The Harrison County Board of Supervisors has appointed Wilma Rizzardi to serve as commissioner for the Harrison County Tourism Commission.  Appointed by Supervisor Marlin Ladner, Ms. Rizzardi replaces George Watson who served on the Commission for over 15 years.

Ms. Rizzardi is married to Lou Rizzardi, Alderman Ward 1, Pass Christian.  Together they have 5 children and 10 grandchildren.  Born in Augusta, GA, Ms. Rizzardi lived in 8 different states before settling down in Pass Christian where she felt she had found “home.”

A long time resident of Pass Christian, Rizzardi has worked as a Purchasing Specialist, Site Travel Leader, Harrison County Census Enumerator and the Executive Director of the Pass Christian Chamber for 7 years.  As the Pass Chamber director, Ms. Rizzardi coordinated the creation of the brochure/map of Pass Christian’s Merchants and the “Cooking in the Pass” cookbook.

“I am so honored to be appointed to the Harrison County Tourism Commission.  My experience at the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce brought me into contact with an average of 400 visitors each month and a multitude of community and business leaders.  I look forward to helping the Bureau move the Coast toward becoming a premier destination.”

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a not-for-profit destination marketing organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi.