Connecting Education and Industry
The Experience Industry Management Advisory Council connects industry professionals with faculty and students to guide the department’s growth and direction. Through their expertise, members help advance educational opportunities, foster innovation and strengthen the connection between Cal Poly and the experience industry.
Advisory Council Members
| Name | Title | Company |
| Ryan Becker | Vice President of Communications | Visit California |
| Megan Bleichner Brannan | Director of North America Marketing | Oracle Corporation |
| Kevin Bumen | Chief Commercial Officer | San Francisco Airport |
| Cathy Cartier | President and CEO | Visit SLO CAL |
| Elisa Cox | Assistant City Manager | City of Rancho Cucamonga |
| Sara Grauf* | Senior Vice President, Event Strategy and Services | Giants Enterprises |
| Tom Halen | General Manager, President, COO | La Lomita Ranch, Town of Harmony, Harmony Valley Creamery/La Lomita Ranch |
| Marcelle Hampton | Vice President Account Management | George P. Johnson |
| Whitney Hrdlicka | Director of Marketing | Hope Family Wines |
| Amber Karson | Owner | Karson Butler Events |
| Karen Knight | Owner | Blue Wolf Associates |
| Kris Koeberer | President of Basecamp Hospitality | Formerly The California Parks, Co. |
| Corey Lakin | Deputy Director Community Services | City of Irvine |
| Barb Newton | President and CEO | Cal Travel |
| Linda Parker Sanpei | Founder and CEO | Parker Sanpei & Associates |
| Maeve Pesquera | Senior Vice President Strategy and Business Development | Daou Vineyards |
| Monica Pette | Senior Director, Legal | Poly |
| Rich Verruni | General Manager | Allegretto Vineyard Resort |
| Lisa Wazenried | Vice President Business and Market Strategy | Grand Pacific Resorts |
* denotes advisory chair