Visit Lake Charles announced staff updates that include a role transition, a title change and the addition of a new director of public relations.
“As Visit Lake Charles continues to grow, it’s important that our team structure evolves alongside our destination,” said Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “These leadership transitions, along with the addition of Devan Corbello, strengthen our ability to tell our story, engage our community and support continued visitation growth across Southwest Louisiana.”
New Hire
Devan Corbello – Director of Public Relations
Devan Corbello will assume the role of director of public relations, leading media relations efforts to generate positive state, regional, national and international coverage for Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana.
Corbello most recently served as executive director of Visit St. Francisville, where his sales and marketing initiatives helped increase visitation by 30% over three years and expand social media reach by 65%. His experience includes hosting familiarization tours, working with travel media and content creators, and securing high-impact editorial coverage. He has received multiple industry honors, including the 2023 Louey Award for Outstanding Tourist Commission of the Year and the 2025 Rising Star Louey Award.
“Southwest Louisiana is full of hidden gems that visitors are eager to experience, and I’m excited to share those stories with the world,” Corbello said.
Role Transitions
Matt Young – Sr. Director of Community Engagement
Matt Young joined Visit Lake Charles in March 2023 and has served as director of public relations for the past two years, increasing earned media stories by 125% through targeted press outreach and familiarization trips. In his new role as senior director of community engagement, Young will work with civic, business and nonprofit leaders to strengthen regional partnerships that drive economic growth, foster community pride and support tourism development.
Key priorities for Young include elevating the Creole Nature Trail brand, supporting the Just Imagine SWLA master plan, advancing downtown and cultural district development, and launching a Community Champions program to help attract meetings, sporting events and tournaments.
“This is truly my dream job, and I’m excited to work alongside our partners and residents to keep Southwest Louisiana a place we’re proud to call home while creating more meaningful visitor experiences,” Young said. “With new assets like the Mardi Gras Museum and the redeveloped lakefront, our region has strong momentum.”
Aubrey Caldwell – Sports Events and Marketing Manager
Aubrey Caldwell has been promoted from sports events and volunteer coordinator to sports events and marketing manager for Visit Lake Charles and the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority. In her expanded role, she will lead sports-focused marketing efforts, including content creation, social media management and strategic campaigns that elevate the region’s visibility, while continuing to manage and service sporting events across Southwest Louisiana.
Working with the sports team, Caldwell has helped increase total room nights by 23% across the region and assisted in booking several new large-scale events through 2026 and beyond.
“Southwest Louisiana has incredible venues, passionate communities and a rich sports culture,” Caldwell said. “I’m excited to continue showcasing our region as a premier destination for sporting events that drive tourism, economic growth and unforgettable experiences for fans, athletes and visitors.”
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About Visit Lake Charles
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to VisitLakeCharles.org.
