Sonoma County Tourism
400 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 500
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Main: 800-576-6662 / 707-522-5800
Fax: 707-539-7252
General E-mail: [email protected]
Marketing E-mail: [email protected]
Advertising E-mail: [email protected]
Public/Media Relations E-mail: [email protected]
Business Development E-mail: [email protected]
Community Engagement E-mail: [email protected]
Claudia Vecchio
Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Claudia Vecchio brings more than 25 years in the destination and consumer marketing arena to her post as President/CEO of Sonoma County Tourism. During the five years she’s led the organization, she’s managed significant crisis situations, launched the “Life Opens Up” brand and driven the organization’s sustainability and destination stewardship platform.
Claudia comes to Sonoma County following six years as Director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs where she helped propel the state’s economy out of recession through boosting domestic and international visitation, launching an award-winning brand, increasing international sales and marketing campaigns and building both the operational and programmatic function of a newly formed statewide department.
During her career, Claudia also led the Ohio Division of Tourism where she introduced experiential marketing to the statewide industry and integrated an evidence-based environment. She also and oversaw the marketing efforts of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. As an executive with global public relations agencies including Edelman and Hill and Knowlton, Claudia managed brand launch campaigns for global brands, and executed consumer marketing and public affairs programs for travel and consumer brands.
In 2015, Claudia was named among the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Marketing by the Hospitality, Sales & Marketing Association International and was presented the J. Desmond Slattery award for Marketer of the Year by the Travel and Tourism Research Association. Her campaigns have been recognized by the U.S. Travel Association with an Odyssey Award for the Best State Tourism Office Public Relations Program and by the Public Relations Society of America as a Silver Anvil Winner for the agency’s innovative outreach to Millennial travelers.
Claudia has served on the Executive Committee of the U.S. Travel Association and on the national boards for the Public Relations Society of America and the Travel and Tourism Research Association.
The arts, travel, gardening, innovation.
Sonoma County has an infinite bounty of natural and cultural resources that all create inspiring and joyful opportunities for exploration. The region’s beauty is found its diversity and undiscovered treasures. Love it all!
Jessica Quigley
Jessica Quigley
Executive Assistant
Jessica Quigley joins Sonoma County Tourism as Executive Assistant. In her role she provides direct support to the CEO and organization to ensure its mission, vision, and critical outcomes are met.
For nearly a decade, Jessica has dedicated herself to effecting positive change in the lives of others and in her community. Beginning her journey at a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting families and children in-need, Jessica's direct experience with the Leadership and Board of Directors has been vital to the success of the shared effort to effect change in the community. Through the campaigns and events she's conducted in her previous role, she brought awareness and community support to the organization and their cause.
Quigley has attended Santa Rosa Junior College studying a variety of subjects and is proud to be certified in wilderness first aid, lifeguarding, kayak guiding, and is a running coach. It’s the generosity of Sonoma County and the people here that continue to make her proud to be part of an organization promoting stewardship and sustainable tourism.
If she’s not running or hiking the trails of West Sonoma County with her dog, Jessica is enjoying a pint and live music at one of the many dog friendly breweries. She also enjoys sipping on the wine and enjoying the views of many of Sonoma County’s world class wineries. She can often be found paddling on the Russian River, or dining out at one of the county's renowned restaurants.
As the daughter of an avid trail runner, Jessica loves the morning mist, the mountains and the terrain of Sonoma County. Her father, a Charter Boat Captain and Fisherman in Bodega Bay, taught her the beauty, bounty and abundance of the Sonoma Coast. The landscape, food, culture, and diversity deepens her love and knowledge of all that Sonoma County has to offer.
Lori Angstadt
Lori Angstadt
Vice President, Finance & Operations
Lori Angstadt joined Sonoma County Tourism as Vice President, Finance & Operations. In this role, she oversees all finance, administrative and operational activities within the organization from budgets, to IT, and HR functions.
