The search is over. The Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau, which was recently renamed Visit Carlsbad, has hired Sam Ross as its new executive director.
“The position was ultimately filled with the most qualified and passionate candidate,” said Randy Nakagawa, chairman of the bureau's board. “During the process, Sam's extensive sales and marketing background, along with his personable demeanor, made him a stand-out candidate.”
Ross was born in Florida in 1964 and moved with his family in 1977 to Brussels, Belgium. He graduated from the International School of Brussels in 1983.
A graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in mass communications and advertising, Ross has a well-rounded background with specialties in corporate advertising, marketing and sales.
After moving to San Diego in 1992, Ross took a freelance job with DiZinno Thompson Advertising. He worked on the Hilton Casino account, specifically the properties in Laughlin and Reno, ultimately landing an account executive position with Phillips-Ramsey Advertising.
Additionally, Ross spent seven years with San Diego ConVis in membership. He ultimately assumed the responsibilities of director of partnership marketing & member opportunities.
Denver, Colo. was the next opportunity for Ross as senior membership sales manager for the Denver Metro Convention &Visitors Bureau. He left that position to join Point of Contact Media as an independent sales representative, selling print and Web advertising for the Denver Metro Convention &Visitors Bureau.
While working as director of membership & marketing for Lake Region Yacht & Country Club in Florida, Southern California was calling. Moving back to San Diego County was an easy decision for the Ross family to make.
Ross and his wife, Tiffani, have been married for 10 years and have two children, a 7-year-old daughter, Logan, and a 5-year-old son, Hudson. Their favorite family activities include going to the beach and Legoland California.
Ross is a sports enthusiast who enjoys beach volleyball, surfing and running. He also likes cooking and flying; he is a licensed private pilot.
Ross has a vested interest in Carlsbad since he will be raising his family here. He has a vision for the direction Visit Carlsbad should take.
“We are the stewards of tourism marketing for the city and it is our responsibility to coalesce the tourism and hospitality community into one collective voice, and to bring visitors to the hotels and local businesses,” Ross said. “The challenge of directing Visit Carlsbad to achieving that goal is one I look forward to.”
Rebranding campaign
At its May 20 meeting, the board of directors for the visitors bureau revealed Visit Carlsbad as the new name for the destination marketing organization.
“The old name did not reflect our focus, which is bringing visitors to Carlsbad and could be confusing since we do not actually have a convention center,” Nakagawa said. “There will be a rebranding campaign, as well as plans for a new, high-tech, interactive Web site launching later in the year.”
Vice-chair Robert Moore said the organization is truly going from good to great.
“With the added elements of the new branding and upcoming consumer-friendly Web site, we will be able to show that this destination is more than just the best place to live and work, but the best place to visit as well,” Moore added.
“The position was ultimately filled with the most qualified and passionate candidate,” said Randy Nakagawa, chairman of the bureau's board. “During the process, Sam's extensive sales and marketing background, along with his personable demeanor, made him a stand-out candidate.”
Ross was born in Florida in 1964 and moved with his family in 1977 to Brussels, Belgium. He graduated from the International School of Brussels in 1983.
A graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in mass communications and advertising, Ross has a well-rounded background with specialties in corporate advertising, marketing and sales.
After moving to San Diego in 1992, Ross took a freelance job with DiZinno Thompson Advertising. He worked on the Hilton Casino account, specifically the properties in Laughlin and Reno, ultimately landing an account executive position with Phillips-Ramsey Advertising.
Additionally, Ross spent seven years with San Diego ConVis in membership. He ultimately assumed the responsibilities of director of partnership marketing & member opportunities.
Denver, Colo. was the next opportunity for Ross as senior membership sales manager for the Denver Metro Convention &Visitors Bureau. He left that position to join Point of Contact Media as an independent sales representative, selling print and Web advertising for the Denver Metro Convention &Visitors Bureau.
While working as director of membership & marketing for Lake Region Yacht & Country Club in Florida, Southern California was calling. Moving back to San Diego County was an easy decision for the Ross family to make.
Ross and his wife, Tiffani, have been married for 10 years and have two children, a 7-year-old daughter, Logan, and a 5-year-old son, Hudson. Their favorite family activities include going to the beach and Legoland California.
Ross is a sports enthusiast who enjoys beach volleyball, surfing and running. He also likes cooking and flying; he is a licensed private pilot.
Ross has a vested interest in Carlsbad since he will be raising his family here. He has a vision for the direction Visit Carlsbad should take.
“We are the stewards of tourism marketing for the city and it is our responsibility to coalesce the tourism and hospitality community into one collective voice, and to bring visitors to the hotels and local businesses,” Ross said. “The challenge of directing Visit Carlsbad to achieving that goal is one I look forward to.”
Rebranding campaign
At its May 20 meeting, the board of directors for the visitors bureau revealed Visit Carlsbad as the new name for the destination marketing organization.
“The old name did not reflect our focus, which is bringing visitors to Carlsbad and could be confusing since we do not actually have a convention center,” Nakagawa said. “There will be a rebranding campaign, as well as plans for a new, high-tech, interactive Web site launching later in the year.”
Vice-chair Robert Moore said the organization is truly going from good to great.
“With the added elements of the new branding and upcoming consumer-friendly Web site, we will be able to show that this destination is more than just the best place to live and work, but the best place to visit as well,” Moore added.