Visit Oxnard today announces that President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Mino Buffo will be retiring and leaving her role at the destination marketing organization, where she has served for nearly seven years
With Buffo’s guidance, Visit Oxnard’s Board of Directors Executive Committee will be opening up a search for her successor. Buffo will oversee the transition process once a new CEO is selected, to ensure the continued future success of the organization.
“Julie Buffo has left an incredible legacy at Visit Oxnard – one that is defined by collaboration, innovation, and community engagement – laying a strong foundation for Visit Oxnard’s future,” said Steve Buenger, Chair of the Visit Oxnard Board of Directors. “As we embark on this new chapter, it’s imperative that her successor carries on the incredible culture that Julie has built, ensuring that Visit Oxnard continues to thrive and elevate the Oxnard community and tourism efforts.”
Buffo’s tenure marked a transformative era for the organization, during which she led the team to achieve remarkable milestones. Among some of the most notable achievements, Buffo secured a long-term, dedicated funding source with the Oxnard Tourism Marketing District, providing a more secure stream of funding for all marketing-related initiatives and a multi-year contract with the City of Oxnard.
Under Buffo’s leadership, Visit Oxnard secured 29 awards and accolades recognizing the team’s hard work and commitment to excellence. Notable achievements include several honors for the recent marketing campaign, “A Taco Story,” American Advertising Federation awards for its PR collateral and new logo, and multiple “Best Places to Work” accolades from the California Travel Association the Pacific Coast Business Times and Oxnard Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Oxnard earned consecutive USA Today 10Best awards in various categories, and most recently, a Sunset Travel Award for the destination.
Buffo takes pride in having built a strong team and assembling an extremely dedicated and involved Board of Directors who represent a diverse array of tourism-serving businesses throughout Oxnard. The positive culture she has fostered among Visit Oxnard employees and board members alike has left a lasting impact, evident in the incredible work the organization has accomplished.
Another positive development during Buffo’s tenure has been the team’s dedicated effort to integrate the Oxnard community into their marketing efforts. They have built strong relationships and trust with local businesses in the community, which now look to Visit Oxnard to help promote their offerings. Additionally, the Visit Oxnard team has aligned themselves with the government and tourism organizations, fostering important relationships with the City of Oxnard, the County of Ventura, Visit California, California Travel Association, Ventura County Coast and Central Coast Tourism Council, to name a few.
Looking ahead, Buffo envisions a bright future for Visit Oxnard. “I’d love to see Visit Oxnard continue to grow and thrive, supporting the community and tourism businesses,” she stated. “With new developments on the horizon, including four new hotel properties, fresh dining options, a new retail and entertainment village, and more, the next few years promise to be an exciting time to showcase Oxnard to both new and returning visitors.”
Prior to taking the helm at Visit Oxnard, Buffo spent much of her career in hotel management and non-profit development. Now, Buffo is looking forward to spending time with her husband Gary, they plan to fully embrace retirement while splitting their time between Idaho and Hawaii.
Visit Oxnard is now accepting applications to fill the CEO role, referring applicants to the OCVB President & CEO job description, and asks that all interested applicants please send a cover letter and resume to Julie Buffo at [email protected].