While new to the world of destination stewardship/marketing organizations, she has many years of experience in the hospitality industry. For 10 years, Lori worked for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in the finance department, working at both city and resort properties in Canada and the US. She then fulfilled a dream of living in Hawaii, spending a couple years at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s fabled North Shore before returning to Sonoma County. Lori received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and earned her CPA designation shortly after joining Fairmont Hotels.
Travel, concerts, happy hours at the many great restaurants in Sonoma County.
The laid back lifestyle and diversity of activities.
Conrad Braganza
Conrad Braganza
Senior Manager, Research
Conrad Braganza is Senior Manager, Research, at Sonoma County Tourism. He collaborates with diverse teams in the organization by providing competitive quantitative and qualitative insights to achieve organizational strategic goals. Conrad identifies and communicates consumer trends in the travel and tourism sector, and important intersections such as the wine industry, outdoor recreation, and sustainable travel. He presently serves on the Board of the Greater Western Travel and Tourism Research Association, President of Board of Directors –U.S. Green Building Council, Central California, the Research Committee of Visit California, and a member of Leadership Santa Rosa, Class 39.
Conrad has a M.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Biometry and Plant Physiology from Fresno State. Prior to working for Sonoma County Tourism, he developed the Recycled Water program for the City of Fresno and served on the Regulatory-Legislative Committee of WateReuse, California. He is passionate about building a sense of community connection to his work, applying analytical skills, and communicating data in a practical way. A native of Goa, India, Conrad grew up in Dubai and is a proud Californian and new Sonoma Countian.
I love kayaking, reading, traveling with my partner, and classical piano.
I love the strong sense of localism, and down-to-earth culture and people.
Emma Schmitz
Emma Schmitz
Data & Systems Specialist
Emma Schmitz is the Data and Systems Specialist for Sonoma County Tourism. Working with each department, Emma manages SCT’s Simpleview database which feeds information to the website and the mobile app. She is a Simpleview Certified Mentor and trains SCT staff and partners. Additionally, she manages the Hospitality Hub. Emma is passionate about supporting the Sonoma County business community by connecting them to opportunities and helping to represent them on the website.
Emma holds a degree in Food and Beverage Management from the Culinary Institute of Michigan and a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Northern Michigan University. She has wide breath of work experiences starting at a young age at her parent’s retail stores. Over the years she’s worked in retail, restaurants, a distillery, an event venue, a historically restored attraction, a resort, and an event décor company.
Cross-country skiing, hiking, craft beer & spirits, travel.
One of the reasons I love Sonoma County is that no matter how long you have lived there, or how many times you've visited, there is always more to discover and explore.
Lisa Coats
Lisa Coats
Accounting Assistant
Lisa Coats joined Sonoma County Tourism as Accounting Assistant in April 2023. In her role she helps with the day-to-day financial tasks, as well as supporting administrative, human resource and information technology functions. In addition to her finance duties, Lisa enjoys participating in preparation for events planned by Sonoma County Tourism.
Lisa comes to us with many years of accounting and office management experience. She has a penchant for organizing spaces and streamlining tasks, while having fun along the way.
Lisa has lived and worked in Sonoma County most of her life, and watched it grow into the travel destination it has become. She has lived briefly in other cities but has always felt Sonoma County was home. She lives in Santa Rosa with her husband and her African Gray parrot.
Hiking the trails in the local parks is Lisa’s passion, which she does frequently. She is also passionate about working with glass, creating art and functional art as often as possible. Lisa also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
It’s a beautiful place, with many cute little towns to explore, great places to eat and drink, and lots of fairs and festivals and art everywhere. It’s also easy to find a place to just ‘be’ from the forest to the ocean, to relax and breathe.
Cooper Angstadt
Cooper Angstadt
Director of Pawsitivity
Cooper was brought into the organization in October 2019 by Lori. He instantly made himself at home as the Director of Pawsitivity and takes his role very seriously. From greeting people (staff and visitors) enthusiastically at the front door to mid-day hellos, he brings a smile to all who meet him. He rarely complains (except when it rains) and is happy to accept payment in the form of treats and scratches. He enjoys napping in his bed during meetings and is always happy to be a part of financial discussions in Lori’s office.
