After just more than two years, Selma-Dallas County tourism director Ashley Mason has decided to step down from her position.

Mason has been with the department since August 2013, and said she has enjoyed her experience as the tourism director during such a monumental two years in the Queen City.

“I’m thankful to have had this opportunity to serve as tourism director during such an exciting time in Selma,” Mason said. “Tourism is such a fun industry, and there is a lot about it that I will miss.”

Mason accepted a job with the Morris Agency and will be working to promote the business with her marketing skills.

“The Morris Agency actually came to me. They had created a new position, and they asked if I was interested,” Mason said. “I went and talked to them, and it led to a series of interviews. I ended up taking the job.”

Her last day with the tourism department will be Aug. 21.

Mason said that although she enjoyed her time with the city, she is excited to branch out and take on another role.

“I think it’s a great opportunity. It’s just another way to advance my career,” she said. “I’m excited for a new challenge. The job is definitely going to challenge me intellectually, and I’m excited about that.”

Mason’s supervisor Sheryl Smedley, executive director of the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, said the department is going to miss Mason and the talent she brought them.

“I’ve enjoyed working with her and the talent that she’s expressed here with her marketing and creativity of design,” Smedley said.

“She’s been a very delightful young lady to work with here at the chamber. I never had anybody with her experience with the design and marketing that she offered here.”

As Mason reflected on her last two years, she said it was hard to pick out some of her favorite memories, as she has enjoyed her time in the role so much.

She said having President Barack Obama and stars like Oprah Winfrey in the Queen City was definitely a highlight, but she also enjoyed events like the haunted history tours and bringing ideas like the annual tourism awards and Selma walking tour to life.

“There’s just been so much that’s happened over the last two years, it’s just hard to pick a few favorites,” Mason said. “It’s been great. This was my first job out of college and for me to be straight out of college and for them to hire me that was just phenomenal. I did not expect it, but I’m glad that they did.”

Smedley said Mason played a big role in helping the chamber and the tourism department with social media and marketing, and she will miss having her around.

“She made a big difference,” Smedley said. “She was an asset here, and I’ll miss her tremendously.”

Smedley said the Chamber Board of Directors has not yet made any decisions as to Mason’s replacement.