Visit Laguna Beach, the destination marketing organization (DMO) representing the city’s base of hotels, restaurants, and tourism industry, has named Rachel O’Neill-Cusey as its newest chief executive, effective Nov. 14.
O’Neill-Cusey succeeds Ashley Johnson, who joined Newport Beach & Co. as the agency’s new chief marketing officer and senior vice president in September.
Previously, O’Neill-Cusey was the director of sales & marketing at neighboring DMO Visit Dana Point. She has worked in the hospitality industry since 2007, holding leadership roles in sales at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. and the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa.
“Laguna Beach is already one of the top domestic destinations in the U.S. and under Rachel’s leadership, that position will continue to grow and flourish shining a light on all we have to offer for new and returning visitors,” Founding Chair Karyn Philippsen said in a statement.
The DMO also promoted Anne-Marie Schiefer to chief marketing officer and VP of sales.
