Search

Social Media Block

Straight talk with julie coker, president & ceo, san diego tourism.

julie coker san diego tourism authority

Ask Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority , what inspired her to pursue a career in the hospitality and destination marketing industries and she’ll point to a high school waitressing job that taught her the art of taking care of people.

“I’ve always had this A-type personality, so…I was always focused on taking orders correctly, ensuring hot food was served hot and cold food cold, but I also enjoyed helping people make memories whether they came in for a special birthday, graduation, vacation or night away from the kids,” she explains. “I knew the customer service I delivered made a difference in that person’s experience.”

That job inspired Coker to pursue a college degree in hospitality management at Johnson & Wales University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She soon hit the ground running, spending more than two decades rising through the ranks at Hyatt, after which she transitioned into the DMO world, assuming the role of executive vice president of conventions, and then president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Now, as leader of the SDTA, Coker oversees efforts to promote and sell the California coastal city as a top destination for meetings, conventions and tourism. 

TSNN had a chance to spend time with Coker to hear what it’s like to start a new job during a pandemic, how COVID has impacted destination marketing and what she most looks forward to once the world opens up again.

What is the biggest challenge your organization has had to navigate during this difficult time? 

Like everyone in the tourism and hospitality industry, we had to navigate brutal business conditions coupled with ongoing uncertainty. That was made more complicated by the fact that I joined the San Diego Tourism Authority as president and CEO in June 2020 at a time when all team members were working remotely. My initial one-on-one meetings with team members were over Zoom. 

So, while I was thrilled to join the SDTA and sell and promote this amazing city, there was a host of challenges that comes with learning a new job, getting accustomed to a new city during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, bonding with team members that are all remote and getting acquainted with members and stakeholders that are experiencing one of the most devastating years in their entire career.   

How has the destination marketing industry been changed during COVID-19 and do you see things going back to “normal” post-pandemic?

Both the message and the scope of our marketing had to pivot to the times we were faced with. Prior to COVID-19, we marketed San Diego across the nation and the globe. We quickly realized we had to shift our focus to our own backyard and a much closer drive market—Southern California and Arizona, primarily.   

In addition, we had to encourage and inspire San Diegans to re-discover their own city and patronize our local restaurants, enjoy an overnight stay at a local hotel and support our attractions. Our marketing message shifted from happiness and smiles to wellbeing and health through our Safe Destination and Safe Traveler pledges. As consumer confidence builds, we will return to a national marketing campaign as well as a full return to our overseas markets when appropriate.   

Do you see virtual events as a permanent fixture in the trade show and events industry or just a stop-gap until live events returns? If the former, how do you believe this will impact event destinations such as San Diego?

Even prior to the pandemic, many meetings and conventions offered some sort of hybrid or virtual component, which can lead to increased reach and engagement. I think that will continue for the foreseeable future. But I firmly believe that we are all Zoomed out and hungering for face-to-face contact. And I expect in-person meetings and conventions to bounce back as vaccinations ramp up and consumer confidence continues to improve.

What have you learned most about yourself during the pandemic? 

You are stronger than you know. I have said that phrase a thousand times to friends and family members going through difficult situations to help inspire or motivate them. But this time I needed to say it to myself, and not only say it but believe it. It also drove home the need to be honest, kind and transparent when times are tough. During difficult times, people are looking for leadership, and I found being honest and up-front with the team in Philadelphia and San Diego helped calm those fears and allowed both teams to focus on what was important, which is taking care of our customers, our stakeholders and our community. 

What kind of self-care has been key for your mental health during this past year?

Keeping in touch with family and friends was so important. I also, like so many people, got a puppy, Piper, and that has kept me busy.

Where is the first place you want to travel when things open and why?

This may sound a little cliché, but this is my first time living and working on the West Coast, so I really want to explore California and take in all the great arts and culture, awesome cuisine and natural beauty. Often we take those things for granted, so I want to really spend time getting to know my new home state. 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn and Instagram !

