SAN DIEGO—The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has appointed new officers and board members for fiscal year 2027.
The board comprises tourism industry professionals and community stakeholders who help guide the organization’s efforts to drive visitor demand and support the San Diego region’s tourism economy.
Dena Roady, area vice president and general manager of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, will serve as board chair. Michael O’Donohue, managing director of La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, was named vice chair; Sam Attisha, senior vice president and regional manager for Cox Communications’ West Region, will serve as treasurer; and Jamie Lemon, area general manager of Rancho Bernardo Inn, will serve as secretary.
SDTA also named four new directors: Wendy Bulger, general counsel for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; Reid Burkett, vice president of revenue strategy for Pebblebrook Hotel Trust; Tyler Carter, park president of SeaWorld San Diego; and Chris Sichel, vice president of programs for the Prebys Foundation.
“We’re fortunate to bring four accomplished leaders to our Board of Directors, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from across the tourism industry,” says SDTA president and CEO Daniel Kuperschmid. “Their expertise will help advance SDTA’s mission and support the continued success of San Diego’s tourism industry. We also extend our gratitude to our outgoing board members for their service and leadership.”
Continuing directors include Tracy Borkum, founder and principal of Urban Kitchen Group; Jennifer Bower, chief revenue officer for Legends/San Diego FC; Ilsa Butler, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of sales and marketing for Evans Hotels; Martha Gilmer, CEO of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra; Eric Jenkins, general manager of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa; Cecilia Menezes, general manager of DoubleTree San Diego Mission Valley; Kazeem Omidiji, director of community relations for SDG&E; and Hanaa Zahran, senior vice president and commercial banking relationship manager for U.S. Bank.
SDTA recognized outgoing members Lydia Bartell of Bartell Hotels; Jody Blackington of Sage Hospitality Group; Shawn Dixon and Annie Fitzgerald of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; Marty Gorsich of Century Club San Diego; Todd McAninch of Hyatt Regency La Jolla; Michelle Metter of Fast Forward Events; Shaun Robinson of Hilton San Diego Bayfront; and Nenad Praporski of Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
The San Diego Tourism Foundation, SDTA’s 501(c)(3) affiliate, also announced board appointments. Established in 2024, the foundation focuses on small-business empowerment, workforce development, and destination stewardship. It supports the Tourism Accelerator program, which connects diverse communities with business opportunities in San Diego’s travel and hospitality sector.
Alana Dillette, Ph.D., associate professor at San Diego State University’s L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, will lead the foundation board.
New foundation directors are Phil Blair, executive officer of Manpower San Diego; Christina Connett Brophy, Ph.D., president and CEO of Maritime Museum of San Diego; Adriana Brunner, vice president and senior business consultant for community business strategies at JPMorgan Chase; and Elba Gomez, assistant superintendent and vice president of administrative services for MiraCosta Community College District.
The foundation also recognized outgoing board chair Marilyn Hannes, corporate strategic advisor for United Parks & Resorts.
