Pudgil Joins San Diego Tourism Authority; Lund Moves to East County Chamber

The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has appointed Darren Pudgil as Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. Pudgil will oversee local media relations, community outreach and government affairs for the SDTA on a regional, statewide and national level; he begins his position today.

Pudgil previously served as Director of Communications and Press Secretary for former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. He held a similar position for Congressman Brian Bilbray and was Chief of Staff for County Supervisor Ron Roberts. He also worked on the media teams for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver during the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election.

"Darren has the right blend of professional experience, expertise and attitude that we're looking for in our constant quest to grow San Diego's visitor industry," said Joe Terzi, President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. "He is a team player who will help build upon our critical role in the local economy and retain our industry's important position in the community. Darren is a great fit for our organization."

"Tourism is one of San Diego's signature industries that does so much to improve our quality of life by creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue each year to help fund city services like police and fire," said Pudgil. "I feel privileged to have the opportunity to build upon the value of the tourism industry and the Tourism Authority with local government officials, the media, Authority members and the community at large."

Pudgil holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from San Diego State University. He resides in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Eric Lund, Vice President of Membership, Community Relations, Visitor & Member Services, has accepted a leadership position at the East County Chamber of Commerce. Lund will lead the 600-member chamber that represents San Diego's East County region; his last day at the SDTA is scheduled for May 15, 2013.

"Eric was a valuable member of our organization since joining us over three years ago when we merged with the East County CVB," said Joe Terzi. "Eric made a tremendous positive impact and was responsible for numerous significant contributions to the organization; we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role at the East County Chamber."

The San Diego Tourism Authority is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of approximately 1,100 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry.

The San Diego Tourism Authority's mission is to drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego region. Tourism is the second largest segment of San Diego's economy and employs approximately 160,000 people. It delivers an annual economic impact of $18 billion, including approximately $150 million in hotel tax revenue that are used for police, fire, street-resurfacing, parks, libraries and other San Diego city services.

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