Genesis Leggett, Director of Marketing & Communications on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Destination Marketing

Genesis Leggett

Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Tallahassee

Tallahassee, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Communications Degree Sports Administration Degree Sport Management Cert Sports Tourism Strategist

Her Story

About Genesis

With five years of professional experience in tourism and sports marketing, I currently serve as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Visit Tallahassee—the destination marketing organization representing Florida’s capital. In this role, I lead the strategy and execution of campaigns designed to attract visitors and elevate Tallahassee as a dynamic destination. I have held this position for the past year.


My background is rooted in communications and sport management, which led me to begin my career in sports tourism with the Savannah Sports Council in Savannah, Georgia. I later advanced to the Florida Sports Foundation, where I worked alongside more than 35 sports commissions across the state to promote Florida as a premier sports tourism destination.


Today, my work spans all sectors of tourism, including leisure travel, meetings and conventions, group sales, and sports. I develop and lead integrated marketing campaigns that showcase Tallahassee’s unique assets—from its outdoor experiences and hospitality offerings to its local shops, attractions, and culinary scene—targeting audiences beyond our market to drive visitation.


No two days look the same. One day, I may be supporting a world championship sporting event; the next, I’m building a campaign to promote a citywide initiative like restaurant week. That balance of strategy, creativity, and impact is what makes the work so fulfilling.


At my core, I’m passionate about telling stories that move people—whether that means inspiring someone to visit, supporting local businesses, or creating a sense of pride within the community. I believe in the power of tourism to drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and create meaningful connections, and I’m committed to using my work to make that impact every day.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Genesis

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to the mindset of “bloom where you are planted.” No matter where I am in my journey, I focus on being intentional, putting down roots, and giving my best to the work in front of me. I’ve learned that when you show up fully and consistently, the work will speak for itself.


I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have strong mentors along the way. As a former student-athlete, many of my coaches have remained a constant source of guidance and encouragement, even today. Their advice has always been grounded in self-awareness—understanding your strengths, owning your weaknesses, and staying present no matter the circumstances.


That combination of intention, discipline, and perspective has shaped how I approach both my career and personal growth.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “bloom where you are planted” It sounds simple, but it’s something I carry with me every day. Early on, I learned that it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next, but real growth happens when you’re fully present in the role you’re in.


03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering the industry is to own your space—early and often. You don’t have to wait until you feel 100% ready to speak up, share your ideas, or take on new opportunities. Confidence is built through action, not perfection.


04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges in the industry right now is how quickly everything is evolving—from technology to traveler behavior. People are discovering destinations in new ways, which makes it harder to cut through the noise and measure impact like we used to.


At the same time, competition between destinations is stronger than ever, and travelers are being more intentional with how they spend their time and money.


But those challenges also create opportunity. There’s a growing demand for authentic, experience-driven travel, which allows destinations to lean into storytelling, community, and what makes them truly unique. The brands that are willing to adapt, stay creative, and meet audiences where they are will continue to stand out.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Authenticity and truth are the values that guide me most, both professionally and personally. I believe in showing up as who I truly am and leading in a way that feels honest, not forced.


I also value intention—being purposeful with my work and how I show up—and consistency, because real impact comes from doing the work well over time.


At the end of the day, I think the strongest work and leadership come from being real, grounded, and true to yourself.


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