Close-Up: Brittany Kenner
Meet the new Director of Marketing and Communications at Murray CVB,
Brittany Kenner!
Keep reading to get to know her better from our most recent interview.
How long have you lived in Murray?
We moved to Murray in early 2020, the same week that everything shut down for COVID. My husband’s job is here, and our plan was always to settle in the area. Having two very young children and moving to a new (to us) city in the midst of a pandemic was difficult. However, we quickly found friends that eventually became like family, and the Murray CVB’s content about what to do in town while everyone was isolating at home helped us experience that comforting feeling of home.
What are you most excited for with this new job opportunity?
To bring my knowledge to the town I love so much! I’ve spent the last few years as an Account Manager at Bauer Entertainment Marketing, helping organize major music festivals, tours, and events all over the country. Before that, I had the opportunity to work alongside the marketing team at CFSB and learn what it really means to put community first in everything you do and create.
There is absolutely nothing like working hard to make an event happen and then watching attendees experience the magic firsthand. Bringing my skillset and expertise to the Murray CVB to help grow tourism and create lifelong memories for people is the ultimate dream job.
What are 3 things you love most in life?
My family is always first. I have two children–Addison, who is in 5th grade at Murray Middle School, and Caden, who is a 1st grader at Murray Elementary. My husband, Justin, is a Lead Software Engineer at Industrial Training Services here in Murray as well.
Spending time with them, whether at home or wandering around town, brings me so much joy and peace.
Secondly, music is a huge part of my life. From concerts to festivals, I always have my next show planned. One of my favorite memories as a child is attending local shows in Paducah, where I grew up, with my family. There truly is nothing like live music.
Last, I am the ultimate nerd. I’m always reading a new book or learning a new skill. Being a lifelong learner is important to me, especially in this industry, so continuing to grow my skills not just for professional development but also for personal enjoyment is very important. I have a major soft spot for a cheesy romance or an epic fantasy novel, though. The world-building is my favorite part.
What is your favorite Murray memory?
My favorite memory so far has absolutely been watching my children find their friend groups. Everyone here has been so welcoming from day one, and to watch my tiny humans create lifelong bonds has been beyond my wildest dreams. Their friends have become family, and I don’t think my experience here would be the same without them.
Describe Murray in 3 words to someone who has never visited.
Picturesque. Downtown Murray looks like it jumped off the screen of a Hallmark movie year-round. There isn’t a moment that I’m not in awe of the beauty while walking around.
Artistic. From classes at Murray Art Guild to the murals on the buildings, there is art at every turn. I have met so many hypercreative individuals in Murray, and it inspires me daily to create.
Home. While Western KY has been home for most of my life, no other city or town has ever felt like it “fit” as much as Murray does. From my time at Murray State, to my children’s extracurriculars to being welcomed with open arms at the Murray CVB, there is no other place I’d rather call my home and raise a family.
What is your favorite restaurant in Murray?
This is such a hard choice! There are tons of amazing local places to eat in town. I think it’s a tie between Jasmine’s and Stephano’s Trattoria. The red curry at Jasmine’s is hands down one of my favorite foods, and I could eat it twice a week and never be sick of it. Also, as a pasta lover, Stephano’s is the place I make my husband take me for date night. It’s a win all around, and I’ve yet to try something that wasn’t amazing.
If you had $75 to spend in Murray, how would you spend it?
I’d start with coffee at Shaffers. The iced white turtle latte is a personal favorite. Then I’d stop into Bolin Books and grab a couple of Blind Date with a Books. These are so fun, and the cute stickers are one of my favorite things to collect.
I think I would finish my dream day with an art class at Murray Art Guild. If you haven’t checked out their selection of classes, I highly recommend it. They have something for everyone, and while I may not be “good” at physical art, it’s so much fun!
