Keller Williams Experience Realty Licensed Realtor, Marrs Property Group Founder and Team Leader, Keller Williams Active Leadership Council Board of Directors, Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC), City of Paducah Board Member, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Member, A New Beginning for Women and Children Chairman Alexis Marrs has built a career on vision, authenticity, and the courage to carve her own path. As the founder of Marrs Property Group, she took a leap of faith and transformed it into a thriving real estate team of eight, redefining what real estate can look like in Western Kentucky. Her approach blends industry expertise with a personal touch, creating a brand that feels approachable, genuine, and community-focused. Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Early in her career, Alexis wrestled with self-doubt in a crowded industry full of experienced, educated professionals. Instead of letting comparisons hold her back, she focused inward—clarifying her goals, solidifying her vision, and leaning into the elements that made her unique. By emphasizing client education, restoring historic homes, and fostering deep local partnerships, she built not just a business, but a space where authenticity thrives. That mindset shift—from viewing the market as oversaturated to seeing it as rich with opportunity—was transformative. It fueled her confidence as a leader and propelled her team’s growth. Today, every interaction is grounded in respect, transparency, and care, whether a client is buying their first home or selling a luxury property. Alexis draws inspiration from people who lead boldly and authentically, both in her community and beyond. Local changemakers like Terra Bass, Carol Gault, Megan Davis, and Jessica Ashworth inspire her through their dedication to progress. She also finds motivation in everyday beauty—a mural downtown, a building ready for restoration, or a stranger’s small act of kindness. Looking ahead, Alexis hopes to leave a legacy of curiosity, joy, and hard work. She wants to be remembered as someone who showed up with an open mind, embraced others’ perspectives, and brought passion to every endeavor. Her advice to emerging professionals is simple but powerful: lead with humanity and compassion. Success, she believes, doesn’t always have to be flashy—it’s often built in quiet moments, intentional choices, and the consistent effort to create something meaningful and real. Alexis Marrs Realtor/Investor, Marrs Property Group, Keller Williams Experience Realty Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Southeast Tourism Society Board of Directors, The National Quilt Museum Ex Officio Board Member, Paducah Chamber of Commerce Ex Officio Board Member, Western Kentucky Film Commission Member, KTIA Ex Officio Board Member, Rotary Club In Paducah, Alyssa Phares has transformed the way the community is marketed to visitors—prioritizing data-driven, audience-focused campaigns, embracing digital platforms, and investing in research that shapes messaging and budget allocation. This approach has allowed her to tell richer stories, reach new markets, and better serve both travelers and local stakeholders. Earning her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation was a milestone that sharpened her strategic skills and deepened her understanding of tourism’s role in economic development and quality of place. These tools now guide her daily work, from long-term planning to elevating tourism’s visibility and impact. When Alyssa became Executive Director, she sought to build on strong foundations while guiding the organization into a new chapter. She focused on clear strategy, improved processes, and deeper partnerships—beginning with listening to her team, understanding dynamics, and aligning goals. Alyssa leads with both strategy and heart, knowing tourism is about more than attracting visitors—it’s about storytelling, fostering pride among residents, and preserving culture. She values equity, sustainability, and long-term impact, and approaches challenging conversations with patience and purpose. She draws inspiration from people who build with intention, especially women in creative, civic, or underrepresented spaces who make bold decisions while staying grounded in humanity. Her parents set that example early—her mother balancing career, community, and family with grace, and her father showing equal commitment and dependability. Alyssa hopes her legacy will be one of stewardship—leaving places, organizations, and teams stronger than she found them. She aims to bring people together around shared purpose, nurturing the cultural and economic potential of place in ways that are smart, inclusive, and lasting. Her advice: follow what excites you, trust your own path, and know you can have both career and family, creativity and strategy all at once. Stay curious, be kind, and remember that the most meaningful moments often happen in the spaces between milestones. Alyssa Phares Executive Director, Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
