Cathy Cartier

Cathy Cartier is the President & CEO for Visit SLO CAL (VSC), the destination marketing and management organization for San Luis Obispo County, California. With extensive experience in travel and tourism, sports marketing, healthcare and journalism, Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

Cathy provides executive oversight of VSC’s operations and is responsible for implementing the direction set by the Board of Directors to fulfill the organization's mission and goals. Cathy initially joined VSC as the Chief Marketing Officer in 2021. In this pivotal role, she spearheaded the organization’s marketing, advertising and public relations endeavors, setting new industry standards and earning widespread acclaim.

Before joining the organization, Cathy served as the President of Cartier Global Strategies, an international marketing firm affiliated with global firms in the US, Canada and Europe. She also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the destination marketing organization for Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. Cathy possesses extensive experience in brand building, audience engagement, crisis communication and marketing strategy.

During her tenure with the LVCVA, Cathy managed all of the organization’s marketing, advertising and sales efforts with an annual budget exceeding $140 million. As a consultant, she has worked with a diverse client roster including the Consumer Technology Association, the Cruise Line International Association, Visit Boston and Destinations International.

Cathy has presented on the international stage from London to Dubai to Lima, Peru, covering topics ranging from engaging four generations of consumers to managing a worldwide brand through a crisis. She has a proven track record in building cult-like brands and advocates for courageously challenging the status quo to strategically enhance customer engagement.

Cathy holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University and was recognized as one of the Skift 50, Top 50 Travel Marketers.