Wesley Rhea

Wes Rhea has served as the CEO of Visit Lodi (California) since October 2024, following a 19-year tenure leading destination marketing in Stockton, California. Renowned for his advocacy of small destination marketing organizations, Wes is a trailblazer in adopting innovative tourism technologies and using data to achieve measurable results.

A distinguished leader in the tourism industry, Wes has held several prominent roles, including President of the One West Tourism Alliance (formerly DMAWest), where he now serves as Board Member Emeritus. His extensive board service includes positions with the California Travel Association, the Destination Marketing Association of the West Education and Research Foundation, the U.S. Travel Association’s Destinations Council Board of Advisors, and the Central Valley Tourism Association. Recently, Wes was appointed to the Destinations International (DI) Professional Credential Program Committee (CDME Board) and co-chairs the DI Professional Development Committee. He earned his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential in 2013.

Wes’s contributions to the tourism industry have been widely recognized. He is the recipient of the Brad Burlingame Spirit of Leadership Award from the One West Tourism Alliance and the Destination Organization Leadership Award from Destinations International.

In addition to his professional achievements, Wes is a U.S. Army veteran, having served for ten years.