MADISONVILLE, Ky. — Sara Spencer, marketing communications director at Trover Health System, has been appointed by Judge Executive Donald Carroll to serve on the Hopkins County Tourism Commission Board of Directors for a three-year term. Spencer replaces Hannah Myers, who is stepping down after serving since 2004.

The Hopkins County Tourist & Convention Commission was established by county ordinance in January 2003 through the implementation of a transient room tax. The commission is comprised of seven individuals - two judge appointees, three hotel representatives, one restaurant representative, and one Chamber appointee. The mission of the Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission is to enhance, promote, and market the Hopkins County area on a year-round basis as a destination for visitors, conventions, meetings, and special events.

"It is Trover's desire to have our executives engaged in improving our community in all aspects," said Trover President and CEO E. Berton Whitaker. "We currently have representatives on several community boards, including the Madisonville Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Hopkins County. The Tourism Commission is particularly important to the overall economic development of Hopkins County. In addition, Trover plays a major role in bringing visitors to our county. More than 2,500 of Trover's patients come to RMC each year from outside of Hopkins County."

Spencer joined Trover in October 2009 after moving to Hopkins County from Lexington, Ky. Previously, Spencer worked for the National Tour Association, a division of IMG. NTA is a global travel association made up of destination marketing organizations, tour operators and tour suppliers.

"I am truly excited to serve Hopkins County in this role," said Spencer. "My background in tourism, in addition to being fairly new to the area, will enable me to bring a fresh perspective to this committee. Tourism is a vital economic driver and Hopkins County has much to offer. I hope to assist the work of the Hopkins County Tourist & Convention Commission in bringing more visitors to this beautiful part of Western Kentucky."

Spencer is a 2003 graduate of Transylvania University. In addition to serving on the Commission, Spencer also is an Ambassador for the Madisonville Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer for the Mid-West Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross, and is working on a special task force with the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation.

Trover Health System is an integrated health provider serving western Kentucky residents for more than 50 years. With nine locations in six counties, Trover proudly offers 55 services and specialties to meet the needs of Kentuckians close to home. With more than 130 primary care, mid-level and specialist physicians, 500 registered nurses and 1,000 licensed health care professionals, Trover is made up of an experienced team of dedicated staff. Trover provides healthcare solutions with compassion and respect for the uniqueness of every individual. Guided by a values-based culture to consistently deliver clinical and service excellence to our patients, Trover strives for excellent care, every time. For more information, please visit www.troverhealth.org.