Treats, walks and office visits.
All the great places to walk and the variety of treats available locally.
Frank Filice
Frank Filice
Vice President Marketing/Communications
Frank was born and raised in Los Gatos, California and graduated from Sonoma State University with a BS degree in Business Administration and a concentration of Marketing. He has spent almost his entire career in Marketing, working at a variety of different consumer packaged goods companies prior to entering into the tourism industry. He joined Sonoma County Tourism in June of 2021 and was awarded "Rising Tourism Star" by E-Tourism Summit in 2022. He has lived in Sonoma County for over seventeen years and loves the outdoors and spending time with his family. When he is not driving overnight visitation to Sonoma County, Frank can be found out in his garden, hanging out with his wife and kids and cuddling his two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a King Charles Cavalier.
Photography, Coffee and Gardening
Trione-Annadel State Park. Amazing hiking and biking trails. Love taking a long hike on a warm spring day, then walking over to Trailhouse for a cold beer after.
Birgitt Vaughan
Birgitt Vaughan
Director of Public Relations
Birgitt “Biggi” Vaughan is the Director of Public Relations at Sonoma County Tourism, responsible for the communications and public relations strategy. As a seasoned professional for more than 20 years in the tourism industry, Birgitt is known for cultivating media relationships, creating initiatives, managing tradeshows and events, and driving brand awareness. Successfully positioning Sonoma County as the wine & food capital in the most sustainable wine region in top outlets, she is shifting the recognition to being the go-to destination for wellbeing and responsible travel. Originally from Germany, she always sees the glass half-full, preferably filled with the world-class wine Sonoma County offers.
Experience new cultures, environments and culinary arts
It’s like choosing your favorite child. The coast is amazing, so are our many regional & state parks, but enjoying our locally-grown food and crafted wine & other beverage scene is one of my favorite things to do.
Chris Vomvolakis
Chris Vomvolakis
Senior Manager, Consumer Public Relations
Chris Vomvolakis is natural leader, go-getter, and promoter, with creative ideas and acknowledged strengths synthesizing experience and analysis into dynamic public relations and communications solutions. Recognized for building consensus across business management functions, he has been praised for his enthusiasm, diligence, can-do attitude, sense of humor, and roll-up-the-sleeves work ethic. Chris has over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, public and media relations. A hospitality management graduate of Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz County, California, he has orchestrated marketing, global communications, and value proposition development for nationally and globally recognized brands such as the acclaimed Shadowbrook Restaurant (Capitola, California), the Florida Culinary Institute (West Palm Beach, Florida), Benziger Family Winery (Glen Ellen, California) and Visit Santa Rosa (Sonoma County, California). Chris’ solutions to strategic public relations are thoughtful, innovative, and multidisciplinary.
Dining, travel, health, and fitness
Landing at Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport. The inbound approach takes you over some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It serves as a wonderful reminder of why we call this special place home.
Jamie Trump
Jamie Trump
Content & Social Media Manager
Jamie Trump is the Content and Social Media Manager at Sonoma County Tourism. Born and raised in Northern California, she has always loved the Sonoma Coast. After graduating from Chico State with a degree in journalism and creative writing, she worked as a reporter for a daily newspaper before eventually promoting to editor. After more than a decade in the newsroom, she switched gears and began working in public relations and marketing. In 2021, Jamie moved to Bodega Bay and landed her dream job at SCT. She now uses her skills to promote an area she truly loves. Some say she really is living the dream.
Reading, writing, exploring new areas (usually with my sweet lab, Glory, in tow).
Bodega Bay. Not only is it stunning, but it’s where my family has vacationed since I was a child, so it also has special personal ties for me.
Morgan Miles
Morgan Miles
Digital Marketing Manager
Morgan Miles is a proud Sonoma County native having grown up in the charming city of Sonoma. She considers herself fortunate to call this beautiful region her home. She has a strong, extensive background in marketing, having previously worked in the music industry managing the marketing department for a consumer goods company. She is truly passionate about helping businesses grow and achieve their full potential through innovative marketing strategies and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies. Morgan has a creative, outgoing personality and is passionate about her work and giving back to the community which drew her to Sonoma County Tourism. In her free time, Morgan loves spending time outdoors with her two beloved Boston Terriers, tending to her garden, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and enjoying quality time with her family and friends.
