Visit Yosemite | Madera County Seeks New Board Members
The organization responsible for promoting tourism throughout Madera County is looking for several people from the local tourism industry to help guide that work over the next two years.
Visit Yosemite | Madera County is seeking candidates for four seats on its Board of Directors, with terms running from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2028.
For an area where tourism plays an important role in the local economy, the positions offer people working within the industry an opportunity to have a voice in how Madera County is marketed to visitors and how the organization plans for the future.
More Than a Seat at the Table
Visit Yosemite | Madera County, formally the Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau, has a mission of increasing year-round tourism in Madera County by building awareness of the county’s commercial and natural resources and its recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational opportunities.
The organization represents tourism-related businesses throughout Madera County, including Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, North Fork, Ahwahnee, O’Neals, Raymond, Madera, Madera Ranchos and Chowchilla. Because of the connection between tourism in Madera County and Yosemite National Park, the organization also represents Fish Camp, Wawona and Yosemite West.
Directors aren’t responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Visitors Bureau. Instead, their role includes planning for its future, establishing and reviewing major policies and programs and helping ensure the organization remains financially sound.
Board members also make decisions involving financial structure and resource allocation, approve the annual operating budget and help prioritize and evaluate programs and services.
Four Seats Open for Candidates
Visit Yosemite | Madera County is seeking candidates in four Board of Director categories:
- Tourism Attractions, Activities & Transportation — candidates will run against current Director Dee Ann Smith of Discover Yosemite.
- Lodging Properties Over 20 Rooms — candidates will run against current Director Kevin Shelton of Hogan Hospitality Group.
- At Large — candidates will run against current Director Andrew Pence of Granite West Funding.
- Chowchilla City Tourism Related Businesses — candidates will run against current Director Charlie Banks-Altekruse of North Fork Rancheria.
The board meets in person quarterly on the third Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Visitor Center in Oakhurst.
Board members are expected to attend meetings, review meeting materials in advance and participate on at least one committee each year.
Tourism Across Madera County
Visit Yosemite | Madera County operates the Visitor Information Center along Highway 41 in Oakhurst, where volunteers provide travelers with information about attractions and activities throughout Madera County.
Its work extends well beyond the Visitor Center. The organization’s marketing efforts include advertising, travel and trade shows, industry memberships, market research, media and tour-operator exposure, familiarization tours and partnerships.
The Visitors Bureau is funded primarily through a Tourism Business Improvement Assessment on lodging facilities in unincorporated Madera County, along with other revenue programs including tourism partnerships, advertising opportunities and U.S. Forest Service partnerships.
How to Become a Candidate
Those interested in one of the four board positions should submit a letter of intent outlining their qualifications to Visit Yosemite | Madera County by Sept. 30, 2026.
Letters may be mailed to:
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
40343 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Attn: Lanie Suderman
They may also be emailed to Lanie@YosemiteThisYear.com.
The Board of Directors slate will be voted on during the organization’s regular board meeting on Oct. 15, with candidates expected to be notified by email within seven days.
The successful candidates will begin their two-year terms Jan. 1.
For those working in Madera County’s tourism economy, the openings provide more than an opportunity to serve on a local board. They offer a chance to participate in decisions about how the region presents itself to visitors — and how tourism continues to contribute to communities throughout the county.