SANTA MONICA TRAVEL & TOURISM INTRODUCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (January 27, 2026) – Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) recently announced the appointment of its updated 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee in a special election. The new leadership slate is comprised of: Chairman Charlie Lopez-Quintana, Vice President & Managing Director, ETC Hotels; Vice Chair Jeff Klocke, CEO, Pacific Park; Treasurer Simon Fricker, General Manager, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and Secretary Karen Ginsberg, Santa Monica resident.
Newly elected Chairman of the Board, Charlie Lopez-Quintana, recently served as Vice Chair on the organization’s 24/25 Board of Directors Executive Committee. He brings more than 25 years of hospitality leadership with a focus on luxury guest experiences. Since 2021, Lopez-Quintana has served as Vice President & Managing Director of ETC Hotels, the parent company of iconic Santa Monica properties Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, where he previously served as General Manager of both hotels.
“2026 marks an inspiring moment for Santa Monica as the city steps into the global spotlight,” said Lopez-Quintana.
“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. As Chair of the Board, I am honored to continue championing a vision that invites the world to explore Santa Monica while supporting the people and businesses that make it so special.”
Lopez-Quintana first joined the Board in 2022 and held hospitality leadership positions at Terranea Resort and two Ritz-Carlton properties before joining ETC Hotels.
“Charlie has played a transformative role during his time on SMTT’s Board,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of SMTT. “I am confident his leadership and expertise will help us showcase Santa Monica’s unique experiences in this pivotal year for our city.”
Serving on the Board of Directors since 2019, Jeff Klocke steps into his role as Vice Chair with more than 30 years of extensive industry experience. He is currently the CEO of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, the West Coast’s only amusement park on a pier, and is widely recognized for his active role in shaping Santa Monica’s dynamic tourism landscape for over two decades.
Additionally, Simon Fricker has stepped into the role of Treasurer, and Karen Ginsberg takes on the role of Secretary. Fricker was appointed by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce in 2025 and brings over two decades of international boutique-luxury hotel experience to Santa Monica, joining the community as General Manager of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in 2024. Ginsberg, a longtime Santa Monica resident, spent 25 years employed with the city, most recently as Director of Community and Cultural Services before retiring in 2020. As a city council appointee, she has been an integral part of SMTT’s Board since 2022 and previously served as Treasurer on the 24/25 Executive Committee.
###
About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Media Contact
Lauren Salisbury
Vice President of Communications