Cooking, Gardening, Outdoor Adventures, Music
All the diversity in events, food, wine, music, and scenery. There is always a new adventure calling my name here in Sonoma County.
Kate Davis
Kate Davis
Project & Design Specialist
Kate Davis is a creative marketing professional that has spent her career in Creative Marketing, Media, and Communications and has enjoyed connecting brands and stories with the targeted audiences that impact them. Kate was born and raised in Petaluma, California. Kate graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Design, focusing on Media Arts. Kate returned to Sonoma County a few years later, working in media services at the local public access television station, while simultaneously working as a freelance videographer and editor and helping businesses with their branding and launching their social media presence. Most recently, Kate worked in Sonoma County’s Craft Beverage industry for many years, with a focus in Marketing and Public Relations. During this time, Kate helped open Bear Republic Brewing Company’s Rohnert Park brewpub location and attended the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. After taking some time off following the birth of her first child, Kate joined Sonoma County Tourism in her role as Project & Design Specialist in 2021. Kate loves spending time with her friends and family. You can often find her outdoors and going on fun adventures with her husband and son.
Baking, Hiking
The coast – I love going to the coast its calming nature helps me to reconnect. Yummy taffy nearby doesn’t hurt either!
A.J. Ruiz
A.J. Ruiz
Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
A.J. is a Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator tasked with supporting both teams through creative and administrative duties. He’s always had a passion for storytelling and supporting his community, which led him to joining Sonoma County Tourism. Having graduated from San Francisco State University in 2022 with bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Cinema, A.J.’s hit the ground running as part of SCT. He’s tackled his responsibilities with gusto as well as spearheaded the launch of SCT’s TikTok account (@sonomacounty), where he highlights the bountiful beauty of Sonoma County in tandem with today’s social trends. A.J. has also been instrumental in the PR-focused “What’s Happening” video series, directing and editing each episode. Throughout high school and college, A.J. worked as a freelance videographer and photographer. He fills his free time working on short films, photographing live music, enjoying sports, playing video games, and relaxing with his girlfriend and their two cats.
Filmmaking, Watching Sports and Photographing Live Music
The Theatre District in Downtown Petaluma because it’s the perfect spot for dinner and a movie.
Jonny Westom
Jonny Westom
Vice President, Business Development
Jonny Westom joined Sonoma County Tourism in 2021 as the Vice President, Business Development with a goal of increasing Sonoma County’s visibility as an overnight destination for groups, meetings, special events, weddings, and international travelers. The California native attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, earning a BA degree in business administration. He then went on to earn his Masters in Business Administration – Global Marketing from the University of Redlands. After 10 years with the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jonny became the Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau where he led the executive, sales, marketing, and re-branding efforts of the world class wine country destination. In 2017 Jonny became the President of Visit Dana Point, leading the small beach community in southern Orange County, CA sales and marketing efforts while creating an award-winning brand strategy.
Jonny lives in Windsor, CA with his wife Jamie Westom, son, Jonathan Owen, and daughter Kayleigh, born in 2021.
Music, Traveling, Boating, Golf, Cooking.
Upon first arriving in Sonoma County in 2015 my family was welcomed with open arms by the community. We moved away in 2017 and when we returned, three years later, we were welcomed “back home.” The people and the pride of the community is what I love most about Sonoma County.
Percy Stevens
Percy Stevens
Director of Travel Trade
Percy Stevens joined Sonoma County Tourism as Director, Travel Trade. In this role he operates domestic leisure sales programming and international sales and marketing efforts for the destination.
Percy comes to Sonoma County Tourism from Visit Durango, where he oversaw the development, implementation, and management of sales and promotion as the director of sales & marketing. In his time at Visit Durango, Percy spearheaded all Durango marketing and sales initiatives, created the Cycling Task Force Committee, and was elected to the Colorado Tourism Office’s International Promotions Committee.