Add new comment

Related articles, partner voices.

julie coker san diego tourism authority

PCMA Convening Leaders

Julie Coker

President & CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority

julie coker san diego tourism authority

Julie Coker is the president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) where she oversees the organization’s efforts to promote and sell San Diego as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travelers, and leisure visitors. The San Diego Tourism Authority is recognized as one of the best in the business and continues to set the standard for Destination Marketing Organizations. Previously, Coker served as the president & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) where she oversaw the 2017 NFL Draft and the 2016 Democratic National Convention, which had a combined economic impact of $325 million for Philadelphia. Prior to that, she was PHLCVB’s Executive Vice President, Convention Division, and managed a staff of 25 sales and services professionals responsible for selling the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center and hotel packages to customers across the country.

Additionally, Coker is a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. In both 2012 and 2019, the Philadelphia Business Journal named her among their Women of Distinction honorees. She was the 2017 United Negro College Fund Mayor’s Ball Honoree for Civic Leadership and was named one of the Network Journal’s 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business. She also received the Cradle of Liberty Good Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty Council and was the recipient of the 2011 John Wanamaker Award (Individual Award) given by the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity.

Coker serves on several boards, including the California Travel Association, Visit California, The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and the Downtown San Diego Partnership. She is an Executive Committee Member of the U.S. Travel Association and Destinations International. Coker is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she received a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management and graduated magna cum laude.

Search the site

Register for convening leaders now.

To ensure you receive the correct registration rate, please enter the email address on file with PCMA.

Attendee Verification

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu

SDTA Connect Blog

Keeping you connected to the San Diego Tourism Authority and the hospitality community.

A statement from SDTA President & CEO Julie Coker

June 4, 2020 By Hallie Jacobs 4 Comments

To quote Dr. Martin Luther King, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” As I take the helm at the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), our nation stands in a time of challenge and controversy. I was incredibly moved by the San Diego community’s actions over the past week to speak out on systemic injustice and racial discrimination.  To the Black community, including visitors, residents, business owners, elected officials—the SDTA stands with you. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the countless victims of senseless acts of violence demonstrate the impact of continued racial inequality. 

Yet amidst the pain and anguish these tragedies have unleashed, I see hope. We as a nation are beginning to grapple with the origins and ongoing effects of systemic racism. Here and in communities across the U.S., people are engaging in peaceful protests as well as in much-needed reflection and dialogue around how to address racism that for too long has sewn division, inequality and injustice. 

At the SDTA, we are listening with open ears and open hearts, and welcome feedback from both the local community and our visitors on how we can better address and combat racism that for too long has marginalized Black people and people of color. For many, San Diego is seen as a warm, welcoming city, but we know there is more to do. The SDTA vows to engage in conversations and be part of the change necessary to create a country where all people are truly valued and treated equally.

On Thursday, June 11, SDTA will join the US Travel Association for a discussion on race and racism within the travel industry. The SDTA will continue to work so everyone in our community feels heard and represented and all visitors feel safe and welcomed. This will be accomplished by listening and examining our own internal policies and practices at the San Diego Tourism Authority.  Ensuring equity and inclusion must be foundational to the work we do to tell San Diego’s story, now and well into the future. 

This is our commitment to you, because Black Lives Matter.

julie coker san diego tourism authority

Julie Coker, President & CEO

julie coker san diego tourism authority

Reader Interactions

DeeAnne Snyder says

June 19, 2020 at 2:55 pm

Well stated from the heart of a leader who understands that as the hospitality industry in San Diego, we must see ourselves as “one nation, one people, one cause” Thank you Julie for your inspirational words. By the way, when you have been in San Diego for 15mins…. You are considered a native!

Robert A Rauch says

June 11, 2020 at 9:31 am

Great start, Julie, everyone will be looking to you for leadership on this and all other issues. Your letter resonates well! Bob

Terri Breining says

June 10, 2020 at 1:59 pm

Julie Coker is exactly the right leader, arriving in San Diego at exactly the right time!

