Santa Monica Travel & Tourism Appoints New Leadership for 2026

ETC Hotels executive named Chairman as city prepares for major events

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism has appointed Charlie Lopez-Quintana as Chairman of its 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee, along with Jeff Klocke as Vice Chair, Simon Fricker as Treasurer, and Karen Ginsberg as Secretary. The new leadership will help showcase the city during upcoming major events including the Route 66 Centennial and preparations for the 2028 Olympics.

Why it matters

With historic events like the Route 66 Centennial, the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the 2028 Olympic Games, Santa Monica is poised to welcome new audiences and drive economic impact. The new SMTT leadership will be crucial in showcasing the city's unique experiences during this pivotal year.

The details

The Santa Monica Travel & Tourism's new board leadership includes Chairman Charlie Lopez-Quintana, vice president and managing director of ETC Hotels; Vice Chair Jeff Klocke, CEO of Pacific Park; Treasurer Simon Fricker, general manager of Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows; and Secretary Karen Ginsberg, a longtime Santa Monica resident and former city employee. Lopez-Quintana, who previously served as vice chair, brings over 25 years of hospitality leadership experience focused on luxury guest experiences.

  • Santa Monica Travel & Tourism recently announced the appointment of its updated 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee.
  • Lopez-Quintana first joined the board in 2022.

The players

Charlie Lopez-Quintana

Vice president and managing director of ETC Hotels, the parent company of iconic Santa Monica properties Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar. He previously served as vice chair on the organization's 2024-25 Board of Directors Executive Committee.

Jeff Klocke

CEO of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, the West Coast's only amusement park on a pier. He has served on the SMTT board since 2019 and brings over 30 years of industry experience.

Simon Fricker

General manager of Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. He was appointed to the SMTT board by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce in 2025 and brings over two decades of international boutique-luxury hotel experience.

Karen Ginsberg

A longtime Santa Monica resident who spent 25 years employed with the city, most recently as director of community and cultural services before retiring in 2020. She has been part of SMTT's board since 2022 and previously served as treasurer on the 2024-25 Executive Committee.

Misti Kerns

President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“2026 marks an inspiring moment for Santa Monica as the city steps into the global spotlight. With historic events such as the Route 66 Centennial, the upcoming FIFA World Cup and planning for Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the 2028 Olympic Games, we are uniquely positioned to welcome new audiences, drive meaningful economic impact and showcase the exceptional experiences that define our seaside city.”

— Charlie Lopez-Quintana, Chairman, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism 2026 Board of Directors

“Charlie has played a transformative role during his time on SMTT's Board. I am confident his leadership and expertise will help us showcase Santa Monica's unique experiences in this pivotal year for our city.”

— Misti Kerns, President and CEO, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism

What’s next

The new SMTT leadership team will work to showcase Santa Monica during the upcoming Route 66 Centennial, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The takeaway

With a seasoned hospitality executive at the helm and a focus on leveraging major upcoming events, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is well-positioned to drive economic impact and introduce new audiences to the city's exceptional experiences in 2026 and beyond.