TTS Hires Rivers As Next Director Of Community Development

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports (TTS) on Tuesday announced the addition of Josh Rivers as its next director of community development.

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His first day on the job will be April 4.

Rivers comes to TTS following his work as assistant director at the Bryant Conference Center, where he has served for the past 10 years.

"Josh’s contributions as a TTS board member along with the working relationship he and TTS has built over time at the Bryant Conference Center will serve him and TTS well in this position moving forward,” said Don Staley, president and CEO of TTS. “He brings a depth of knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry that will benefit West Alabama greatly.”

TTS says Rivers will assume the responsibilities of long-time employee, Bill Buchanan, who died in December at the age of 67.

“I am honored to join the TTS family, and I appreciate the confidence and support of Don and his team. I am excited to share the story of our community to our locals as well as our visitors,” said Rivers. “One can never replace Bill Buchanan, but I hope to create a lasting impact in the special way he did.”

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Staley said Rivers, in his new role, will be expected to develop relationships with local tourism service vendors and stakeholders, serve as an advocate for the organization and the industry, and inform locals and visitors about the assets that the area has to offer.

“While Josh has significantly big shoes to fill with the passing of longtime TTS family member Bill Buchanan, we know that Josh will honor Bill by carrying forward the many projects he was so passionate about,” Staley said.

Along with his numerous duties over the years at the Bryant Conference Center, Rivers has been on the Board of Directors for TTS since 2018, having most recently served as the board chair.

Rivers attended the University of South Carolina, in addition to graduate school at The University of Alabama. He and his wife Litsa have two children: Larkin and Jackson.

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