Trends start in California

June 2006

Movers and Shakers

Trends start in California, and significant changes have been announced at five major convention and
visitors bureaus since late spring (presented below, north to south). Hmmm, should we expect more?

Joe D’Alessandro Named President and CEO of San Francisco CVB
Joe D’Alessandro is the newly appointed president and CEO of San Francisco’s Convention & Visitors Bureau, replacing veteran John A. Marks, who retires at the end of this month. D’Alessandro joins San Francisco after 10 years as president & CEO of the Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA), the state’s largest destination marketing organization. Prior to his tenure at POVA, D’Alessandro served as executive director of the Oregon Tourism Commission and as international program manager for the California Office of Tourism. He is also past chair of the Oregon Tourism Commission and the National Council of Destination Organizations. “The breadth of Joe’s background will be invaluable to San Francisco,” said Jon Handlery, senior vice president and general manager of the Handlery Union Square Hotel, who was chairman of the search committee.

Janet Sederquist Appointed President and CEO of the Oxnard CVB
The Oxnard CVB recently announced that its executive director, Janet Sederquist, will assume the title of president and CEO of the organization. “We are starting to focus much more on destination development, as Oxnard continues to experience dramatic growth,” said Steve Buenger, president of the Oxnard CVB board of directors. “The director’s new title change and responsibilities reflect this growth within the bureau and the city itself.” Sederquist joined the Oxnard bureau in 2002 after a ten-year career that included experience with the Automobile Club of Southern California, Disney Cruise Line and Skywest Airlines.

Michael Ross Named Pasadena Center Operating Company CEO
The Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC) has appointed Michael Ross as its new CEO, succeeding Roger Smith, who retired in March. In his new position Ross will oversee operation of the Pasadena Conference Center, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and the Pasadena CVB. An 18-year hospitality industry veteran, Ross was the first CEO of Team San Jose (2004—2005), a partnership responsible for operating San Jose’s convention and cultural facilities. His other facility-management and destination marketing experience includes stints with the Sacramento Convention Center Complex, Harborside Convention Complex in Fort Myers, FL, and the Gateway Center/Collinsville CVB in Collinsville, IL. “Michael’s diverse experience makes him an ideal fit for this position,” said Ray Serafin, president of the PCOC’s board of directors. Gary Sherwin Joins Newport Beach CVB as President & CEO

Gary Sherwin brings more than 20 years of experience in destination marketing, sales and public relations to his new position as President & CEO of the Newport Beach CVB. He relocates to Newport Beach from Palm Springs, where he was President & CEO of Believable Brands, LLC, a consulting firm; prior to starting his own company, he served as vice president of market development for the Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVA. “(Gary) has great credentials and understands our community. He brings with him many exciting ideas to continue to help promote Newport Beach as a premier destination and attract visitors,” said Homer Bludau, city manger for the city of Newport Beach. A native of Southern California, Sherwin also has an extensive background in marketing and public relations with the Long Beach, Los Angeles and Fort Worth, TX CVBs.

David Peckinpaugh Appointed President & CEO of San Diego CVB
The San Diego CVB (ConVis) has appointed David Peckinpaugh as its new president & CEO effective June 5, replacing long-time ConVis head Reint Reinders, who retired this May. Peckinpaugh, a seasoned sales and marketing executive, was formerly the chief marketing officer for Ohio-based Conferon Global Services (CGS), the nation’s leading meeting planning and event services company.

Prior to his leadership role with CGS, his industry experience included senior management positions with several hotels including La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad and the Hyatt Regency San Diego (now the Manchester Grand Hyatt) in San Diego County.

“David brings to the bureau an ideal combination of visitor industry knowledge, management skills and marketing expertise,” said ConVis Board Chairman Ray Warren.