Mark Ezell

Mark Ezell is the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), a role he has held since January 2019. In this position, he oversees the state’s tourism strategy, branding, and initiatives to enhance Tennessee's appeal as a global destination. Under his leadership, Tennessee has achieved record-breaking tourism growth, including $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023 and initiatives like the “Kid Reviewed” campaign and Tennessee Music Pathways.123

Ezell previously worked at Purity Dairies, a family-owned business, and later at Dean Foods, where he held senior roles focusing on brand development and profitability. Notably, he contributed to the iconic "Milk Mustache – Got Milk?" campaign.134 A seventh-generation Tennessean, Ezell earned a bachelor's degree from Lipscomb University and an MBA from Tennessee Technological University. He is also active in community service and serves on several nonprofit boards.134