Lizzie Keenan has been appointed executive director of Clackamas County Tourism, which operates as Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory. Her appointment follows a national search and comes after nearly 20 years of experience in the tourism industry. Keenan has held various leadership roles within the organization and most recently served as the interim tourism manager for Mt. Hood Territory, according to the Clackamas County.
Lizzie Keenan has made important contributions to the region, including managing Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge team and starting the award-winning Trail Ambassador program. She has worked with various tourism organizations at the state, national, and international levels. Gary Schmidt, Clackamas County Administrator, said, "Lizzie’s deep understanding of our region, along with her proven track record in sustainable tourism and destination marketing, makes her exceptionally qualified to lead the Mt. Hood Territory team into its next chapter." Her leadership supports the county’s goal of promoting responsible tourism and boosting the local economy, as stated by the Clackamas County.
Keenan has a Master’s in Tourism Development from the University of Surrey and a Bachelor’s from University of California, Los Angeles. She has worked with Sustainable Travel International and Visit California, focusing on sustainability, and won the Oregon Tourism Stewardship Award in 2019. Clackamas County’s Office of Tourism, known as Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory, is led by a nine-member Tourism Development Council. The office aims to improve visitor experiences, support the local economy, and protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage, funded by a transient lodging tax paid by visitors.
