Wayne Ingram
President & CEO
Wayne Ingram is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Tourism and Heritage Association (NTHA), a position he assumed on June 26, 2007. The cooperation of communities, humanitarian organizations and tourism professionals, as heritage partners, enables NTHA to promote heritage and cultural education, encouraging tourism development. This collaboration creates extensive community and economic development via the tourism industry.
“We thought of it.”
Prior to assuming his position with NTHA, Wayne Ingram served as the President of THE NATIONAL GROUP (TNG), a tour and travel development consortium. This consortium consisted of National Tour Service, National Tour Service/AMTRAK and National Promotional Services. During his more than 27 years of experience, he has developed a national network of professional tourism consultants whose purpose is to service organized groups with tour arrangements within the United States and Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.
Wayne is known across the country for adopting one of the oldest cliché’s as his mantra:
“The customer is always right.”
His association with tour and travel professionals since 1979 has provided the opportunity for him to learn the business from the ground up. These associations have been enhanced over the years, and will serve as resources for NTHA.
At TNG, Wayne was given the opportunity to market and promote three Smithsonian Institution exhibitions: From Field To Factory, Climbing Jacob’s Ladder and Beyond Category—The Musical Genius of Duke Ellington. These exhibits were produced by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and had tremendous cultural awareness impact on communities across the United States. Partnering with institutions of this caliber will continue to be his goal.
Wayne frequently speaks on leadership, sales, marketing and management at corporate meetings and conferences. He has written a how to guide, “Turning Heritage Into Tourism.” This guide educates and trains communities on becoming a tourist destination. “Helping Them To Help Themselves” is the motto of this guide. He has also coined and copyrighted the concept “Innerism,” which describes a process of total community involvement.
A native of Tennessee, Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Welfare from Tennessee State University.
He serves as a resource for public and private school systems and institutions of higher education. His involvement underscores the value of students having a well rounded cultural experience and exposes them to the many career opportunities in the tourism industry.
Wayne co-founded and is the Project Director of The Etiquette School of Tennessee. The Etiquette School of Tennessee’s main focus is the communication, training and the enhancement of social behavior standards. These standards are regarded by Wayne as foundational for an industry such as tourism.
Wayne has been recognized by fellow industry leaders as a community and economic development ambassador for telling the story of “Come See and Discover America,” by turning heritage into tourism.
Memberships & Volunteering
Shelby County Government Opioid Task Force
Tennessee State University Alumni Association
Association For the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
National Black Caucus of State Legislators Corporate Roundtable (Former)
National Association of Black School Executives (NABSE)
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Shelby County Schools/Future Business Leaders of America Organization (Former Proctor)
Junior Achievement (Former Volunteer)
Cathedral of Faith Colaborative/TN Department of Children Services (Foster Children) (Advisor)
NTHA Staff
Nell I. Gray, Executive Assistant
Ella L. Flannagan, Vice-President of Training and Development
Patrice W. Ferguson, Office Manager
NTHA Board
Thelma Lee, Vice President
Thelma Lee has been a registered nurse for 27 years. She is a graduate of the Memphis Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. Thelma later went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman’s University in nursing. Thelma Lee currently works as a Regional Occupational Health Manager for United Parcel Service. She is responsible for several districts within the Southwest Region. Her extensive travel has given Thelma an in-depth view of the cultural diversity of the United States.
Thelma is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority which embraces cultural and heritage recognition. Thelma is also a member of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses.
Thelma has been married to Ronald Lee for 23 years and has two daughters and five grandchildren. Thelma’s hobbies include long distance motorcycling and enjoying the many historical sites of the United States and Canada. Thelma enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Thelma’s favorite quote is:
“Character formed is character revealed.”
Harriet Hope Odom, Secretary
Harriet Hope Odom is an Expedite Escalation Senior Specialist for Dell Computers. Harriet has served in this position for seven years. Her extensive background in the area of customer care is well known and she is a strong advocate of the basic business principle that the customer is always right.
Harriet Hope as her friends and colleagues call her is a extensive traveler and has made herself available to work with her local school district in Antioch, Tennessee. Harriet Odom has been married to Charles Odom for nineteen years and loves his cooking.
Harriet’s hobbies include reading travel journals and researching historical documents. Her other interests are volunteering for community development initiatives.
Juanita Holmes Brown, Treasurer
Juanita Holmes Brown is a branch manager for Tri-State Bank located in Memphis, Tennessee. She has over 25 years of experience in the banking industry. Beginning her career as a bank teller she was given the opportunity to grow in all aspects of banking.
Juanita Holmes Brown is known throughout the community as the “singing banker.” She is an accomplished vocalist who is recognized in her community for her talent.
Juanita Holmes Brown is a mentor to young individuals entering banking. She spends her time sharing advice on the essential principles of banking and building business relationships.
Juanita Holmes Brown is active in her community and her hobbies include travel, exploring historical sites and singing.