COMMITTEES
CalTravel’s committees allow members to collaborate, shape the future of CalTravel, further develop their careers, and add value to their own organizations. With 15 different active committees, all members can have a space to make their voice heard and lend their expertise to our work.
AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE
Marc Sapoznik, Chair
President & CEO, Visit Rancho Cordova
The goal of Ambassador Committee is to increase the travel and tourism industry’s communication, collaboration, and advocacy efforts. Ambassadors act as the glue that connects members with information, other members, resources, events, and relationships with legislators in their regions.
ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES COMMITTEE
Ali Schmidt, Chair
Sr. Director of Sales, Universal Destinations & Experiences
The Attractions & Experiences Committee provides zoos, aquariums, attractions, museums, and other experiential industry segments with opportunities for collaboration, education, and communication. The committee meets on an as-needed basis to hear from guest speakers and share updates.
AUCTION TASK FORCE
Jessica Johns, Chair
Senior Regional Manager, Business Development, Expedia Group Media Solutions
The Auction Task Force’s goal is to recruit members, partners, and industry friends to donate items or packages to the annual CalTravel Summit Auction, which benefits CalTravel and the PAC—helping to boost our advocacy efforts and increase our industry’s influence in Sacramento.
AWARDS COMMITTEE
Julie Mino Buffo, Chair
President & CEO, Visit Oxnard
The Awards Committee is responsible for reviewing all CalTravel Awards nominations submitted, recommending winners for each award category, notifying winners and nominees about nomination status, collecting assets needed for Awards Dinner, and serving as the go-to contact for award winners.
CALIFORNIA SPORTS COALITION
Rory Davis, Co-Chair, Director of Global Partnerships and Events, San Francisco Travel
Anthony Brenneman, Co-Chair, Senior Director, Orange County Sports Commission
The California Sports Coalition’s goal is to develop an initiative to try and create a state fund to help California compete effectively against other states to attract large sporting events.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Julie Wright, Chair
President, (W)right On Communications
The Communications Committee is responsible for ensuring that CalTravel’s communications remain on-mission, consistent, and effective by providing feedback, thinking of new ways to engage membership, and suggesting content for CalTravel’s website, newsletters, social media channels, and events.
CTS CONTENT TASK FORCE
Jeff Miraglia, Chair
Executive Creative Director, JNS Next
The CTS Content Task Force is responsible for curating and vetting speakers, performers, and topics for the annual CalTravel Summit—an event that leaves hundreds of travel and tourism leaders feeling inspired, informed, and empowered.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE
Mechelle Best, Chair
Dean, College of Health & Human Development, California State University, Northridge
The goal of the DEI&A Committee is to help strengthen California’s travel and tourism industry by pursuing and/or supporting public policy initiatives that promote California’s position as an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming destination; affirming the necessity of understanding equity and inclusion of all identities and intersectionalities; and providing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility education to members through programs and practices.
DMO LEADER ROUNDTABLE
Cassandra Costello, Co-Chair, EVP, Chief Strategy Officer, San Francisco Travel
Todd Aaronson, Co-Chair, CEO, Visit Modesto
The DMO Leader Roundtable offers a venue for DMO leaders to check in with their peers on issues they’re currently facing, hot topics, and best practices.
This committee is open to DMOs only. All DMOs who are CalTravel members are invited to participate in meetings.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Cassandra Costello, Chair
EVP, Chief Policy & External Affairs Officer, San Francisco Travel
The Executive Committee’s purpose is to oversee the work of CalTravel; direct management, strategy, and investment; and help the association grow in influence, effectiveness, and value.
Those who wish to join must submit formal nominations and be voted in by the CalTravel Board of Directors.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Jeff Klocke, Chair
Vice President, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
The GRC promotes the mission of CalTravel through engagement in the public policy development process on behalf of its membership. The Committee shall set legislative priorities, review policy issues, and recommend positions on legislation relevant to its mission.
GRC members are nominated by the Chair of the CalTravel Board of Directors and ratified by the Executive Committee.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Chuck Davison, Chair
CEO, Pure Navigation Strategies
The Leadership Committee is responsible for reviewing all leadership nominations—At-Large Board Directors, Officers, and Committee Chairs—and putting forth a proposed leadership slate to be voted on by the CalTravel Board of Directors.
The committee is chaired by the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors, and committee members are appointed by the Chair of the CalTravel Board of Directors.
NEXTGEN LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Nichole Farley, Co-Chair, Executive Director, Explore Butte County
Nicole Newman, Co-Chair, Vice President, SearchWide Global
NextGen Leadership Committee serves as a platform for leaders across multiple generations to network and participate in professional development that can significantly impact our industry. The tourism and travel industry is ever-evolving, and emerging leaders have a unique opportunity to share insights, energy, and vision for the future. Use this platform to connect with peers and contribute to CalTravel's future direction while gaining leadership experience and furthering your professional growth.
PAC TRUSTEE BOARD
Patti MacJennett, Co-Chair, Chief External Affairs Officer, Los Angeles Tourism
Gary Sherwin, Co-Chair, President & CEO, Visit Newport Beach
The CalTravel PAC’s mission is to maintain a political campaign fund to finance efforts supporting California state and local officeholders, candidates, and committees which support and benefit the California travel and tourism industry. The PAC also educates policy makers on the importance of travel and tourism to our state.
SCHOLARSHIP TASK FORCE
Mechelle Best, Co-Chair, Professor & Chair, Dept. of Recreation & Tourism Mgmt., CSU Northridge
Jerusha Greenwood, Co-Chair, Associate Professor, Dept. of Experience Industry Mgmt., Cal Poly SLO
The Scholarship Task Force is responsible for notifying educators about the CalTravel Summit (CTS) Scholarship Program, collecting and reviewing nominations, and recommending two outstanding students to receive scholarships each year. The CTS Scholarship Program gives students the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and network for job leads.
SUSTAINABILITY & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Paige Viren, Chair
Executive Director, Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management, California State University, Monterey Bay
The goals of the Sustainability & Stewardship Committee are to educate members on best practices, bring in thought leaders, and explore strategies that can have a positive impact on the environment, members’ businesses, and California’s brand. The committee will collaborate with other partner organization efforts in this area, including Visit California and U.S. Travel.
“I enjoy being part of this dynamic group. The networking opportunities are excellent and the education and guidance on advocacy are valuable.”