Team New Orleans: PR and Media Outreach

Team New Orleans: Public Relations, Media Outreach and Social Responsibility

One of the first CVBs in the country to employ a full time Director of Group Communications and Public Relations, we truly become an extension of your marketing team. Combining all we know about New Orleans with all you know about your attendees and exhibitors means targeted communications that get results.

We work closely with local media to promote your event and build the greatest possible awareness.  Our team can help connect your volunteers with the community service outreach or social responsibility project that is perfect for your organization. Worthy efforts like these foster team building and your volunteers leave with a feeling of making a difference by giving back to the community.

Communications and Public Relations

Kelly Schulz

Kelly Schulz

Vice President Phone: 504-566-5019 Toll-Free: 1-800-672-6124 Fax: 504-566-5021

Kelly Schulz moved back home to New Orleans in April 2006 to join the New Orleans CVB. She previously worked in Dallas as Communications Director for Meeting Professionals International and as an Account Supervisor for Edelman, a global PR agency. Schulz serves as a spokesperson for New Orleans’ tourism industry and oversees the CVB’s strategic communications, media relations, crisis management, social media and advocacy programs. Under her leadership, the New Orleans CVB has won 16 international awards of excellence for crisis management and public relations since 2006. She holds degrees from LSU in mass communications and psychology. Schulz was named one of New Orleans City Business’ Women of the Year, Gambit’s Top 40 under 40 and HSMAI’s Top 25 Sales and Marketing Minds in the country.

Tara Letort

Tara Letort

Director of Group PR and Communications Phone: 504-566-5019 Toll-Free: 1-800-672-6124 Fax: 504-566-5021

Tara Letort joined the New Orleans CVB in 2007 for a new position that helps our convention and meeting customers market New Orleans to their attendees. New Orleans was one of the first CVBs in the country to create a full-time, senior-level position devoted exclusively to customized attendance-building tools. A Mississippi native, Tara's favorite thing about New Orleans is enjoying Mardi Gras with her family. Contact Tara for tips about marketing or promoting New Orleans to convention attendees or securing media coverage of groups in town.

Jennifer Lotz

Jennifer Lotz

Communications and Public Relations Manager Phone: 504-566-5019 Toll-Free: 1-800-672-6124 Fax: 504-566-5021

Jenn Lotz joined the CVB as an intern in 2007 and was hired full-time in 2008. Her favorite things about New Orleans are festivals, Frenchmen Street, and of course, the Saints. She is thankful to live in a city that appreciates good food and live music. If you are a TV show or journalist planning a story regarding New Orleans, please contact Jenn for story development and assistance.

Christine DeCuir

Christine DeCuir

Media Relations Coordinator Phone: 504-566-5019 Toll-Free: 1-800-672-6124 Fax: 504-566-5021

Christine DeCuir has worked for the CVB since 1974, giving more than three consecutive decades of service to New Orleans' tourism industry! As a member of the Public Relations and Communications team, she assists visiting journalists from around the world, prepares their itineraries and ensures their stories showcase the best of New Orleans. Her favorite thing about the city is the food, history, culture, music and the great people. Contact Christine if you are a journalist planning a visit, or a CVB member that would like to host a journalist.

Sarah Forman

Sarah Forman

Communications Coordinator Phone: 504-566-5050 Toll-Free: 1-800-672-6124 Fax: 504-566-5021

Sarah Forman joined the CVB as an intern in 2011 and was hired as the communications coordinator in 2012. Her favorite things to do in New Orleans are trying out new restaurants and attending festivals. Contact Sarah for website additions, industry press releases or to help promote your event locally and internationally.