is not working at the Tourism Development Authority, he enjoys spending time with his wife. Don and his wife Kim, have been married for 41 years.

Taylor Hardin is the Marketing, Administrative , and Project Coordinator for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). She has been with the TDA for the last six years. Her duties include overseeing the tourism department’s marketing agency that is located in Charlotte, NC and managing the TDA’s marketing needs on a local basis. Taylor also oversees the projects for the TDA. Taylor earned her Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University in 2013 and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Business from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2019. When Taylor is not at the TDA, she enjoys spending time with her significant other and their 1 year old son.

Elizabeth Randall is the Administrative Support for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). She has been with the TDA since the Summer of 2021. Her duties include assisting the Executive Director as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations within the TDA office. Elizabeth works closely with the Executive Director to accomplish the goals of the county-wide Tourism Strategic Plan. When Elizabeth is not working at the Tourism Development Authority, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé’ and their 5-month old daughter.

Kayley Smith is the Welcome Center Coordinator for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). She has been with the TDA for the last five years. Her duties include overseeing daily operations and staff of the Welcome Center, maintaining community relations with stakeholders, and providing guest services. When Kayley is not working at the TDA, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and family.

Sarah Searcy is a full-time Information Specialist for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). She has been with the TDA since the late Fall of 2020. Her duties include providing guest services and maintaining tangible information within the Welcome Center.

Savannah Wheat is a full-time Information Specialist for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). She has been with the TDA since the summer of 2022. Her duties include providing guest services and maintaining tangible information within the Welcome Center. When Savannah is not working at the Tourism Development Authority, she enjoys spending time with family and staying actively involved in her church as the youth leader.