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Leadership Transition at the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau
Leadership Transition at the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center is announcing a significant leadership transition as Executive Director Beth Wiles, CDME, prepares to retire after 23 years of dedicated service and impactful leadership.
Celebrating Beth Wiles' Legacy
Last October, Beth Wiles informed the Tourism Bureau Board of Directors of her planned retirement to enjoy more time with her husband.
Reflecting on her decision, Beth shared:
"I am filled with a mix of excitement and sadness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 23 years with the Bureau and have seen it grow from near beginnings to the established organization it is today."
During her tenure, Beth helped transform the Bureau into a recognized leader in destination marketing and visitor services. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its visitor programs, group and media outreach, partner initiatives, discretionary funding opportunities, and comprehensive marketing efforts promoting Pulaski County as a premier travel destination.
Among her many accomplishments:
- Expanded marketing efforts from primarily print advertising and trade shows to a comprehensive mix of digital marketing, out-of-home advertising, broadcast and streaming media, podcasts, social media, and innovative tourism campaigns.
- Positioned Pulaski County as an industry trendsetter through pioneering marketing initiatives within Missouri tourism grant programs, generating an additional $1.4 million in marketing investments for Pulaski County over the last 17 years.
- Enhanced performance tracking through advanced analytics, lodging statistics, digital campaign measurement, and visitor data analysis.
- Paid off the Tourism Bureau building ahead of schedule, saving more than $300,000 in interest expenses.
- Established both a crisis fund for the Bureau and a discretionary funding program to support community-impact projects.
- Led the development initiative for the Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert, Missouri.
Beth expressed her gratitude to the Board of Directors, staff, community partners, and tourism stakeholders who supported the Bureau's growth over the past two decades.
"I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the years and grateful for the support I have received from the board, my staff, various service and media providers, and our partners. There are so many moments that I will always hold dear and be thankful for."
As she departs, Beth remains optimistic about the Bureau's future.
"Continue looking forward, mix it up, and try new things. And always, always, keep the tourist in mind. If they are happy and excited, we all succeed."
Welcoming New Leadership
The Board began its search in mid-December, and during its May 28 meeting, selected Katie Dreadfulwater to serve as the organization's new Chief Tourism Officer. The leadership transition is scheduled to take place on June 12, 2026.
Katie brings more than 13 years of experience with the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau, having joined the organization in January 2013. Throughout her tenure, she has overseen Visitor Center operations, retail sales, bookkeeping, board meeting coordination, and administrative functions. In 2022, she expanded her role as Tourism Executive Assistant to include social media management, event promotion, and group marketing initiatives.
Katie is currently completing her final year of Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College and is expected to earn her Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification this fall.
In addition to her Tourism Bureau experience, Katie brings a strong background in purchasing, hospitality relations, retail leadership, and community involvement. She serves as Secretary of the Pulaski County Master Gardeners.
Katie, her husband, Joe, and 3 children first arrived at Fort Leonard Wood in 2007 and chose to make Waynesville their forever home. She is passionate about tourism, hospitality, outdoor recreation, and gardening.
In accepting the new leadership position, Katie expressed:
"After 13 years of serving this community in tourism, I am honored to step up as Chief Tourism Officer for the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau. Moving into this role allows me to channel my accumulated knowledge to build on our rich foundation and boost our local tourism economy. I look forward to expanding on the strong base built by Beth Wiles, and I am ready to continue highlighting the incredible experiences our county has to offer. Our destination is a unique crossroads where Route 66 Americana meets scenic Ozark outdoor adventure. My goal is to ensure that when travelers visit us, they leave knowing exactly why our riverways, historic towns, and military heritage are so deeply special."
The Tourism Board is confident that Katie's experience, commitment to the community, and vision for the future will build upon the strong foundation established during Beth's leadership.
For questions or to connect with Katie Dreadfulwater, Chief Tourism Officer, please email katied@pulaskicountyusa.com.
As the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau enters its next chapter, the organization remains committed to promoting Pulaski County, supporting local communities, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences for years to come.