Visit California is adding more expertise to its already award-winning team by hiring two industry professionals: Brian Wright as Senior Director of Communications and Dean Jacobberger as Director of Travel Trade.

“After an extensive search, Visit California is excited to bring on board two new team members with extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Both Brian and Dean are more than prepared to take on these important roles and have the ability to hit the ground running.”

Brian Wright, the new Senior Director of Communications, comes to Visit California with more than a decade of executive level experience in the travel industry from his role as Director of Marketing for Delaware North Companies (DNC) Parks and Resorts at Yosemite National Park. Prior to this position, he oversaw DNC sales, marketing and e-business efforts at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Wright is currently the Chair of Visit California’s Communications Committee and is extensively involved in a myriad of the organization’s marketing and communications initiatives.

Dean Jacobberger, the new Director of Travel Trade, is a seasoned travel professional who started his career in tourism at STA Travel, an international travel firm specializing in advising college students and young adults on adventures/study abroad. He has spent the last six years as Manager of Trade Relations for South African Tourism. At Visit California, Dean will be responsible for promotion of California as a premier travel destination to the travel trade, consisting of operators, wholesalers, and travel agents within targeted domestic and international markets.