Tahoe Visitors Authority restructures in preparation for events center opening

With the construction of the events center at Stateline, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is restructuring to support new sales and marketing functions.

The center is due to open in December 2022 and will require more of a focus on conference sales.

“The reorganization and new hires make the LTVA stronger and better able to serve our lodging constituencies in all product categories,” said Authority President and CEO Carol Chaplin. “Some of our long-tenured team members have grown and developed which has resulted in promotions and a change in responsibilities. We have also reimagined some vacant positions and are lucky to have filled them with new employees who have knowledge and experience that will complement the LTVA as a whole.”

Sue Barton has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. She was hired in 2001 as the Programs Manager and has held the positions of Senior Vice President - Administration & Operations; Deputy Director; Director of Sales; and Director of Visitor Information Services. Previously, Sue was the Vice President of Travel Systems Ltd., and General Manager of the M.S. Dixie at Zephyr Cove. Sue will oversee all aspects of LTVA operations, including financial oversight.

Tony Lyle has been promoted to chief marketing officer. He was hired in 2012 as the director of tourism and promoted to vice president - tourism development in 2016. Previously, Lyle was the director of marketing & sales for Aramark Lake Tahoe; Vice President - North America for Skiset; and Corporate Head of International Marketing & Sales for Vail Resorts. Lyle will oversee the management of our agencies including brand development and strategy, plus media planning and buying.

Stuart Maas has been promoted to director of marketing and conference sales. He was hired in 2016 as Sales and Marketing Manager. Previously, Maas was the director of sales, marketing, & I.T. for Tahoe Sports and Powder House Ski & Board. Maas will lead the promotion of the destination to small and medium groups, and conference groups of all sizes.

Juraj Sojka has been hired as the director of leisure sales. Previously he held the position of international market manager and destination development specialist at Nevada Division of Tourism. Sojka’s prior experience also includes serving as senior sales and marketing manager for Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Cruises. Sojka will lead the domestic and international travel trade outreach and liaison.

Trent Unruh has been hired as a marketing communications coordinator. Previously he was an account specialist at Plain Sight Marketing; communications coordinator for Partnership Douglas County; and marketing, administration, & customer service assistant at the Carson Valley Visitors Authority. Unruh will oversee all social media and support website content development and management.