Paul Hirschberg says

June 9, 2020 at 2:25 pm

Well stated Julie! Welcome to San Diego!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

San Diego Tourism Authority hires new CEO from Philadelphia to replace Joe Terzi

New chief executive has led the philadelphia convention and visitors bureau for the last four years.

  • Show more sharing options
  • Copy Link URL Copied!

Julie Coker, the chief executive of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been hired to lead San Diego’s Tourism Authority, replacing longtime CEO Joe Terzi, who announced his planned retirement last year.

Like Terzi, Coker has had a long tenure in the hotel industry, having spent 21 years with Hyatt Hotels, where she held general manager positions for properties in Philadelphia, Chicago and Oakbrook, Illinois, before eventually joining the Philadelphia bureau in 2010. Coker was promoted to the bureau’s chief executive position in 2016.

Coker, who was appointed by the Tourism Authority’s board of directors, is expected to join the San Diego tourism agency in March. While Terzi had originally expected to retire in January, the search for his replacement took a little longer than anticipated. Terzi, who has been CEO since 2009, said the Tourism Authority initially received about 100 applications for the job.

Her new position, says Coker, should be well-suited for her, given her experience with Philadelphia’s convention and tourism industry.

“Having been with the bureau since 2010, we’ve done amazing work, and I’ve have had a great opportunity to experience some large and meaningful events, like the Democratic National Convention and the NFL draft so I’m proud of the body of the work here and with Hyatt Hotels,” Coker said. “So when this opportunity presented itself, I thought my skill set and work experience would be an ideal fit for San Diego.

The San Diego Tourism Authority, which is a nonprofit, declined to divulge how much Coker will be paid in her new role. Such details will be provided at a later date, said spokeswoman Candice Eley. The most recent IRS form documenting the annual pay for Terzi shows annual compensation of more than $578,000, which includes a base salary of $408, 233 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018.

Coker is coming to San Diego at what will be a crucial time for the region’s visitor industry. On March 3, voters will be asked to approve an increase in the city’s hotel tax to help finance a long-hoped-for expansion of the bayfront convention center. The tax increase, if approved, would also go toward funding homeless services and road repairs.

In 2011, Philadelphia completed a $787 million expansion of its convention center that enlarged the facility by more than 60 percent, adding three new exhibit halls, the largest convention center ballroom in the Northeast, and additional meeting rooms. If San Diego’s planned expansion were to occur, the center would be comparable in size to Philadelphia’s facility, Terzi said.

The Philadelphia project was financed with an increase in the city’s hotel tax, but unlike in San Diego, the tax hike did not require a vote of the people. The San Diego vote faces a high bar, given that a two-thirds majority approval is required. Coker said she did not want to speculate on what steps she thought the city might take should the measure fail and there was no financing for the project.

“I certainly hope the voters can appreciate why this is such an important reason to vote yes,” she said. “If it does not pass, you work with the leadership team and board to come up with a plan to best suit the needs of San Diego. It would be premature for me to expand on that at this time.”

Terzi said he will continue to work on the campaign to pass the convention center initiative, known as Measure C, as well as help with transitioning to a new center should the measure pass. He also plans to work part-time on initiatives to raise the profile of Balboa Park as a tourist destination.

