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The OCVA: A Dynamic Advocate for a Vital Industry

Tourism plays an essential role in Orange County's diverse and vibrant economy. The OC welcomes a remarkable 42 million visitors annually, who spend $7.75 billion and help support 160,000 local tourism industry jobs.

As the county's leading advocate for tourism for nearly 20 years, the Orange County Visitors Association (OCVA) is the only visitor organization that promotes all of The OC.  They're fortunate to represent an endlessly appealing destination - one that is versatile enough to tap into an enormous regional market of 21 million people and a growing number of global travelers looking for their own unforgettable California expderience.

They are the leading organization for Orange County tourism. They speak with one voice and act with the collecive strength of our partners. There's no question that the OCVA is the champion of Orange County's visitor Industry.

The OCVA Promise

The association leads their partners in Orange County visitor advocacy communications and brand marketing support.

The OCVA Mission Statement

The Orange County Visitors Association represents The OC as one of the world's premier travel destinations by providing brand marketing stewardship and information dissemination, collective industry advocacy, and educational opportunities.

The OCVA: What We Do

Advocacy: The OCVA is the unified voice for the Orange County visitor industry's tourism-related legistlative initiatives. They promote policies that benefit the travel industry and ensure that the priorities and needs of Orange County tourism are heard.

Marketing: The positive awareness and understanding of The OC brand is their most valuable asset. They are all stewards of this brand and promote Orange County as a premier world travel destination. By combining their collective strenghts, the entire region becomes more attractive to prospective visitors and stronger economically. And in the process, each individual tourism-related business benefits from The OC's prominence and appeal as a destination.

Education: The OCVA serves as an information resource for government officials and travel industry professionals. The association hosts education and networking forums to convey currect regional, domestic, and international travel trends. They foster professional and workforce development through academic advisory partnerships.

 

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:

Chairman: Gary Sherwin, President & CEO – Visit Newport Beach Inc.

Vice-Chairman: Judy Bijlani, President & CEO – Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau

Immediate Past Chairman: Steve Bone, President & CEO - Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau

Treasurer: Russ Kline, Director of Account and Market Development - American Express

Secretary: Christy Teague, Economic Development Manager – City of Dana Point

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Anaheim/OC Visitors & Convention Bureau: Jay Burress, President

Anaheim Resort Transportation: Diana Kotler, Executive Director

Buena Park Convention & Visitors Bureau: Sara Copping, Director

California State University Fullerton Center for Entertainment & Tourism Communications: Don Anderson, Director

Certified Folder Display Services Inc: Patrick Fearn, President

City of Garden Grove: Matt Fertal, City Manager

Costa Mesa Conference & Visitor Bureau: Paulette Lombardi-Fries, President

Destination Irvine: Wendy Haase, Director of Tourism Marketing

Disneyland Resort: Kyndell Paine, Manager of Government Relations

Fashion Island/Irvine Spectrum Center: Warren Chaumont, Director, Marketing Regional Centers

Hilton Anaheim: Shaun Robinson, General Manager

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort: J.D. Shafer, General Manager

John Wayne Airport, Orange County: Jenny Wedge, Manager, Public Relations

Knott’s Berry Farm: Chelle Rupp, Director of Sales/Marketing

OC: California’s Golf Coast: Gina Kerley, Executive Director

The Place Magazine: Michael Maxsenti, Publisher

Orange County Board of Supervisors/1st District: Jany Lee, OC Korean Festival

Orange County Board of Supervisors/2nd District: Bonnie Hall, Arts Consultant

Orange County Board of Supervisors/3rd District: Mark Denny, OC Parks

Orange County Board of Supervisors/4th District: Sharon Nelson

Orange County Board of Supervisors/5th District: Don Hughes

Orange County Fair & Event Center:  Michele Richards, Chief of Business Development Officer

Orange County Great Park Corporation: Mike Ellzey, CEO

PKF Consulting: Bruce Baltin, Senior Vice President

San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce/Mission San Juan Capistrano: Barb Beier, Development & Marketing Manager

South Coast Plaza: Werner Escher, Executive Director, Domestic & Intl Markets

The Oceanfront: Michelle McCue, Communications Consultant

Transportation Corridor Agencies (The Toll Roads): Lisa Ganz, Communications Marketing Specialist

WHERE Magazine: Jeff Levy, Publisher

 

ADVISORS:

Orange County Film Commission: Janice Arrington, Film Commissioner

California Travel Association: John Severini, President & CEO

County of Orange: Carolyn McInerney: Administrative Manager

 

STAFF:

Anita Vanaman, Executive Director