Prior to his position in Colorado, Stevens spent the better part of a decade in the Bay Area as director of global business development for the San Francisco Travel Association, associate director of business development for California Academy of Sciences and travel trade manager for Visit California in Sacramento.
Mountain biking, trail running, skiing, traveling, food, and sipping nice Sonoma County wine.
The variety of the region with its coastline, Forests, and State parks. The food & beer scene is incredible and that’s why it is the perfect place for me.
Stacey Bruckert
Stacey Bruckert
Director of Destination Sales
Sonoma County Native, Stacey Bruckert joins Sonoma County Tourism with over 20 years of hospitality experience.
As Director of Destination Sales, she connects event professionals with hotels, tour companies, activities, restaurants, wineries, and transportation throughout Sonoma County. She specializes in facilitating relationships so that organizations can create memorable experiences for their clients, employees, partners, and trusted advisors. Stacey consistently exceeds sales expectations through identifying business opportunities and by increasing market share and profitability locally, domestically, and internationally.
“I am excited about the direction of my career in the ever-changing environment of the tourism industry. To have the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with friends and share what makes Sonoma County unique and why I call it home brings me joy every day.”
Gardening, yoga, hiking, travel, time with my family.
Immense natural beauty, access to a wide variety of outdoor activities, temperate weather, small-town charm with a diverse population.
Kurt Shaver
Kurt Shaver
Destination Sales Manager
Kurt Shaver joined Sonoma County Tourism as Group Business Development Manager in July 2021. In this role Kurt is responsible for attracting groups and special events to Sonoma County for overnights stays and meetings. Kurt works with meeting planners, associations, non-profits, government agencies and other organization types while working with local hotel partners, venues, wineries, and attractions that focus on meetings. Kurt’s duties include trade show attendance, participation in meeting industry associations, conducting buyer site visits and FAM tours, social media engagement, and other community activities. His background includes 20 years of experience in the technology sales industry. After leaving the corporate world, Kurt founded his own sales training and professional speaking company. Six years later his business merged with a training company where Kurt served as a founding partner for 4 years before joining the SCT team.
Cycling, music, and cooking in his outdoor wood oven.
Driving out to the Pacific coast in the Summer with the top down, listening to the abundant live music (especially outdoors) and enjoying the variety and quality of food and wine produced in the area.
Steve Lee
Steve Lee
Mid-West Sales Representative
Steve Lee comes to Sonoma County Tourism with more than 20 years of demonstrated performance in the meetings & incentive industry, global tourism, and destination management. Steve is an in-market contractor based in Minnesota where he promotes and develops the Midwest market for groups and meetings. In his career path, Steve has served in prominent sales & marketing roles with TREK International Travel, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Destination Hotels. In addition, Steve spent 7 years representing the 9 cities of the Coachella Valley in a national sales capacity developing convention and event business for the Greater Palm Springs CVB. Most recently, Steve currently works with multiple clients through his full-service meeting & incentive solution company, focusing on high-profile clients throughout the Midwest, East Coast, and incentive houses… Steve has held professional membership in various chapters of SITE – Society of Incentive Travel Excellence, MPI – Meeting Professionals International, and PCMA – Professional Convention Management Association.
Spending time with family, traveling, hiking, national parks, and coaching ice hockey.
The diverse landscape and incredible food & wine scene. From the stunning Northern California coastline; through the towering groves of redwoods; to the amazing winegrowing regions; Sonoma County is truly one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the entire world.
Kelly Bass Seibel
Kelly Bass Seibel
Vice President, Community Engagement
Kelly Bass Seibel serves as the Vice President, Community Engagement for Sonoma County Tourism. In her role at Sonoma County Tourism Kelly oversees the organization’s efforts in sustainability, destination stewardship and community engagement.
Previously, Kelly served in leadership roles at the Petaluma Health Center and the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber and has expertise in collaborative partnerships, advocacy, workforce development and program development. Kelly has played a pivotal role in the creation of the Santa Rosa Young Professionals Network, as well as the creation of the Chamber’s award-winning Mike Hauser Algebra Academy and widely recognized WHEEL program.
