Our Team

Get to know the people behind the Visit Mammoth brand.

The Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) staff works hard to strike a balance between bringing visitors to town and educating guests on how to take care of this beautiful place we call home. MLT initiatives ladder up to the goal of closing gaps in visitation during need-times (shoulder season and midweek visitation) in Mammoth Lakes. By filling need-times, MLT helps to ensure business owners and staff can rely on year-round income. Success in these endeavors is quantified by striving to reach 12 months of TOT viability — defined by the MLT Board of Directors as $1M or more of TOT revenue each month of the year. In addition to driving visitation during need-times, MLT helps to educate visitors while they are in Mammoth Lakes.

Meet the MLT Staff

MLT has an open-door policy. If you have questions about any of MLT’s work, please stop at any time to meet with staff members. Our address is 2520 Main Street, next door to the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. You can also reach us at 760-934-2712 or by emailing the general office email info@visitmammoth.com.

Learn more about the expertise MLT staff members bring below, or visit the contact us page for detailed contact information for individual staff members.

John Urdi

President & CEO

John moved to Mammoth Lakes in 2010 to lead Mammoth Lakes Tourism, with over 35 years of hospitality and tourism experience. Over the years, his efforts have significantly boosted its funding from $2m to $10m. With a degree from Northeastern University, he’s held key roles in American Skiing Company, Colorado Ski Country USA, and resorts nationwide. Most recently, he and the MLT teams have focused on responsible travel and community stewardship, educating visitors on respecting the environment and revitalizing slower seasons. He’s an active member of several tourism organizations, including the US Travel Association, Visit California, Chamber of Commerce, Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access, Mountain Travel Symposium, and Cal Travel Association. As an avid winter sports enthusiast, he cherishes skiing with his children, Bryn and Jace. John also enjoys many hobbies, including travel, food, sports, and outdoor activities.

Jetsabel Aleman

Office Manager

Jetsabel Aleman supports day to day communication with visitors. Her lifelong love for nature led her from a Veterinary Technician role in Puerto Rico to Yosemite National Park. For four years, at the Ahwahnee Hotel, she educated visitors on preserving Yosemite. She later found Mammoth Lakes, embracing its hiking, paddle boarding, and winter skiing. Jetsabel embodies year-round outdoor passion and environmental stewardship, making her a Mammoth Lakes asset.

Betsy Truax

Vice President, Community Engagement

Betsy Truax is a 14-year resident and community leader in Mammoth Lakes. As the Executive Director for the Mammoth Lakes Foundation, Betsy spearheaded efforts to construct the Dave and Roma McCoy Arts and Cultural Center (MACC), slated to open in late 2025. Betsy is currently a Commissioner for the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District and member of the High Sierra Triathlon Club board. Betsy also spent ten years as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the Town of Mammoth Lakes, championing projects like the Community Recreation Center (CRC) and inclusive playground at Mammoth Creek Park.

Michael Vanderhurst

Vice President, Global Tourism

Michael Vanderhurst has 20 years of experience in sales. Michael is Mammoth Lakes Tourism’s “Road Warrior,” traveling to international markets worldwide to raise awareness and enthusiasm for the destination. Michael sits on the Mono County Tourism and Film Commission, The High Sierra Visitors Council, is the Chair of TOML Planning and Economic Development Commission, and is the point of contact for Brand USA and Visit California International.

Ally Watson

Public Relations Manager

Ally Watson joins the MLT team as the Public Relations Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in strategic communications and brand management. With extensive bylines in outdoor publications, agency experience, and a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation, Ally is eager to highlight the incredible experiences that Mammoth Lakes has to offer. As a new resident, Ally comes to Mammoth Lakes from Banff, Alberta where she spent the past decade working in tourism, hospitality, and the National Park system. From trail maintenance to heli-skiing, horsepacking and event media, Ally has done it all, and is thrilled to bring her passion for adventure to her work with Mammoth lakes Tourism.

Sarah Winters

Vice President, Marketing

Sarah Winters joined the MLT team in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge. Sarah comes from a 15-year background in the hospitality industry, including a decade of expertise in tourism marketing. Sarah sits on the Visit California Rural Committee as well as the Visit California High Sierra Council and will be MLT’s point person for all paid marketing efforts. Originally from outside of Boston, she has called California her home for nearly 15 years and is thrilled to be representing her favorite mountain destination.

Emily Bryant

Marketing Manager

Emily joined MLT in 2017. Raised in Yosemite National Park, Emily started working for the park concessionaire in a variety of front-line customer service positions as a teen, and as an adult focused specifically on the lodging sector, working in a variety of resort hotels. Emily has also worked with Civitas on various assessment districts across the state. She has lived in Mammoth Lakes since 2013 and is an avid, lifelong snow slider.

Samantha Lindberg

Digital Marketing Manager

Samantha Lindberg, MLT’s Digital Marketing Manager, is a seasoned professional with years of expertise in content management, web development, and photography. Her role at MLT is dedicated to enhancing content marketing, website management, and social media, while consistently producing captivating visual content. An adventurer at heart, Samantha enjoys backpacking, skiing, and paddle boarding, aligning perfectly with what Mammoth Lakes offers!

Laura Wattles

Content Marketing Manager

Laura has lived in the Sierra for over a decade, working in many forms of tourism including developing a small glamping business, acting as Communications Manager for the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau and serving as Executive Director for the Yosemite Climbing Association. Beyond this, she has extensive experience on a ground level cleaning vacations rentals, cooking in kitchens, coordinating guide services, operating front desks, performing customer service and more. Most recently she had the pleasure of working locally for Ridge Merino, as well as Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserves.

Who We Are
Learn about Mammoth Lakes Tourism, their impact on the community, and how they drive visitation to the area.
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