Local CEO takes new chairman post

The California Travel Industry Assn. has appointed the president and chief executive of the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau as its new chairman.

Gary Sherwin, who has overseen the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau since 2006, will lead the California Travel Industry Assn.’s promotion of the state’s $97-billion tourism industry in California.

“We’re facing challenges to one of the state’s most important and vital economic engines, and our collective goal is to ensure that California remains one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.,” Sherwin said in a statement.

A 24-year travel and tourism veteran, he has previously held executive positions with the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority; the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sherwin is also a nationally recognized destination brand advisor and co-author of the book “Destination BrandScience.” He also serves on the Newport Beach Economic Development Committee, is vice chairman for the Orange County Tourism Council, and is a board member of the Destination Marketing Assn. International Foundation Board of Directors. Sherwin will continue to lead the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau while working with the California Travel Industry Assn. for the next year.

— Brianna Bailey