Jim Epperson has dedicated himself to serving the southern Indiana community through his support of local tourism. As Executive Director of SoIN Tourism, Epperson has made a strong contribution to the economic and social culture of the Kentuckiana region.
Epperson started his tourism career in 1988 as marketing manager at an Ohio (USA) ski resort where he managed marketing and promotional efforts and served as founding president of the Ohio Ski Industries Association, a cooperative marketing organization of Ohio ski areas and ski shops. In 1994, Epperson moved to the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism where he served for four years as marketing manager, becoming State Tourism Director from 1998 until 2002.
Upon his departure from Ohio, Epperson worked briefly as VP Marketing for the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in Rhode Island. Later in 2002, he returned to his native Southern Indiana to continue his career in destination marketing and management and became the Executive Director of the Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau in Corydon, Indiana. In 2013, he moved next door to the neighboring SoIN Tourism as its Executive Director.
During his career, Epperson's leadership experience includes service as Vice President-Recreation Division of National Collegiate Ski Association, on the Marketing Committee, National Ski Areas Association and Joint Marketing Committee, NSAA/Ski Industries America, and as the Founding President of Ohio Ski Industries Association. He also spent time as the Marketing Chair and Board Chair, Great Lakes of North America international marketing consortium, and as a board member of the Travel Industry Association of America and CenStates Travel and Tourism Research Association.
Epperson has served the community on the Research Committee for Destination Marketing Association International, as a Visiting Professor at Purdue University Dept. of Hospitality & Tourism Management, on the Advocacy Committee, Destinations International, as the Advocacy Chair & President, Indiana Tourism Association, as the Advocacy Chair, One Southern Indiana, and as the Event Chair, Rotary Toast & Benefit Banquet, New Albany Rotary Club. He lives in Floyds Knobs with his wife, Sandy. One daughter, Cassie, lives in Greenfield, IN, with her husband and children. Daughter Alysa and her husband live in Indianapolis.