Jennifer Tippetts has filled the vacant community relations and tourism manager at Powell Economic Partnership. She started in her new role on May 4.

Previously, Tippetts was executive director of the Powell Medical Foundation (PMF), a position she held from July 2015 until last September. She was then briefly director of materials management at Powell Valley Healthcare.

“My role with PMF allowed me to be connected and engaged in the Powell community,” Tippetts explained. “The relationships that I built easily translate to the work that I’m doing with PEP, Powell Chamber and Powell Visitor Center.”

Tippetts also comes to PEP with over 12 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, previously working in hotels at destinations like Vail, Colorado.

Rebekah Burns, executive director of PEP, said Tippetts was chosen because of that background in hospitality, as well as her connections to Powell.

“Tippetts has a real pulse on our community and is able to dive right into community relations,” Burns said.

Burns previously held the position Tippetts now fills. It became vacant in February, when Burns took over the executive director position from Christine Bekes.

Tippetts entered the position in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to have a significant impact on the tourism industry, as people restrict travel and maintain safety. She said she’s ready to face that challenge and is strategizing how to respond.

“We are working on a communication plan to help visitors and residents feel safe to frequent their favorite retailers and restaurants on Bent Street again,” she said.

Burns pointed out that the tourism industry is the second-largest driver in Park County, with international travelers spending $470 million in the county in 2019.

“As the revenue from the energy sector declines in our area it is more important than ever to focus on tourism,” Burns said, adding that Tippetts “will elevate Powell’s tourism efforts.”

Tippetts is optimistic about the coming season, pointing out, over the Memorial Day weekend, Yellowstone’s East and South entrances brought in just 159 fewer vehicles than 2019.

“It is important now more than ever that we venture out, support our local businesses and embrace tourism, but in a safe and educated manner,” Tippetts said.