July 11, 2022—Napa Valley, CA—The board of directors of Visit Napa Valley, the not-for-profit destination management organization, has elected Tom Davies, V. Sattui Winery president and managing partner, as its chair for fiscal year 2023. Additional officers on the executive committee are Thomas Bensel, Culinary Institute of America & Copia, managing director, as chair-elect; Emma Swain, St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery ceo, as vice-chair; Gary Buffo, Pure Luxury Transportation founder and owner, as secretary/ treasurer; and Michael Collins, Archer Hotel general manager, serves as past-chair.
“Visit Napa Valley takes a collaborative destination management approach to marketing the Napa Valley and the quality of life we all share. I look forward to leading our tourism business partners during the coming year as we continue to accelerate recovery,” said Tom Davies. “Through the strategies we champion, together we can positively impact the hospitality industry and our vibrant community in Napa Valley for years to come.”
Additional members of the FY 2023 Visit Napa Valley Board of Directors include six new members: Ty Accornero, Alila Napa Valley; Carmen Cruz, Embassy Suites Napa Valley; Jason Scoggins, Latitude 38 Entertainment; Todd Shallan, Silverado Resort & Spa; Michael Steinwender, Andaz Napa; and Don Shindle, Westin Verasa, returns to the board after a short hiatus. Others continuing their terms include Edward Costa, Carneros Resort & Spa; Whitney Diver McEvoy, Yountville Chamber of Commerce; Mehdi Eftekari, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley; Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa Valley; Joe Leinacker, Meritage Resort & Spa, Vista Collina Resort, and Vino Bello Resort; Alain Negueloua, Bardessono Hotel & Spa; and Linda Reiff, Napa Valley Vintners.
The Visit Napa Valley board of directors begin their two-year terms effective July 1, 2022, and at a pivotal time in the recovery of Napa Valley’s hospitality industry.
“In 2021, Napa Valley’s tourism industry rebounded faster and stronger than other California and U.S. destinations welcoming visitors who stayed longer and spent more money in the destination,” said Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa Valley President & CEO. “As a result, our Napa Valley hospitality industry was able to restore pre-pandemic tax contributions to our local city and town governments – money that goes to job creation, roads, parks and recreation, public safety, and more.”
Additionally, the Napa Valley Tourism Corporation Board of Directors has been named for fiscal year 2023. New for FY23, Michael Lennon, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, joins the board filling the vacant Calistoga lodging seat. Continuing their service are Chair Don Shindle, Westin Verasa Napa; Marcelle Adderley, Southbridge Napa Valley; Felipe Barragan, Chateau de Vie; Sara Brooks, Napa River Inn; Amy Carabba-Salazar, St. Helena Chamber of Commerce; Diane Dillon, Napa County Board of Supervisors; Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa Valley; George Goeggel, Auberge du Soleil; Kenta Kamohara, Holiday Inn Express; David Oro, City of American Canyon; Steve Potter, City of Napa; Steve Rogers, Town of Yountville.
About Visit Napa Valley
Visit Napa Valley is the official destination management organization for the Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect, and enhance the region’s position as the world’s premier wine country experience and to enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live, and work. Napa Valley’s rural 35-mile scenic landscape, conveniently located just an hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, consists of five distinctive towns from north to south – Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, Napa, and American Canyon. Additional designated areas include Rutherford, Oakville, Angwin, and the outdoor recreation area of Lake Berryessa. For more information, please visit: www.visitnapavalley.com
