Wes Rhea

Chief Executive Officer at Visit Lodi

Speaker

Wes Rhea serves as the CEO at Visit Lodi. Prior to his position at Visit Lodi, he served as the CEO at Visit Stockton from 2005 - 2024, leading the destination marketing efforts in his hometown of Stockton, California. Known for his advocacy of small destination marketing organizations, Wes is a pioneer in adopting new tourism tech and leveraging data to drive results.

A distinguished leader in the tourism industry, Wes has served as President of the One West Tourism Alliance (formerly DMAWest) and now holds the title of Board Member Emeritus. His extensive board experience includes the California Travel Association, the Destination Marketing Association of the West Education and Research Foundation, the US Travel Association’s Destinations Council Board of Advisors, and the Central Valley Tourism Association. Wes was recently appointed to the Destinations International (DI) Professional Credential Program Committee (CDME Board), and co-chairs the DI Professional Development Committee. Wes earned his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential in 2013.

Wes has been recognized by the One West Tourism Alliance with the Brad Burlingame Spirit of Leadership Award and Destinations International’s Destination Organization Leadership Award.

Wes is also a veteran, having served ten years in the US Army