Krista Rupp
Executive Director , Visit Morgan Hill
Growing up in Morrow Bay , Krista ’ s sports and hobbies of choice were diving , swimming , water polo , junior lifeguards and surfing . In the water she learned diligence , confidence , and persistence — traits she has refined and relied on since , and the basis for her optimism in the face of any challenge .
She waited tables in high school to pay for college and worked banquets while attending Cuesta Jr . College . She worked resort sales in Pismo Beach while at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo . Upon graduating with a B . S . in Recreation , Parks and Tourism Admin ., she passed the State Parks exam . Facing the murky waters of the 2008 great recession and threats of a state park shutdown , she dove into hospitality and tourism .
After 20 years in the industry and hundreds of weddings on the beach , Krista is a travel and tourism professional at the top of her game . Her experience includes the Pismo Beach resort , restaurant and spa , Visit SLO ’ s marketing committee , and the Ventana Inn at Big Sur , where she was during the winter of 2010 .
That year , winter hit with a vengeance causing landslides and flooding . When a section of Highway 1 fell to the sea , Big Sur was cut off . Confined to the property for weeks on
end , Krista took on many of the responsibilities left to the now lean crew . She managed all events , contracts and media — helping to create order from chaos . It was an experience she recalls as “ Really cool and super challenging .”
At Visit Santa Cruz Krista led their first two international tourism and outreach campaigns . At the Monterey Bay Aquarium , she managed the international tourism program . In both roles , Krista traveled the world , building tourism alliances . As President of the Central Coast Tourism Council , she led their rebranding campaign .
As the new Executive Director of Visit Morgan Hill , Krista ’ s long-term plans include the development of Morgan Hill ’ s tourism marketing program , and volunteering in the community . She currently works with the city and local agencies to support our restaurants , hotels , and wineries . “ We can only go up from here !” She says . Her optimism is a confident one , forged by her past success in every kind of water .
One thing is certain — where Krista dives in , we ’ d be wise to follow .
Krista loves gardening , sewing and painting in acrylic . She golfs and hikes — two hobbies that help her appreciate Morgan Hill . Her parents , brother and extended family live in Morrow Bay .
24
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com