Each crew member at Belle of Louisville Riverboats holds a unique role in maintaining these vessels and preserving their legacies for generations to come. In this month’s chapter of the Crew Spotlight Series, we interview the Controller of Belle of Louisville Riverboats, Sabrina Edmonson, to learn more about the important role she holds within Belle of Louisville Riverboats and its 108-year-old legacy.
How long have you worked with belle of louisville riverboats?
Nearly 20 years.
- 2003-2004: Consultant for the Accounting Office
- 2004-2006: Retail Sales / Gift Shop Supervisor
- 2007: Group Sales Representative
- 2007- 2021: Business Operations Manager
- 2021-Current: Controller
What are some of the important responsibilities of your job?
Making sure that we are fiscally responsible and budgeting to make sure that we are making optimal decisions for the future of this 108-year-old operation & beloved city icon, as well as overseeing the Accounting, Human Resources and IT needs of our operation.
In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your job?
The people that we work with daily (from our exemplary employees to guests), taking care of our unique riverboats’ day in and day out and the view from my window.
What does a typical workday look for you?
Greatly varied. This position requires flexibility. If something is broken, I fix it. If people need assistance, I help them or direct them to someone that can assist. In any given day, I could be working on a financial statement, fixing a laptop or mobile device, or preparing HR paperwork. On a busy day, perhaps all the above.
What is the most unique aspect of your job?
I love working on the river; two out of three of our vessels are National Historic Landmarks. I am thrilled to work at a place with such a unique historical aspect and with people that have such extraordinary tenure.
What is your favorite memory of working with belle of louisville riverboats?
In nearly 20 years, you compile a lot of memories! The last cruise that I was able to go on with Miss Mary Stuart Kimmel (my predecessor) stands out because she died shortly after that cruise, so that’s special.
The Centennial events that we held in 2014 here in Louisville really showcased the riverboats and what this city used to be like as a river city.
Tall Stacks events held in Cincinnati, although they require a lot of preparation and a tremendous amount of work from all our crew, we greatly enjoy those journeys.
Why is belle of louisville riverboats important to you?
The Belle is truly a Legendary Lady! She’s a city icon, we are ambassadors for our beloved city, we take that job seriously while having a lot of fun doing it.
I would love to see this operation continue for a very long time to come. We have so many attractions now in Louisville, but the Belle was one of the first, arriving in 1963. She’s seen so many things throughout her existence: war, death, birth [and] celebrations of all sorts, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc.
I want everyone in our city to have the opportunity to view the Belle through our lens.