Visit Oxnard Appoints Brittney Hendricks as Interim President & CEO
Visit Oxnard, the official destination marketing organization for Oxnard, Calif., is pleased to announce the appointment of Brittney Hendricks as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. With her wealth of experience in marketing, communications, and destination management, Hendricks is poised to lead Visit Oxnard into its next phase of growth and innovation as the organization looks to solidify its coming steps into the future.
“Brittney’s passion for Oxnard, combined with her deep expertise in destination marketing, makes her a great choice for our next leader to guide Visit Oxnard forward,” said Steve Buenger, Chair of the Visit Oxnard Board of Directors. “Her creativity, hard work ethic, and ability to engage with diverse audiences and make connections within the community and beyond, will help Oxnard thrive as a top destination for both leisure and business travelers.”
Hendricks, who has been with Visit Oxnard for over six years, previously serving as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the organization, has been a key driver in promoting Oxnard as a premier California destination. Her leadership in strategic marketing, branding, content development, agency management and community outreach has helped elevate the city’s profile as a vibrant and diverse destination. As Interim President and CEO, Hendricks will continue to champion Oxnard’s unique offerings, focusing on driving tourism, fostering economic development, and enhancing the visitor experience, as well as fostering the relationships between Visit Oxnard and local businesses, organizations and the City of Oxnard.
“I’m thrilled and honored to accept this new role with Visit Oxnard,” said Hendricks. “I have a deep rooted and genuine love for the destination, and I’m passionate about sharing with the world everything that Oxnard has to offer. I love the quality of life in Oxnard. It’s geographically a stunning location; people are warm, unpretentious and proud of their roots; and there’s so much culture interwoven in the fabric of the community that makes it unique. What we have here is truly something special, and I’m excited to lead Visit Oxnard forward as we continue to grow and fulfill our mission of highlighting Oxnard as the ultimate year-round destination.”
Hendricks brings a diverse background in marketing and destination management to her new role, and her impactful projects and extensive media presence have significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of Oxnard as a premier destination. While in her previous role, she oversaw all marketing and public relations for Visit Oxnard, including award-winning campaigns recognized by PRSA, MarCOM, AVA Digital, Telly, and American Advertising Awards, a complete brand overhaul and the build-out of a new website.
Some of Hendricks’ most notable projects in destination management included securing funds to create interior and exterior murals at Oxnard Transit Center and to develop a wayfinding program for the City of Oxnard, and serving on former Mayor John C. Zaragoza’s Gateway Task Force, guiding the concept development for four landmark gateways into Oxnard. Additionally, Hendricks played a key role in assisting Visit Oxnard’s outgoing President & CEO, Julie Buffo, in establishing the Oxnard Tourism Management District and successfully assisted in its renewal, including an increase in the assessment percentage. “Brittney was one of my first hires when I accepted my position as President & CEO seven years ago,” said Julie Buffo. “She has grown tremendously during her tenure with Visit Oxnard, and I look forward to seeing her continue to shine as I take my retirement.” Buffo will stay on as Visit Oxnard’s Chief Operations Officer to assist in the transition before stepping away from the organization.
Hendricks has been the driving force behind Visit Oxnard’s signature event, Oxnard Fan Night, which features exciting performances and meet-and-greets with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, mascot Rowdy, and Cowboys alumni. The event serves as a thrilling kickoff to the annual Cowboys Summer Training Camp.
As a prominent spokesperson for Visit Oxnard, Hendricks frequently appears in the media to discuss key destination initiatives, and has been featured on KTLA, Spectrum News, and KEYT Morning News, as well as various radio and online platforms.
In addition to her work with Visit Oxnard, Hendricks serves as a Board Director for the Central Coast Tourism Council, and is active on committees with Destinations International, Visit California, the California Travel Association, and the Ventura County Lodging Association. She was honored with the 2023 Rising Star Award from the California Travel Association and the 2024 Young Professional of the Year Award from the West Ventura County Business Alliance. Brittney holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis from Chapman University.
Hendricks looks forward to a bright future for Visit Oxnard, with four new hotel properties in various stages of approvals and construction in Oxnard and a substantial redevelopment project in the works at Fisherman’s Wharf. More immediately, Hendricks urges residents and travel intenders alike to be on the lookout for a soon-to-be-revealed new campaign launching in early 2025.
For more information on Brittney Hendricks, please visit www.visitoxnard.com/about-us/visit-oxnard-staff/brittney-hendricks-author-page.