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Director of Tourism and Marketing.
936.633.0349
Tara Hendrix began her career with the City of Lufkin in December of 2021.
Tara Hendrix wasn’t born in Lufkin, but she got here as quick as she could. Moving to Lufkin at age four with her family, from the Houston area. Tara is a graduate of Central High School and a Tyler Junior College Apache Belle. She graduated in 2005 from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Hospitality Administration. She has spent nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry working for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and traveling the country by luxury rail car with Union Pacific Railroad.
Tara and her husband Jared with their two children moved back to Lufkin in 2015. It wasn’t long before she found her place at the Lufkin | Angelina Chamber of Commerce, which ignited a passion for the city of Lufkin and its economic growth. This passion lead her to the Visit Lufkin with the desire to create a greater impact on our city.
“While having the opportunity to live in and travel to some of America’s top cities, I began to realize more and more that there is no place like home.” Hendrix said. “There is a reason we say, ‘You’ll Love Lufkin’ and I’m truly honored to join the City of Lufkin as the Director of Tourism and Marketing.”
The Visit Lufkin team is passionate about their mission to enhance Lufkin’s economy and quality of life by marketing and advocating for the development of Lufkin as a premier travel and tourist destination.
Natalie Howard
Communication and Community Development
Email Natalie
936.633.0359
Natalie Howard has been with the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau since November of 2020.
Natalie was born in Mobile, Alabama and moved to Lufkin in 2018. Moving from a big city with a population of 191,000 to a small city of only 30,000 was a huge culture shock for her, but she was ready to take on the experience. Natalie attended Faulkner State after graduating high school. She is currently enrolled and will soon earn her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing. She has a wide background in the Hospitality and customer service Industry. From Restaurant Management to Event planning and Marketing. Specializing in aesthetics for Catering and events.
You may be wondering what brought Natalie to Lufkin, TX? Her husband, Lance accepted a position with a local Real Estate and Development Company. After 37 years in Alabama, Natalie and her family relocated to Lufkin and they couldn’t be happier with that decision!
“Lufkin feels like home. I feel like I have been here my whole life” says Natalie. The saying is true, you’ll love Lufkin!
Natalie looks forward to continuing to serve as a City of Lufkin employee. With some major events under her belt and some fresh new ideas, she is happy and eager to help Lufkin grow!
Jackie Sanchez
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Summer Intern for Visit Lufkin
Jackie will be with Visit Lufkin for the summer of 2022. She is a current student at SFA hospitality administration (focus in travel and tourism) She enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with her family. She has two dogs; Chente and Kiwi. Jackie is a Lufkin native that graduated from Hudson in 2019. Jackie loves being able to help people and make anytime a fun time. She enjoys working at Visit Lufkin because she is leaning new skills and making great connections throught the community. She said that she also enjoyes the friendship within the office.