Get U-T Business in your inbox on Mondays

Get ready for your week with the week’s top business stories from San Diego and California, in your inbox Monday mornings.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

julie coker san diego tourism authority

More from this Author

A Breeze Airways jet

A new airline for San Diego is bringing five nonstop flights in time for summer travel

March 20, 2024

San Diego, CA - March 16: Mahala Smith (l) of Maine worked with her mother, Stephanie Smith (r), as a volunteer at The Great Cut 2024, held at Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in San Diego, CA. Mahala was a two-time recipient of the hair replacement program. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

How much hair can you donate in a day? This charity for kids was hoping a record would be set in San Diego

March 16, 2024

San Diego, CA - March 13: San Diego skyline on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in San Diego, CA. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Tens of thousands of residents moved out of San Diego County last year — almost double the number a year earlier

March 14, 2024

San Diego, CA - March 06: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island in San Diego, CA. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

One of San Diego’s largest waterfront hotels gets a $100M upgrade — its biggest makeover in 50 years

March 13, 2024

Attendees mingle before the start of the Know Your Rights Symposium at the Southeastern Live Well Center on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The event, hosted by the Commission of the Status of Women and Girls, consisted of panel discussions on employment, housing, healthcare and immigration.

From housing to health care, San Diego women get a primer on their rights

March 9, 2024

FILE - In this June 14, 2006 file photo are U-Haul trucks sit on a dealer lot in Des Moines, Iowa. U-Haul has a New Year's resolution: cut down on hiring people who smoke. The moving company said that it won't hire nicotine users in the 21 states where it is legal to do so, saying that it wants to ensure a "healthier workforce." The new policy will start Feb. 1, 2020. and won't apply to those hired before then. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Talk to us: Have you or someone you know moved out of San Diego County in the last few years?

March 8, 2024

More in this section

A sign placed in a yard in Pacific Beach speaks to the feelings many community members have against short-term vacation rentals.

More work is needed on Oceanside’s short-term rental rules. ‘Corporations are buying up the coast.’

Vacationing visitors bring uproar to city’s old beachfront residential neighborhoods

March 26, 2024

Carlsbad, CA - March 22: At Legoland California on Friday, March 22, 2024 in Carlsbad, CA, a family enjoys the boat ride down Explorer River Quest during the grand opening for Legoland’s newest area, Dino Valley. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Legoland debuts new Dino Valley land with revamp of two 20-year-old rides

The new land is a dinosaur-themed area that replaces the former Explorer Island at the Carlsbad theme park

March 22, 2024

Chula Vista, CA - March 25: On Friday, March 25, 2022 in Chula Vista, CA., at Sesame Place San Diego, passengers on board Abby's Fairy Flight enjoy their flight above the park. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Hiring in San Diego’s high wage jobs, tourism helps keep unemployment rate flat

Monthly job gains were in San Diego’s professional services and tourism sectors, while some of the largest losses were in the retail sector.

Thousands of beach-goers lined the San Diego coast at La Jolla Shores as temperatures soared inland during Labor Day weekend. Photos by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune

Time for a DIY beach picnic: San Diego is cracking down on party businesses on city beaches

The outright ban is a shift in direction for city officials, who previously explored a formal permitting process to bring order to a sometimes-chaotic industry

Artist rendering of the Midway Rising project

San Diego will consider major subsidy for Midway Rising’s sports arena project

The city will take a closer look at the pros and cons of creating a tax increment financing district to pay for public infrastructure and affordable housing costs associated with the project

March 12, 2024

Panda Bai Yun, 27, walks through her enclosure at the San Diego Zoo on April 16, 2019. The last public day to see the pandas is April 29th, before they head back to China. (Photo by K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Will pandas returning to San Diego Zoo have a notable impact on the tourism industry?

Pandas first took San Diego by storm in 1987 when two pandas stayed for 200 days. Eventually, pandas became part of the city’s image.

March 1, 2024

  • Corporate & Incentive Travel
  • Association Conventions & Facilities
  • Insurance & Financial Meetings Management

Julie Coker Takes The Helm Of The San Diego Tourism Authority

Julie Coker has taken over as the new president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) as the organization begins to enact its recovery plan for the local tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. Coker, a hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, comes to San Diego after serving as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Originally, Coker was to begin her new role with the SDTA in March but delayed her start date so she could help the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau navigate the ongoing pandemic. During that transition, Coker gave up her salary so hourly team members could continue to work.

