Senior Destination Marketing Executive

I am a senior executive in destination marketing and organizational strategy with statewide leadership experience advancing enterprise priorities at Visit California. As Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy, I oversee global media relations, corporate communications, research, crisis communications, industry relations and events, sustainability, government relations, and public affairs.

I lead a 27-person division while guiding organization-wide priorities including industry referendum renewals, board strategy, crisis response and cross-functional execution. I am known for board credibility, fiscal discipline, policy fluency, and building high-performing teams.

Explore My Work

At the podium

I regularly serve as a spokesperson for California’s travel industry, representing Visit California in legislative hearings, media interviews, lectures and speeches.

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Ryan has been at the table for key decisions and has guided the organization through complex marketing and political challenges.

Gary C. Sherwin, President & CEO, Visit Newport Beach

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He is a forward-thinking strategist who understands the evolving landscape of travel, media, and consumer behavior. He leads with integrity, communicates with purpose, and inspires confidence among colleagues, partners, and industry leaders alike.

Rhonda Salisbury, Chief Executive Officer, Visit Yosemite | Madera County

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Much of the success that the organization has enjoyed in the last decade is due to Ryan’s work as Caroline Beteta’s trusted partner.

Barb Newton, President & CEO, California Travel Association

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Ryan has the most holistic understanding of the business and has the trust and respect of the executive team. … He has consistently demonstrated a highly collaborative, inclusive leadership style and respects the individual contributions of every team member.

Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

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His collaboration has been highly valuable in improving communication and problem-solving across the ski industry, and it has been a pleasure to work with him.

John Rice, President, Ski California

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Ryan is an exceptional leader in his own right. He is calm, intelligent, thoughtful, and handles the inevitable problems without panicking. I’ve seen him at work on the international stage, and he is skilled at managing cultural issues and navigating the complexities of our brand.

Gary C. Sherwin, President & CEO, Visit Newport Beach

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He has earned the trust and respect of stakeholders throughout the industry through his thoughtful approach, integrity, and ability to build consensus across diverse groups and interests.

Tom Kiely, President & CEO, Visit West Hollywood

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From a crisis communications standpoint, Ryan’s leadership is particularly exceptional. His insight and steady hand during times of uncertainty underscore both his experience and his instinctive understanding of what effective leadership requires.

Michelle Heston, Executive Regional Director, Public Relations, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

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Ryan is quick to respond to requests and values the input of all destinations, large and small, and makes everyone feel like they are part of the bigger picture, no matter what their budget or influence.

John Urdi, President & CEO, Visit Huntington Beach

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He understands the organization deeply and knows how to bring people together around complex issues.

Mike Freed, Co-founder & CEO, Passport Resorts

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Ryan is exceptionally effective at bringing together the many diverse voices that make up California tourism. ... He approaches every interaction with collaboration, credibility, and a clear focus on advancing the industry as a whole.

Dyana Kelley, President & CEO, California Outdoor Hospitality Association

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Senior Destination Marketing Executive

At the podium

Ryan has been at the table for key decisions and has guided the organization through complex marketing and political challenges.

He is a forward-thinking strategist who understands the evolving landscape of travel, media, and consumer behavior. He leads with integrity, communicates with purpose, and inspires confidence among colleagues, partners, and industry leaders alike.

Much of the success that the organization has enjoyed in the last decade is due to Ryan’s work as Caroline Beteta’s trusted partner.

Ryan has the most holistic understanding of the business and has the trust and respect of the executive team. … He has consistently demonstrated a highly collaborative, inclusive leadership style and respects the individual contributions of every team member.

His collaboration has been highly valuable in improving communication and problem-solving across the ski industry, and it has been a pleasure to work with him.

Ryan is an exceptional leader in his own right. He is calm, intelligent, thoughtful, and handles the inevitable problems without panicking. I’ve seen him at work on the international stage, and he is skilled at managing cultural issues and navigating the complexities of our brand.

He has earned the trust and respect of stakeholders throughout the industry through his thoughtful approach, integrity, and ability to build consensus across diverse groups and interests.

From a crisis communications standpoint, Ryan’s leadership is particularly exceptional. His insight and steady hand during times of uncertainty underscore both his experience and his instinctive understanding of what effective leadership requires.

Ryan is quick to respond to requests and values the input of all destinations, large and small, and makes everyone feel like they are part of the bigger picture, no matter what their budget or influence.

He understands the organization deeply and knows how to bring people together around complex issues.

Ryan is exceptionally effective at bringing together the many diverse voices that make up California tourism. ... He approaches every interaction with collaboration, credibility, and a clear focus on advancing the industry as a whole.

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