New ?director appointed to Visitors Bureau

After a three-month search for a new executive director to replace the departing Wendy Peterson, the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau announced today they have found a successor: Jonny Westom will take over the position on Aug. 1.

Westom has been with the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau for more than nine years, serving in three roles including, most recently, Director of Promotions and Special Projects. The recently-married Westom will be moving to Sonoma with his wife, Jamie, and their dog, Lucy, to become a part of the local community.

“The Sonoma Valley is such a unique destination,” says Westom in the announcement of his appointment. “I look forward to partnering with the SVVB member base and the community to build strong brand recognition and awareness for Sonoma Valley.”

The Southern California native lists an MBA from the University of Redlands on his resume, and previously worked at Enterprise before joining the Greater Palm Springs CVB in 2004. Among other projects he planned and implemented the Amgen tour of California in its 2013 pass through Palm Springs on the second leg of that year’s race. That was the year the Amgen TOC finished its eight-stage journey in Santa Rosa.

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 and the American Advertising Federation.

“We are very fortunate to have found someone with Jonny’s level of experience and enthusiasm for the executive director position,” stated Paul Giusto, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau board president. “We believe he will do an outstanding job building 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.”

Peterson announced her retirement in February, after nearly 15 years with the SVVB, half its lifetime. She and Westom will be working together for a time upon his arrival to help integrate the new director with the staff and his responsibilities – “on-boarding,” as she put it. “The entire SVVB team – board, staff and volunteers – are thrilled with the selection and look forward to welcoming and working with Jonny!,” Said Peterson.