Despite the challenging times, Coker said she is excited to help San Diego’s tourism industry get back to business and cement its reputation as one of the country’s premier destinations.

“San Diego is no doubt a special place that offers visitors a wealth of experiences from our beaches and our bays to our diverse vibrant neighborhoods and our rich arts and cultural offerings,” Coker said. “I look forward to helping tell San Diego’s story to the world and attracting more visitors and more business to benefit our local economy.”

SDTA Board Chair Daniel Kuperschmid said the organization is fortunate to have Coker in charge during these challenging times.

“Julie is known throughout the industry for her dynamic and positive leadership. The combination of her experience and can-do attitude will be invaluable to both the organization and the local tourism community as we begin our recovery,” Kuperschmid said. “She also brings a fresh perspective and passion for the destination that will serve the SDTA and San Diego well.”

Prior to her tenure as president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Coker served as the organization’s executive vice president. Coker spent 21 years with Hyatt Hotels, where she held general manager positions for properties in Philadelphia, Chicago and Oakbrook, Illinois. Among her many accomplishments, Coker has served as chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Women in Lodging council, and as co-chair of U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business. In addition, she is a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and of the Philadelphia Chapter of Links, Incorporated. She has served on the advisory boards of the Philadelphia International Airport, Boy Scouts of America – Cradle to Liberty Council, Temple University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism and the Philadelphia Center City District. She served as treasurer for International Association of Exhibits Events (IAEE). She serves on the executive committees of U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, she served on Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s transition team representing the travel sector.

In her new role, Coker will direct the management and strategic development of the SDTA to ensure effective sales, marketing and promotion of the region for the economic benefit of the San Diego community. She will also serve as a key community leader working in close partnership with city and county officials, tourism industry organizations locally and worldwide, and the business community to ensure the growth and welfare of the tourism industry.

She replaces Joe Terzi, who had announced his retirement in 2019 after 10 years of service. Terzi continued to lead the SDTA during the transition, officially stepping down on May 30. He will remain active in the local community, serving on the board of the San Diego Tourism Marketing District and continuing his work on Balboa Park initiatives.

SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY WEBSITE

logo

Julie Coker

julie coker san diego tourism authority

President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA)

As President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA),  Julia Coker oversees the organization’s efforts to promote San Diego as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travelers and leisure visitors. Previously, Coker served as the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) where she oversaw the 2017 NFL Draft and the 2016 Democratic National Convention. From January 2018 to 2020, she served as co-chair for the U.S. Travel’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition and secretary-treasurer for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Executive Committee. Additionally, Coker is a member of the San Diego Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. In 2023, she received the Fearless Award from the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the All-Time Hall of Fame by Smart Women in Meetings.

  • About the Industry
  • All Upcoming Events
  • Career Center
  • Contact IDA

Times of San Diego

Times of San Diego

Local News and Opinion for San Diego

Tourism is ‘Powerhouse’ for San Diego Region, Generating $23.5B in Economic Impact

Avatar photo

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Cruise ships

San Diego has welcomed an estimated 30.5 million visitors who collectively stayed longer in the region and contributed a record $14.28 billion in direct spending locally.

The sum represented a $1 billion increase in 2023 as compared to the previous fiscal year.

The  San Diego Tourism Authority  announced the numbers ahead of its 69th annual meeting held at SeaWorld San Diego Thursday with nearly 600 local tourism and hospitality leaders, community stakeholders and elected officials in attendance.

Tourism officials also revealed new data about economic impacts and visitor attractions, as well as new international rankings of the region’s tourism industry.

Local hotels also achieved higher occupancy rates countywide at an average of 73.7%, an increase of 5% year-over-year. The hotel stays helped generate more than $418 million in transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue for local municipalities.

Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, said the data demonstrated that the local tourism industry “is a powerhouse for our economy,” while reaching “new heights that will have a lasting, positive impact for years to come.”

