Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative welcomed Hailey Moss to their team last month as the first extension educator in the state.
Worth Initiative was launched in 2022 at the request of Governor Mark Gordon and the support of the university following the economic despair from Covid-19.
The goal of this initiative is to support, expand and diversify Wyoming’s economy through outdoor recreation and hospitality.
Moss, a Douglas native, graduated with a B.S. in outdoor recreation and tourism management from UW before pursuing her master’s in arts administration and museum leadership from Drexel University.
“Having worked in Wyoming State Parks and museums, it really kick-started my love for the Wyoming tourism industry, and opened my eyes to all of the great opportunities that we have here,” said Moss.
Landing the first career in the state to bring economic prosperity to communities through training, education and research within hospitality and tourism brings new excitement and possibilities for the future.
“I’m really excited to go be a part of the communities within Wyoming and bring more of what tourism has to offer,” said Moss.
As Moss takes on this new role, she will be working closely with the university and the communities to support the workers in what they have already accomplished.
“Tourism is the second-largest economy in Wyoming, employing over 30,000 people around the state,” said Moss.
By partnering with the university to provide education and support to Wyoming residents and students, the future of Wyoming’s economy will progress according to the goals of WORTH Initiative.
“It’s a small team right now, but we’re quickly growing,” Moss said.
Students are able to take courses catered to the management of hospitality and outdoor recreation, but putting the knowledge into the community is where the extension of the program has a direct effect on the state.
“Our main goal is to show that support from the UW side of things and get the university involved within all of these industries,” said Moss.
Plans for the extension of WORTH Initiative is to reach the rural communities, students, government and non-government agencies of Wyoming to expand on the economic industries the state has.
“Being such a small state, we’re so mighty, and have so many amazing experiences that we can share with people,” said Moss.
This may be phase one of the big picture, but Moss is ready for the job.
“It was destined since birth, and it was just a great opportunity that happened so fast. I am so excited to be here and watch it grow.”
