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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.
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Daniel Kuperschmid, President & CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority
San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has appointed Daniel Kuperschmid as its new President and CEO, effective in March. He brings an impressive track record of success and leadership in San Diego's hospitality sector, including serving as Area Vice President and General Manager of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego for over six years and as SDTA’s Board Chair from 2019 to 2023. The board believes his extensive background in marketing and sales, combined with his proven record in building high-performing teams and managing multifaceted operations, positions him perfectly to lead SDTA into its next chapter of success. Daniel is grateful for SDTA’s confidence in him, and he looks forward to working with its talented team to further establish San Diego’s position as a premier global destination.
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Brian Applegarth, Director of Marketing & Sales: Cannabis & Hemp Tourism, JNS Next
JNS Next has hired Brian Applegarth as Director of Sales & Marketing: Cannabis & Hemp Tourism. With over a decade of experience as a consultant for the travel industry, his award-winning work has redefined how destinations embrace and integrate cannabis and hemp into their experience economy, paving the way for economic growth and cultural celebration. In his new role, he will focus on advancing cannabis and hemp tourism strategies and destination stewardship, working with destinations to align their offerings with the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. Brian is excited to bring his passion for cannabis and hemp tourism to this forward-thinking organization.
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Christina Brophy, President & CEO, Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego has appointed Christina Brophy as its new President and CEO. She brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the museum industry, where she has championed cultural enrichment and fostered meaningful connections within the community. Christina most recently served as SVP of the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut. In her new role, her leadership and collaborative approach will enhance partnerships with educational institutes, community organizations, and businesses—all while keeping the organization at the forefront of adventure and preservation. She looks forward to an exciting future on the West Coast.
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Rich Bryant, Vice President of Destination Strategy, Clicktripz
Clicktripz has hired Rich Bryant as its new Vice President of Destination Strategy for the Northwest, including 17 states in the U.S. and four provinces and territories in Western Canada. Rich has been deeply ingrained in the travel and tourism industry for over 12 years, previously serving in sales and marketing positions at Americas for Tourism New Zealand, Zartico, and Adara. In his new role, he will use his passion for the tourism industry and his DMO background to help DMOs and agencies achieve their marketing goals. Rich is excited to see what 2025 brings, and while he no longer covers California, he continues to keep a close eye on what’s going on in the Golden State.
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Robyn Camino, CEO, Visit Stockton
Visit Stockton has appointed Robyn Camino as its new CEO. The Stockton native is no stranger to the local travel and tourism industry. From 2016 to 2020, she served as Marketing Director for Visit Stockton, developing promotions such as Stockton Arts Week, Stockton Brew Fest, and Feast at the Fox. The board believes her unmatched knowledge of the city, combined with her expertise in destination marketing, creative strategy, and community leadership, makes her the ideal choice to lead Visit Stockton into a bright future. Robyn is eager to amplify her city’s story for a national audience, and hopes to not only attract visitors, but also inspire pride in local residents.
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Chris Nuccio, Destination Sales Executive, Travel Costa Mesa
Travel Costa Mesa has hired Chris Nuccio as its new Destination Sales Executive. She brings over two decades of hospitality and sales experience, previously serving in positions at Anaheim Transportation Network, Visit Anaheim, and SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. In her new role, she will develop and implement a direct sales strategy to secure group and leisure business at Costa Mesa hotels. Her goal is to make an economic impact, build relationships, and help planners and meeting organizers have the best event possible in the city. Chris looks forward to exploring the great things Costa Mesa has to offer while delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences.
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John Rice, President & CEO, Ski California
Ski California has appointed John Rice as its new President and CEO. The ski industry veteran brings 47 years of experience to his new role, including over 30 years as Vice President and General Manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe. In his new role, he will serve as the primary leader and representative of the ski industry in California and Nevada, overseeing the organization’s advocacy efforts, spearheading safety initiatives, developing industry education, driving innovation, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. John is excited to embark on this next chapter of service to the industry, and he’s committed to leading Ski California with focus, passion, and a vision to ensure its continued success.
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Kirk Smith, President & CEO, Visit Vallejo
Visit Vallejo has appointed Kirk Smith as its new President and CEO. As a Bay Area native with over 35 years in the theme and water park industry, including 25 years at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Kirk has deep roots in the local community. He also served on Visit Vallejo's board of directors for more than 20 years, including two terms as board chair. The board believes his unparalleled experience and passion for the city will be instrumental in driving tourism, making him the perfect choice to lead Visit Vallejo into the future. Kirk is excited to collaborate with city and county partners to ensure every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.