The total economic impact generated by tourism reached $23.48 billion and the industry supported more than 214,000 direct and indirect jobs.

San Diego’s reputation as a premier destination for travelers, conventions and events also was boosted this year by more national recognition.

In Condé Nast Traveler’s  annual Reader’s Choice Awards, San Diego was ranked as the second “Best Big City in the U.S.” – surpassing cities such as Honolulu, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

The Wall Street Journal  recognized San Diego’s Convention Center as the fourth best in the country and a top choice because of the city and its surroundings.

At the event, Coker and Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta discussed the opportunities and challenges ahead for San Diego’s and California’s tourism industry in the next year. They also covered upcoming industry initiatives.

Those include a focus on evolution of the statewide brand as “The Ultimate Playground,” continued post-pandemic recovery, attraction of new and returning international visitors and integrating sustainability objectives into tourism plans.

“As we look ahead to 2024, San Diego’s accomplishments from 2023 are instrumental in California’s overall tourism success and help pave the way for an even brighter future,” Beteta said.

IMAGES

  1. Julie Coker

    julie coker san diego tourism authority

  2. Julie Coker Takes Over as President and CEO of San Diego Tourism

    julie coker san diego tourism authority

  3. CEO Julie Coker departing PHLCVB for San Diego Tourism Authority

    julie coker san diego tourism authority

  4. San Diego Tourism Authority Names Julie Coker President and CEO

    julie coker san diego tourism authority

  5. Julie Coker Heads to Sand Diego Tourism

    julie coker san diego tourism authority

  6. SDTA’s Julie Coker Elected Vice-Chair of US Travel Association

    julie coker san diego tourism authority

COMMENTS

  1. Julie Coker

    Julie Coker is the President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), where she oversees the organization's efforts to promote San Diego as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travelers and leisure visitors. The San Diego Tourism Authority is recognized as one of the best in the business and continues to set the ...

  2. San Diego Tourism Authority Names Julie Coker President and CEO

    San Diego Tourism Authority Names Julie Coker President and CEO. January 17, 2020 By Hallie Jacobs Leave a Comment. "We are excited to welcome Julie, a recognized leader in the tourism sector with an extensive background in hospitality and CVB management," said SDTA Board Chair Daniel Kuperschmid. "Julie brings both skill and expertise ...

  3. San Diego Tourism Authority Strategic Leadership Team

    Julie Coker President & CEO. Kerri Verbeke Kapich Chief Operating Officer. Rick Meza Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Kavin Schieferdecker ... The San Diego Tourism Authority is funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District assessment funds.

  4. Julie Coker

    View Julie Coker's profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members. ... · Experience: San Diego Tourism Authority · Education: Johnson & Wales University · Location: San ...

  5. Julie Coker Takes Over as President and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority

    Julie Coker has taken over as the new president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) as the organization begins to enact its recovery plan for the local tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. Coker, a hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, comes to San Diego after serving as ...

  6. MEET SDTA PRESIDENT & CEO JULIE COKER

    MEET SDTA PRESIDENT & CEO JULIE COKER. June 8, 2020 By Hallie Jacobs 3 Comments. ... In our role as the San Diego Tourism Authority, we are responsible for creating economic impact for the region through job creation, tax generation and increased visitation. It is never lost on me there are 200,000 jobs that depend on the work we do.

  7. San Diego Tourism Authority Announces Its 2023 Tourism Accelerator

    Julie Coker, SDTA's president and CEO, said the San Diego Tourism Authority is pleased to offer a second Tourism Accelerator cohort after a successful pilot program in 2021-2022. By increasing the number of diverse businesses within SDTA membership, visitors will have more choices when they visit San Diego, boosting equity across the region.

  8. Julie Coker Heads to Sand Diego Tourism

    The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) announced that the board of directors has appointed Julie Coker to the position of president and chief executive officer. Currently serving as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Coker will succeed Joe Terzi, who announced his retirement in 2019 after 10 years in ...

