|
Celebrating Tourism Careers
Organizations are continuing to fill their open positions, members are expanding their horizons by taking on new roles, and others are saying “bon voyage” as they announce their well-earned retirements. Join us in celebrating members’ successes and wishing them luck on their new adventures!
Read on to see who’s going where, plus check out the latest open positions in our industry.
|
|
|
Chuck Davison, Vice President of Attribution Solutions, Tourism Economics
Tourism Economics has hired Chuck Davison as Vice President of Attribution Solutions. With more than 30 years of experience within travel industry verticals—including nearly nine years leading Visit SLO CAL—he brings a depth of knowledge and expertise to the Tourism Economics team. In his new role, he provides clients with extensive data-driven insights for business strategy and technology implementation, in addition to expanding and strengthening partnerships across the industry. Chuck is excited for the new adventure with such a well-respected and industry-leading company and team.
|
|
|
|
Anna Marie Presutti, President & CEO, San Francisco Travel Association
San Francisco Travel Association has appointed Anna Marie Presutti as its new President and CEO. A leader in San Francisco’s tourism industry for more than 20 years—most recently as Vice President and General Manager for Hotel Nikko—she brings extensive sales and marketing experience, a deep understanding of San Francisco and San Francisco Travel, and a strong network of industry and local connections. Earlier this year, Anna Marie stepped in as interim leader at a critical time for the organization and immediately began positioning San Francisco Travel for success. She is the first female CEO in San Francisco Travel’s 115-year history.
|
|
|
|
Michael Reitzell, President & CEO, National Ski Areas Association
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has appointed Michael Reitzell as its new President and CEO. He joins NSAA with over 20 years of ski industry experience, including nine years as President of Ski California. In his new role, he will be responsible for the organization’s operations, including government relations and lobbying activities, public relations, research, financial management, member education, and administration. The Board believes his passion for the ski industry and his achievements at Ski California make him the perfect fit. Mike is excited about what the NSAA team and member resorts will be able to accomplish together.
|
|
|
|
Wes Rhea, President & CEO, Visit Lodi
Visit Lodi has announced Wes Rhea as its new President and CEO, effective October 1. He joins Visit Lodi following 19 years leading destination marketing efforts in Stockton. With his extensive experience and expertise in destination marketing and his passion for Lodi, the Board is confident that he will be instrumental in increasing tourism to the city, both domestically and internationally. Wes looks forward to working with Lodi’s hospitality community and local stakeholders to continue building on the great work that has already been done.
|
|
|
|
Hash Waseem, Marketing Coordinator, Visit Rancho Cordova
Visit Rancho Cordova has hired Hash Waseem as its new Marketing Coordinator. In his new role, he’ll help his team promote Rancho Cordova’s events, lodging options, quirky attractions, activities, and the array of food and drink the city has to offer. The Visit Rancho Cordova team believes his fresh ideas and creativity will be a great addition to the organization. Hash is excited to work with such a dedicated team, making a positive impact on the community, and the many exciting adventures ahead.
|
|
|
|
Pepe Avila, Senior Vice President of Community Relations & Partnerships, Visit Anaheim
Visit Anaheim has promoted Pepe Avila to Senior Vice President of Community Relations and Partnerships. He previously served as Vice President of Tourism and Partnerships. Throughout his many years at Visit Anaheim, Pepe’s big-picture thinking, commitment to achieving results, and strong community relationships have significantly contributed to the organization's success.
|
|
|
|
Julie Buffo, President & CEO, Visit Oxnard
Visit Oxnard President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Mino Buffo will be retiring and leaving her role at the destination marketing organization, where she has served for nearly seven years
Buffo’s tenure marked a transformative era for the organization, during which she led the team to achieve remarkable milestones. Among some of the most notable achievements, Buffo secured a long-term, dedicated funding source with the Oxnard Tourism Marketing District, providing a more secure stream of funding for all marketing-related initiatives and a multi-year contract with the City of Oxnard.
|
|
|
|
Sam Cole, Vice President, Keenan Direct
Sam Cole is Vice President of KeenanDirect, which provides health insurance enrollment assistance for individuals and businesses who reside in California. KeenanDirect guides clients through health insurance options to find plans that fits their needs and budget, offering expertise along the way. Sam Cole has over 20 years of experience in the health insurance industry and is a recognized expert in the individual and small group benefits market. He also achieved Top 20 Broker status with the state exchange and several carriers.
|
|
|
|
Nelson Gumm, President & CEO, AJR Media Group
Nelson Gumm is President and CEO of AJR Media Group, a company that provides best in class media solutions to clients and agencies throughout the USA. AJR’s strength lies in its knowledge of the travel, financial, tech, B2B, B2C, and luxury/fashion segments and a deep expertise in connecting U.S.-based marketers and agencies with international media. Nelson co-founded AJR & Associates in 1991 and became CEO in 2005, growing the company to where it is today as AJR Media Group.
|
|
|
|
Matt Muir, Vice President, of Brand Partnerships, Emergent Media
Matt Muir is Vice President of Brand Partnerships at Emergent Media, a modern digital media company. With a social-first approach that is informed by data and brought to life by a global creator network, Emergent is re-imagining how content and ideas can be most effectively created and shared in today’s digital ecosystem. Matt is a media entrepreneur and sales leader with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in brand partnerships, branded content, advertising sales, sponsorships, and business development.
|
|
|
|
Chad Reelfs, Vice President, Crimtan
Chad Reelfs is Vice President at Crimtan, a technology company that provides a comprehensive lifecycle marketing solution. Crimtan was founded with a global mission to be a trusted partner to the world’s best known brands, to make the complex world of programmatic simple, and to expertly adapt to the constantly changing digital world. Chad leads Crimtan’s Central and West Coast teams and strategic client partnerships throughout the U.S. and Canada.
|
|
|
Know someone looking for a fresh start? Check out our Tourism Career Opportunities page! This job board serves to connect employers with talented, qualified travel and tourism professionals looking for new opportunities to succeed.
Is your organization hiring? If so, please send us your open positions! We will help you get the word out to our ever-growing network of travel and tourism leaders across the state, at no cost to members. To submit an open position, please reach out to gabriella@caltravel.org.
|
|
|
If you know about about any retirements, promotions, new hires, or other career moves, or if you have any news of your own, please let us know for an upcoming newsletter. Please send news to me at tricia@caltravel.org.
Thank you,
|
|
Tricia Yanez
Director of Operations
tricia@caltravel.org
408-904-8474
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
