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New head of SV Visitors Bureau

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Sonoma Valley Sun

image004The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau (SVVB) has named Jonny Westom, who comes from the Greater Palms Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, as its new executive director.

Westom begins his new role on August 1, replacing Wendy Peterson who will be retiring from the SVVB after 15 years.

In Palm Springs, Westom served for more than nine years in three director roles, including Director of Promotions and Special Projects, Director of Community Relations, and Director of Sales Promotion and Member Development.

“We are very fortunate to have found someone with Jonny’s level of experience and enthusiasm for the executive director position” said Paul Giusto, SVVB board president. “We believe he will do an outstanding job following in Wendy Peterson’s footsteps to build on all of the wonderful accomplishments Wendy has made during her tenure at the Visitors Bureau, as well as bring new ideas to further promote the authenticity of Sonoma Valley and all that makes it special for the next generation of travelers.”

Westom said he looks forward to partnering with the member base and the community to build strong brand recognition and awareness for Sonoma Valley. “The Sonoma Valley is such a unique destination,” he said. “There is strength in the board of directors, which allows for a sustainable tourism identity and business opportunity.”

Westom received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Marketing from the University of Redlands. Actively involved in his local community, Westom is currently the Board Vice President of the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs and a member of the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and the American Advertising Federation.  Newly married, Westom is looking forward to moving to Sonoma with his wife Jamie and their dog Lucy and becoming a part of the local community.

Founded in 1984, the bureau is a nonprofit organization representing more than 350 member businesses that serve and support the local hospitality community. The SVVB serves as a coordinating agency for sales, marketing and promotional efforts aimed at potential tourism markets.




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