  9. SDTA Board Chair Welcomes Julie Coker, President & CEO

    June 5, 2020 By Hallie Jacobs 1 Comment. We are honored this week to welcome Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA). Julie brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

  10. San Diego Tourism Authority names new president/CEO

    The San Diego Tourism Authority announced Friday that Julie Coker has been appointed as its president and chief executive officer. Skip to content FOX 5 San Diego

  11. Julie Coker

    President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) Julie Coker is the President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), where she oversees the organization's efforts to promote San Diego as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travelers and leisure visitors. The San Diego Tourism Authority is recognized as ...

  12. Straight Talk with Julie Coker, President & CEO, San Diego Tourism

    Ask Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, what inspired her to pursue a career in the hospitality and destination marketing industries and she'll point to a high school waitressing job that taught her the art of taking care of people. "I've always had this A-type personality, so…I was always focused on taking orders correctly, ensuring hot food was served ...

  13. Julie Coker Named CEO of Tourism Authority

    The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has appointed Julie Coker as its new president and chief executive officer. Coker, currently serving as president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, will succeed Joe Terzi, who announced his retirement in 2019 after 10 years in his role with SDTA.

  14. Julie Coker, President & CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority

    The San Diego Tourism Authority is recognized as one of the best in the business and continues to set the standard for Destination Marketing Organizations. Previously, Coker served as the president & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) where she oversaw the 2017 NFL Draft and the 2016 Democratic National Convention ...

  15. San Diego Tourism Authority Names Julie Coker as President and CEO

    According to a press release, Julie Coker, currently serving as president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, will succeed Joe Terzi, who announced his retirement in 2019 after 10 years in his role with San Diego Tourism Authority. 59.7 F. San Diego. Sunday, Mar 24, 2024. Facebook ...

  16. A Conversation with Julie Coker, President & CEO of the San Diego

    In this edition of "Ketchum Compass" - Ketchum Travel's rapid-fire Q&A series with global tourism and hospitality experts - we connected with Julie Coker, the president and CEO of the San ...

  17. A statement from SDTA President & CEO Julie Coker

    As I take the helm at the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), our nation stands in a time of challenge and controversy. I was incredibly moved by the San Diego community's actions over the past week to speak out on systemic injustice and racial discrimination. ... Julie Coker, President & CEO. Filed Under: Executive Update, SDTA News. Reader ...

  18. San Diego Tourism Authority hires new CEO from Philadelphia to replace

    Julie Coker, the chief executive of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been hired to lead San Diego's Tourism Authority, replacing longtime CEO Joe Terzi, who announced his ...

  19. SDTA CEO Tapped for National Tourism Board

    San Diego Tourism Authority. FOUNDED: 1954 PRESIDENT AND CEO: Julie Coker HEADQUARTERS: San Diego BUSINESS: Nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with nearly 1,000 members promoting San Diego REVENUE: $27M (2021) EMPLOYEES: 66 WEBSITE: sandiego.org CONTACT: 619-232-3101

  20. San Diego Tourism Authority Moves Forward with Accelerator Cohort

    Julie Coker President and CEO San Diego Tourism Authority "Diversity, equity and inclusion is vital to the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry," Coker said. "Inclusive travel benefits the visitor, bolsters the economy, and delivers a strong return on investment. It's the right thing to do - for people and for business."

  21. Julie Coker Takes The Helm Of The San Diego Tourism Authority

    Julie Coker has taken over as the new president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) as the organization begins to enact its recovery plan for the local tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. Coker, a hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, comes to …

  22. Julie Coker

    Julie Coker. President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) As President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), Julia Coker oversees the organization's efforts to promote San Diego as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travelers and leisure visitors. Previously, Coker served as the President and CEO ...

  23. Tourism is 'Powerhouse' for San Diego Region, Generating $23.5B in

    Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, said the data demonstrated that the local tourism industry "is a powerhouse for our economy," while reaching "new heights ...