Barbara Wolke Named Southeast Tourism Society Shooting Stars Award Recipient
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Barbara Wolke, Senior Vice President of the Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been named a 2026 Shooting Star Award Recipient by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS).
The Shooting Stars Award program recognizes 40 tourism professionals from across the Southeast who are making a meaningful impact on the industry through leadership, innovation, collaboration and a commitment to moving tourism forward. Honorees represent a variety of sectors within the travel and tourism industry and are selected for the role they play in shaping its future.
Wolke has served the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2003 and has played an instrumental role in growing Rutherford County’s tourism industry and strengthening the county’s reputation as a destination for leisure travel, sports, meetings and events.
Under Wolke’s leadership, the Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau has received numerous industry awards and has worked alongside community partners to attract visitors, events and tourism investment throughout Rutherford County.
“Barbara has played an important role in the growth of tourism in Rutherford County and in building strong partnerships across the industry,” said Paul Latture, president of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. “This recognition reflects her years of leadership and the work of our tourism team to promote Rutherford County and support the continued growth of our visitor economy.”
Wolke’s influence extends beyond Rutherford County. She was appointed by the Tennessee Commissioner of Tourist Development to serve on the Tennessee Tourism Committee and serves on several boards and committees supporting tourism and hospitality, including the Rutherford County Wayfinding Signage Program, Middle Tennessee State University’s Hospitality and Tourism Program advisory board and Play TN Sports.
The Chamber also recognizes the efforts of the entire Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau team, whose work promotes communities, attractions, events, hospitality partners and tourism assets throughout the county.
The Southeast Tourism Society represents tourism professionals and organizations throughout the Southeast and works to strengthen the region’s travel and tourism industry through education, advocacy, professional development and recognition.