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Jennifer Tong, Senior Director of International Public Relations, Brand USA
Brand USA has hired Jennifer Tong as its new Senior Director of International Public Relations. She has been involved in California’s tourism industry for nearly a decade, previously holding communications positions at Los Angeles Tourism and Visit Huntington Beach. In her new role, she will support Brand USA’s global communications strategy, focusing on expanding relationships with consumer media and influencers to help proliferate positive storytelling and awareness of U.S. destinations. Jennifer looks forward to what’s ahead—and reconnecting with her California peers along the way.
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Brittney Hendricks, Interim President & CEO, Visit Oxnard
Visit Oxnard has appointed Brittney Hendricks as its Interim President and CEO. She has been with Visit Oxnard for over six years, previously serving as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the organization, where she was a key driver in promoting the city as a premier California destination. In her new role, she will continue to champion Oxnard’s unique offerings, focusing on driving tourism, fostering economic development, and enhancing the visitor experience, as well as fostering relationships with local businesses, organizations, and the City of Oxnard. Brittney is honored to accept this new role, and she is excited to lead Visit Oxnard forward as it continues to grow and fulfill its mission.
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Mike Browne, President & CEO, Visit Vallejo
After leading Visit Vallejo for more than 20 years, Mike Browne has retired as President and CEO. During his tenure, he remained dedicated to upholding the organization’s mission, highlighting the city’s unique culture, boosting tourism, and stimulating local revenue. He also played a major role in implementing pivotal initiatives, including the rebranding of Vallejo. As he hangs up his hat, he looks forward to sprucing up his townhouse and ramping up his family’s annual Viking Cruise vacation. He also plans to maintain his status as an active member of the community by continuing with his roles in the Sister Cities Association, Vallejo Rotary Club, and Waterfront Weekend Committee.
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Rich Reasons, President, Simpleview
After 23 years with Simpleview and over 30 years serving destination marketing organizations, Rich Reasons has made the decision to step away from his role as President. Together, he and his business partners built a company that not only paved the way in the industry but also created a lasting impact. His decision comes at a pivotal time as Simpleview begins its next chapter with Granicus, whose investment in the company is a testament to the bright future ahead. Rich says his career at Simpleview has been one of the most rewarding experiences in his life, and he is deeply grateful to his partners, customers, colleagues, and employees for making this journey so meaningful.
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Jamie Claudio, SVP of Marketing & Destination Strategy, Clicktripz
Jamie Claudio is SVP of Marketing and Destination Strategy at Clicktripz, a travel technology company that inspires and transforms potential travelers into eager explorers. Jamie has been in the travel and tourism industry for over a decade, previously serving in roles at Discover Long Island, Development Counsellors International, and Madden Media.
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Michael Magee, California Public Policy Manager, Waymo
Michael Magee serves as California Public Policy Manager for Waymo, the world’s first autonomous ride-hailing service, available to the public 24/7. Based in Sacramento, Michael manages Waymo’s policy initiatives in California, interfacing regularly with the state Legislature, Governor’s Office, and state agencies engaged in autonomous vehicle policy.
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Pamela Taeuffer, Managing Broker, Healdsburg Property Management
Pamela Taeuffer is Managing Broker at Healdsburg Property Management, which represents vacation homes nestled in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country. Pamela has been practicing property management in Healdsburg for over 20 years, performing successful tenant placements for thousands of property owners and representing millions of dollars in assets.
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Julie Waters, Director of State & Local Government Affairs, Marriott International
Julie Waters is the Western Region Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Marriott International, a company with a portfolio of nearly 9,100 properties in 142 countries and territories. Julie has been with Marriott since 2023 and previously served in legislative roles at AFSCME, AC Transit, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the Office of Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, and the Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
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Justin Wesson, Senior Manager of Policy - California, Airbnb
Justin Wesson serves as the Senior Manager of Policy for Airbnb, a company that has grown to over 5 million hosts welcoming over 1.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country. Justin is based in California, where he collaborates with governments, communities, and stakeholders to shape policies that promote responsible home-sharing and strengthen relationships between hosts and policymakers.
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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.
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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,
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Tricia Yanez
Director of Operations
tricia@caltravel.org
408-904-8474
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