Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board Announces Executive Director for Visit Jackson Hole

Jackson, WY – The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Joint Powers Board (JHTTB) announced on March 25, 2026, the hiring of Crista Valentino as Executive Director of Visit Jackson Hole, effective April 13. Valentino has served in the role as an independent contractor since 2023 and was selected for the permanent, full-time position following a nationwide search.

To enable the direct staff hiring, the Teton County Commissioners and Town of Jackson Town Council recently unanimously approved an amendment to the JHTTB’s Joint Powers Agreement. This new organizational structure will strengthen operations, institutional continuity, and the organization’s ability to serve both the Jackson Hole community and its visitors.

“This is a defining moment for our organization,” said Julie Calder, Board Chair for the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Joint Powers Board. “We are committed to the establishment of Visit Jackson Hole as a dynamic destination marketing and management organization that can truly lead tourism for Jackson Hole. Hiring Crista as the Executive Director is the first step toward that commitment.”

The Board reviewed 47 applications and conducted several interviews to identify the person best equipped to serve the Jackson Hole community and elevate the destination’s standing on a global stage. The nationwide search reflected the Board’s belief that a visionary Executive Director is the catalyst for organizational success.

“For the entirety of the process, the Board remained steadfast and committed to finding a strong leader for Visit Jackson Hole. Each Board member spent hours reviewing applications, scoring resumes and interviews, and engaging in thoughtful conversations about the best outcomes for the destination and our community,” said Board Chair Calder.

“Bringing Ms. Valentino on as the organization’s first hire represents our confidence in her experience and vision to move this organization forward. Crista brings a unique and applicable skillset that will be invaluable as we continue to balance tourism and visitation with stewardship of our natural resources.”

Visit Jackson Hole’s expanded organizational structure marks a turning point for not just the JHTTB, but for the broader Jackson Hole community. With a permanent Executive Director, an empowered governing structure, and a clear strategic roadmap, the organization is poised to set a national standard for how destinations can balance economic vitality with environmental integrity and community-centered decision making.

“This role sits at the intersection of everything I care about: community, conservation, and the kind of travel that leaves a place better than you found it. Jackson Hole and its visitors deserve a thoughtful approach to tourism — one that is rooted in our community’s values and that provides an epic experience to anyone who visits now or in the future. I’m committed to building an organization that rises to that standard.”
—Crista Valentino, Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Joint Powers Board Incoming Executive Director

About Crista Valentino:
Valentino has called Jackson Hole home for nearly two decades, building deep community roots while developing expertise in community-led development worldwide. Before joining the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, she founded and led a global conservation organization, directed eco-tourism and natural heritage projects in Saudi Arabia, and supported buffalo rematriation efforts with Native American Tribes across the USA. A dedicated advocate with the Jackson Hole Community Safety Network, she holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Royal Roads University, where she earned the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence.

About Visit Jackson Hole:
The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, doing business as Visit Jackson Hole, is the official destination marketing and management organization for Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We envision Jackson as a wild and resilient destination, where the community, economy, and natural ecosystems simultaneously thrive.

###