John Urdi to Transition From His Role as President & CEO of Mammoth Lakes Tourism

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

John Urdi to Transition From His Role as President & CEO

With gratitude for John’s leadership, we’re looking ahead with confidence and clarity.

Mammoth Lakes, CA — November 19, 2025— Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) today announces that President and CEO John Urdi will depart the organization to become the President & CEO at Visit Huntington Beach. He will support a short transition period, and the MLT Board of Directors will begin an immediate search for the next CEO.

During his 15-year tenure as the founding executive, John helped guide Mammoth Lakes through a period of significant growth, challenges, and community investment while strengthening MLT’s internal team, partnerships, and strategic direction to widely recognized professional organization it is today.

“I’m proud of my time here at Mammoth Lakes Tourism and all the major accomplishments my team and I have made over the years. Together, we’ve promoted our town to visitors while developing education and stewardship messaging that bolsters respect for our local community and environment” said John Urdi, President & CEO, Mammoth Lakes Tourism.

A defining milestone of his tenure was the implementation of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) in 2013, making Mammoth Lakes the first destinations in the world to expand the assessment beyond lodging to also include restaurants, retail, and the ski area. “I am most proud of pioneering a new TBID funding structure that broke the mold, creating a dedicated and stable funding stream for our town,” he added.

Pat Foster, Chair of the MLT Board of Directors, adds, “This groundbreaking TBID model drives steady revenue growth for our town. What averaged $10.5 million in TOT annually in the decade prior to the TBID, now approaches nearly $30 million per year.”

These visitor-generated revenue streams have contributed to more than $70 million invested locally, including almost $40 million invested in multiple workforce housing projects, transit and sidewalk upgrades, multi-use paths, recreational amenities, crisis and wildfire resilience work, and the Community Recreation Center. These investments have strengthened both the quality of life for residents and the long-term sustainability of the local economy.

Urdi also helped establish stewardship as a cornerstone of MLT’s mission, expanding educational initiatives and partner programs that support responsible recreation. His leadership helped position the community in partnership with MLT to now undertake a comprehensive Destination Stewardship Plan. A long-term framework John is deeply proud to see moving forward.

Justin Simpson, Chair of the Visit Huntington Beach Board of Directors added, “Urdi is a proven leader with the vision, experience, and community-focused approach needed to take VHB to the next level”.

Foster added, “Thanks to years of thoughtful leadership and the dedication of our incredible team, MLT is entering this transition from a position of strength. We are excited to welcome a leader who will build on our progress.”

MLT is grateful for John’s impact and wishes him and his family well in this new endeavor.

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About Mammoth Lakes: It’s the real unreal. From towering peaks to alpine lakes, this stunning destination offers an adventure at every turn. Whether you’re exploring rugged terrain on a summer hike or linking powder turns at 11,053 feet, Mammoth Lakes is a place where adventure has no season.

To learn more, visit www.visitmammoth.com.