MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2023
After guiding evolution
of Visit Vacaville, CEO
Reeves accepts new role
By CHERYL SARFATY
The North Bay Business Journal
After nearly 16 years serving as presi-
dent and CEO of Visit Vacaville, Melyssa
Reeves will exit the city’s destination
marketing organization on Oct. 31 to take
on a new role.
Beginning Nov. 1, Reeves will become
president of Destination Marketing Asso-
ciation of the West, a regional trade group
that last fall elected her board president
after more than two decades serving in
the organization.
Reeves’ parents operated a small travel
agency in her native Manteca, which re-
sulted in an early interest in the industry
that would become her career.
Reeves graduated London University
with a bachelor’s degree in business. She
resides in Vacaville with her husband,
Craig. Reeves will be working remotely
when she joins Destination Marketing
Association of the West.
NBBJ: How would you describe Visit
Vacaville’s growth from the time you
took the helm in December 2007 to
where it is today?
Reeves: When I began my role in Va-
caville, our budget was $265,000, we had
myself and one part-time staff person,
and a tiny office. We now have a nearly
$1 million budget, five on the team, and
a much larger office space. In those early
years, Vacaville was only really known for
the outlets and Nut Tree. I would like to
think that now, we are also known for our
great outdoor recreation and agritourism.
NBBJ: When we last connected in
2021 during the pandemic, more busi-
nesses were announcing they were re-
locating to Vacaville than ever before.
What is the latest on that front?
Reeves: Vacaville has been so lucky
with so many new businesses moving into
Vacaville. The city has focused heavily on
biotechnology. Since 2020, five new biotech
companies have chosen Vacaville as their
home. Our downtown has added a new
bakery, whiskey bar, wine bar, steakhouse
and a new teahouse is coming soon.
NBBJ: What will be your first or-
der of business when you become
president at Destination Marketing
Association of the West?
Reeves: Since DMAwest has been man-
aged by an Association Management Com-
pany since its inception, there is a lot of
North Bay Business Journal 13
Nominations are
now open!
Join us in celebrating architectural marvels and
creative ingenuity at the North Bay Business Journal’s
VISIT VACAVILLE
Excellence in Construction Awards! Formerly known
Visit Vacaville President and CEO Melyssa
Reeveshas been elected board president of
Destination Marketing Association of the West.
as Top Projects, this event will honor the year’s
infrastructure building that has to happen.
outstanding architectural projects and the talented
Beyond that, I will be focused on people that make them possible.
strengthening our educational offerings
for our members and creating new ben-
efits for all our members including our This is your chance to nominate innovative and
partners. DMAwest is already known inspiring projects that not only push boundaries but
to offer great education and networking
opportunities, so I just get to expand on also breathe new life into the heart of the North Bay.
programs that are already in great shape.
NBBJ: If you had to choose a differ-
ent profession, what would it be and
why?
Reeves: My friends all say my best skill
is choosing exceptional restaurants. If I
could figure out a way to monetize this
skill, I would probably be the official res-
ervation maker for about 100 of my closest
friends. I’m a huge fan of the art of food,
and am on a mission to dine at every Mi-
chelin-starred restaurant. Honestly, I can’t
SCAN TO NOMINATE
imagine doing a job outside of tourism. I Nominations are open now through September 15th.
love the industry and my best friends are
all also colleagues. For more information, email lonnie.hayes@busjrnl.com
NBBJ: Where might we find you
when you’re not at work? Presenting Partner Gold Partner Silver Partners
Reeves: Traveling or off on an adventure
with my husband. We met and got married
during the pandemic and have been on
one big adventure since. We spend many
weekends in Napa Valley wine tasting and
dining, of course.