2026 Commissioner Referendum
Vote on new board members representing accommodations, restaurants and retail, and car rental
Overview
The referendum is the mechanism by which you will vote to elect your industry representatives to the California Travel and Tourism Commission (dba Visit California). Commissioners on the Visit California Board authorize how assessment monies are spent related to the development and execution of an annual tourism marketing plan for California.
In this 2026 referendum, you will vote on the election of commissioners for Visit California in the following industry categories: accommodations, restaurants and retail, and passenger car rental.
Voting information
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Voting timeline
Ballots due - May 15, 2026
Results certified - May 27, 2026
Announcement of results - June 3, 2026 -
Contact
Tori Cruz-Fuchs
Tourism Assessment Manager
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Accommodations nominationsReed Kandalaft
Regional Vice President and General Manager
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts/Beverly HillRipton Melhado
Senior Vice President Field Operations
Hyatt Corporation -
Passenger car rental nominationsShuaib Bulhan
Division Vice President, Western Operations
The Hertz CorporationJohn Sheperdonson
Senior Vice President of Operations - West
Avis Budget Group, Inc. -
Restaurant and retail nominations
Daniel Halpern
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Jackmont Hospitality
Nominee biographies
Learn more about the tourism industry professionals nominated to serve on the Visit California board of directors.
View biosNominating and voting process
Commissioner candidates are nominated by the Nominating Committee.
It is important to note that only businesses that have paid their assessments and any fines or late fees up through and including assessments that were due in July 2024 will be eligible to vote in the referendum. Any outstanding assessment fees for that period must be paid by April 1, 2026, to participate in the referendum vote.
It is important to note that only businesses that have paid their assessments and any fines or late fees up through and including assessments that were due in July 2024 will be eligible to vote in the referendum. Any outstanding assessment fees for that period must be paid by April 1, 2026, to participate in the referendum vote. If you have any questions regarding filing the Tourism Assessment Form, please contact the Tourism Assessment Program at (916) 322-1266.