With a passion for giving back to her community, Kelly has served on several local committees and boards, including the Sonoma State University Alumni Association and First 5 Sonoma County, where she served as Commission chair. She has been named to “Forty Under 40” by both the North Bay Business Journal and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and was an Educational Fellow for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Kelly is a proud alumnus of Leadership Santa Rosa and Leadership Petaluma, and resides in Petaluma with her husband, Pat, and her daughters, Riley and Gracie.
Reading, iced coffee and playing with my kids.
I could talk about the diversity of our geography, the individualism of our cities and towns, or our commitment to preserving this place, but the thing I love most about Sonoma County are the authentic and creative makers, thinkers and innovators that call this place home.
Tracy Koch
Tracy Koch
Community Engagement Manager
Tracy comes to Sonoma County Tourism as the Community Engagement Manager. This marks her third decade in Sonoma County after moving here to attend the JC out of High School. She moved to San Louis Obispo for 1.5 years to attend Cal Poly and graduated with her BS in Organizational Management with an emphasis on consulting. Shortly after, she moved back to Sonoma County and went to work in the hospitality industry on the restaurant side with events and marketing. She then became a General Manager at a small luxury resort in Healdsburg for just over 10 years. Tracy continued with special events throughout the county with different organizations as well as personal business.
Tracy then joined SCT with the excitement of supporting tourism and hospitality on a larger scale for the whole county and not just individual partners. This year will mark almost 25 years in the hospitality industry.
She currently serves as board liaison for SCT and manages the Accredited Hospitality Professional (AHP) program, an education initiative designed to empower hospitality workers with knowledge specific and important to Sonoma County. This program also assists hospitality professionals in understanding the need for additional training opportunities for staff to keep them interested and engaged in their work for employers.
“ I know that the one of the most important pieces to a visitor is the experience they have and what interactions and memories have helped been created by the hospitality workers they come in contact with (tasting room, hotel, restaurant etc.).”
My kids/family (including fur babies), kayaking (anything on the water) volunteering for various organizations & eats in Sonoma County (especially those with local ales!)
The feeling that I get as I drive home every day towards North County. Countless times I think how grateful I am that this is where I am raising my family. Truly, the solitude in the rolling hills, vineyards, and the overall beauty in the variety of landscape, regardless of the season, are just so calming at the end of the day.
Tanya Rainey
Tanya Rainey
Community Development Manager
Tanya joins the SCT team as the Community Development Manager. In this dynamic role, she works with the community engagement team to collaborate with visitors centers across Sonoma County. She also works alongside the business development team to assist in our partnerships with local businesses, stakeholders, and developers. Tanya is proud to bring over seven years of invaluable experience in the destination marketing field, which seamlessly aligns with her current role as SCT.
As a native of Sonoma County, Tanya spent her formative years in Sebastopol before moving to Santa Rosa three decades ago. With more than 14 years of dedicated service in the health and fitness industry, she climbed the ranks and was promoted to the role of General Manager at a well-known local health club.
Tanya’s leadership skills and talents led her to the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber - where she served as an Executive Assistant for the Visit Santa Rosa program. There, she gained invaluable insights into marketing, promotion, and crisis management for our destination.
Following the pandemic, Tanya accepted the challenge to manage and revitalize the California Welcome Center in Historic Railroad Square in downtown Santa Rosa, reimagining and overseeing its complete renovation from inception to completion. Her efforts resulted in the creation of a warm and genuine Sonoma County experience that embraced visitors from around the globe from the moment they walked through the door.
Throughout her tenure in destination management, Tanya has played a pivotal role in organizing and orchestrating major events in Sonoma County, including the Santa Rosa Marathon and the esteemed IRONMAN 70.3 and 140.6 triathlons.
I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, and coffee of course!
I love that you can drive 20-30 minutes in any direction, and you feel you are in a whole other location. Mother Nature does her best work here.
