President
Charlotte Waters
Visit Oconee
Charlotte is a proud Oconee County resident who returned home in 2013 after nearly two decades of living in a variety of places. She serves as Director of Sales for Visit Oconee SC. A graduate of Clemson University, Charlotte began her career at the Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Visit Greenville), where she discovered her passion for the tourism industry. She also spent six rewarding years teaching English in South Korea. A devoted Lake Keowee enthusiast, Charlotte enjoys spending her summers on the water, appreciating the natural beauty and tranquility that make Oconee County special.
Vice President
Micah Decker
Olde English District Tourism Commission
Micah Decker is the Executive Director of the Olde English District Tourism Commission, leading efforts to promote the history and natural beauty of its seven-county region in north-central South Carolina. Raised as a proud Army brat, she moved frequently during her childhood—from Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall to several states across the West and South—before settling in South Carolina. Her career journey took root after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a film degree, where she discovered a passion for storytelling that has fueled over a decade of leadership in tourism marketing. As a busy mom of two boys, Micah loves spending her free time kayaking local rivers, hiking in the mountains, and embracing the thrill of an unplanned adventure. Micah is honored to share the region’s unique character with visitors, noting, “South Carolina is a stunning convergence of natural resources and deep-rooted heritage; I’m thrilled to spend my career protecting and promoting that beauty.”
Secretary
Mikaela Groomes Owens
South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism
A native of Oconee County, Mikaela has lived all over South Carolina. Currently residing in Columbia, she frequently travels as the State Park’s Marketing Coordinator. Mikaela graduated from Coastal Carolina University with an Interdisciplinary Degree in Wildlife Conservation and Education. Her previous experience includes working in outdoor education with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Oconee State Park. When she’s not in parks, Mikaela enjoys exploring local restaurants and walking with her dachshund, Birdie.
Treasurer
Mary Ann Keisler
Thoroughbred Country
Mary Ann has been the Thoroughbred Country Regional Tourism Director for more than 20 years promoting Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties in South Carolina. She is a member of the SC Association of Tourism Regions (SCATR). She is a Past President of the SCNBTA and has served as the Treasurer for several years. Originally from the Finger Lakes region of New York state, she has lived in many places including Germany, Maine, rural New York and Tennessee. South Carolina is now her home, and she enjoys the state’s many nature-based opportunities. She is proud to be a long-time member of the SCNBTA and enjoys the camaraderie and friendships formed over the years. “Smiling Faces and Beautiful Places” is true not only for South Carolina, but also the SCNBTA.
Past President
Jade Perkins
Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau
Originally from southern Ohio, I’ve lived in South Carolina for nearly 20 years. After graduating from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor of Arts in communication, I went on to pursue my master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Miami. I moved to Florence shortly after completing my education and landed a position with the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, where I fell in love with tourism. In my tourism development role, I cover the sports and meetings markets along with other tourism-driven projects. I am a busy mom of three kids, but when I get free time, I love to explore the SC Revolutionary Rivers National Water Trail on the Lynches Scenic River. We’re lucky to have such a beautiful, historic river in Florence. I’d love to take you on a paddle!