Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) has appointed Brian Wright as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, signalling a fresh chapter for one of California’s most celebrated year-round destinations.
Wright brings over 25 years of experience spanning destination marketing, tourism strategy, and the outdoor industry. His career includes senior roles at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Yosemite National Park, Visit California, and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism — as well as a prior stint at Mammoth Lakes Tourism itself, making this something of a homecoming.
The appointment follows a nationwide search led by an ad hoc committee of the MLT Board of Directors, which drew on perspectives from across the local hospitality and tourism industry. Board Chairman Pat Foster described Wright as a candidate who not only met every benchmark but exceeded them, citing his strategic vision, global perspective, and genuine connection to the destination.
In his new role, Wright will oversee destination marketing, partner engagement, and stewardship initiatives, working alongside the MLT team, town leadership, and regional partners to strengthen Mammoth Lakes’ position as a four-season destination — while keeping community values and responsible tourism at the centre of the organisation’s direction.
Wright himself described the appointment as personally significant. “Mammoth Lakes represents everything that makes a place truly special: access to the outdoors, a strong sense of community, and a deep connection to the environment,” he said, adding that his focus would be on listening, building trust, and advancing a sustainable approach that reflects the values of those who call Mammoth Lakes home.
MLT also acknowledged the tenure of outgoing President and CEO John Urdi, who led the organisation for more than 15 years and whose contributions shaped much of what Mammoth Lakes Tourism is today.
Situated in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Lakes is known for its alpine terrain, outdoor recreation, and year-round appeal — drawing visitors from across the United States and internationally, including a growing number of travellers from Asia and the Middle East.
