DECATUR — Karen Beasley has been named director of marketing and communications for the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, the organization announced Wednesday.

Beasley has nearly 30 years of marketing and public relations experience, including work as a freelance public relations consultant for tourism organizations in north Alabama and Tennessee. She assumes her new responsibilities today.

“We are excited to welcome Karen as she brings a wealth of experience and North Alabama expertise to help lead our destination marketing and communications efforts,” AMLA President and CEO Tami Reist said. “She is no stranger to the region and will play an integral role in continuing to market and promote North Alabama as a premiere travel destination while strengthening our relations and communication efforts with our members across the region.”

Beasley is a former marketing representative for AMLA. She received her bachelor’s in marketing and her MBA from the University of North Alabama.

“I am excited to be returning to AMLA,” said Beasley. “I have enjoyed being a part of the tourism industry from behind the scenes for the past few years as a freelance consultant. North Alabama has many wonderful stories to tell, places to visit and adventures to experience and I am honored to have the opportunity to share it with visitors and to be a part of a dynamic group of tourism professionals.”

Beasley can be reached at [email protected] or 256-350-3500.