Molly Cano

Molly Cano serves as the Vice President of Marketing for Visit SLO CAL (VSC), the destination marketing and management organization for San Luis Obispo County, California. With over 20 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, and economic development, Molly has deep roots in the Central Coast community and a proven track record of driving growth and collaboration across the region. 

As VP of Marketing, Molly provides executive oversight for VSC’s comprehensive marketing efforts, encompassing marketing strategy, sales and events. She leads the VSC Marketing Committee, bringing together community and industry stakeholders to develop collaborative, inclusive and effective marketing programs that elevate SLO CAL as a premier travel destination. 

Molly’s career includes over a decade of service as the Economic Development and Tourism Manager for the City of San Luis Obispo, where she spearheaded key initiatives to promote tourism and local economic growth. During her tenure, she also played an active role in VSC’s Marketing Committee, ensuring the city’s voice was represented in regional marketing campaigns. Prior to that, Molly held leadership positions at Pacifica Hotel Company and Chumash Enterprise, and in 2009, she served as Director of Sales and Marketing at VSC for three years before transitioning to her role with the City of San Luis Obispo. 

Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is currently pursuing a master’s certificate in Community and Economic Development from the Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus. 

Throughout her career, Molly has been an active contributor to numerous tourism and economic development boards, including the Central Coast Tourism Council, Visit California’s Rural Committee, and the Cal Poly President’s Local Economic Development Committee. She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the industry and community, including being named an Emerging Industry Leader by the California Travel Association, honored as an outstanding alumna of the Experience Industry Management department at Cal Poly and twice recognized as Employee of the Year by the City of San Luis Obispo.