The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) announced today the appointment of chairpersons and new members to its Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2024 (July – June). The board is comprised of San Diego tourism industry professionals and community stakeholders who guide SDTA in fulfilling its mission to drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego region.

Leading the board is Shawn Dixon, chief operating officer of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who will serve as board chair; Lydia Bartell, vice president of Bartell Hotels, will serve as vice chair; Michelle Metter, partner at Fast Forward Events, will serve as treasurer; and Jamie Lemon, general manager of the Rancho Bernardo Inn, will serve as secretary.

In addition, the SDTA Board of Directors will welcome five new members:

• Tracy Borkum, principal of Urban Kitchen Group
• Martha Gilmer, CEO of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra
• Niveesha Hill, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Del Mar
• Eric Jenkins, general manager of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
• Tom Tabler, general manager of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

  “We are thrilled to welcome our five new members to a talented group of leaders, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from across the tourism industry,” SDTA President and CEO Julie Coker said. “Our board members share an incredible passion for our beautiful city and support SDTA’s mission of promoting San Diego as premier travel destination.”

  In addition to the new board officers, board members who will continue their terms include:

• Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
• Jody Blackinton, regional vice president of Hersha Hospitality
• Phil Blair, executive officer of Manpower San Diego
• Annie Fitzgerald, general manager of The Westgate Hotel
• Marty Gorsich, CEO of Century Club San Diego/Farmers Insurance Open
• Kazeem Omidiji, director of community relations at SDG&E
• April Shute, area managing director of Destination Hotels/Two Roads Hospitality
• Tony Young, interim president and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership

“I am honored to serve as board chair for San Diego Tourism Authority and work alongside some of San Diego’s most dynamic leaders to promote the collective prosperity of the region,” said Dixon. “Tourism is integral to San Diego’s success and ensuring every community member can thrive. I am excited for what the future holds for tourism in our region and for the opportunity to highlight the benefits we all receive from this $22 billion industry.”

The San Diego Tourism Authority thanks these outgoing board members for their service: Don Dennis, president of operations at Noble House Hotels and Resorts; Rick Fultz, senior vice president and chief business officer of Biocom California; Daniel Kuperschmid, area vice president and general manager of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego; Michael O’Donohue, executive director of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club; and Bob Rauch, president and CEO of RAR Hospitality.

"I extend my sincere appreciation to our outgoing board members for their dedication and commitment to SDTA and will forever be grateful to past Chair Kim Becker for her wisdom and guidance in taking our mission to new heights," said Coker.  "I look forward to working closely with incoming Chair Shawn Dixon, as his passion and enthusiasm for San Diego and travel industry will be a tremendous asset as we continue to serve our community and advance our mission."

Photos and biographies of SDTA’s Board of Directors are available here.