Board of Directors Nominees Slate 2025

Katie Pederson
Vice President of Special Events, OCVIBE

Katie Pederson is an energetic client services and business development professional with 20 years of domestic and international entertainment industry experience working for companies like Orange County Sports & Entertainment, Live Nation, Universal Studios, and the Walt Disney Company. In her role as the Vice President of Special Events for OCVIBE, Katie builds successful teams who actively promote opportunities to creatively engage guests with world-class events centered here in Anaheim. 

Katie looks forward to providing her insights and expertise from 13 years in event booking and execution across Anaheim venues to the Visit Anaheim Board of Directors. Having been intimately involved and active with the Visit Anaheim Convention and Meeting Sales & Services teams to promote the destination during her tenure in the city, Katie brings a unique perspective on how to best engage and grow the convention, corporate, sports and incentive tourism markets in Anaheim.

Michael Afram
President, Karmel Shuttle & Southern California Coach Service

Michael Afram is the founder and President of Karmel Shuttle & Southern California Coach Service, a leading passenger transportation and tour company dedicated to enhancing travel experiences in the hospitality and tourism industry. With 34 years of experience, he has developed expertise in client management, customer service, and the intricacies of the tourism landscape.

Under his leadership, Karmel Shuttle & Southern California Coach Service has become known for its commitment to safety, reliability, and exceptional service. Headquartered in Anaheim, California, the company has expanded its presence into both domestic and international markets.

Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine. A passionate advocate for the industry, he encourages college students to pursue careers in hospitality and tourism and has served as a part-time instructor in Hospitality and Tourism Management at UC Irvine for the past decade. He actively collaborates with local businesses and organizations to promote regional tourism.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys exploring new destinations with his wife and two daughters, volunteering, and sharing insights about the industry.

A resident of North Orange County for 45 years and a local business of 30 plus years, he is eager to join the board of Visit Anaheim to align his experience and passion with the organization’s mission. He is committed to promoting the Anaheim Resort/Orange County Destination and is excited about the opportunity to contribute to its growth and impact while helping shape the direction of the organization. He values collaboration and believes that diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and innovation.

Brent Finlay
President & CEO, Anaheim Family YMCA

Brent Finlay is the 13th  President and CEO of the Anaheim Family YMCA, a leading Anaheim area nonprofit serving a diverse population of more than half a million children, adults, and seniors annually through programs and services that empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. With over 40 program sites and a new YMCA Community Complex throughout the five cities, Y connects active, engaged residents to build stronger communities.

Brent  launched the YMCA’s new strategic plan, Thriving Anaheim, Stronger Communities, which outlines the organization’s vision for serving the community from 2022-2025. He is leading development of phase two of the Y community Complex to be completed in 2025. The new facility will serve thousands of residents, create new jobs, add new recreational and learning spaces, and foster community engagement.

Brent has been a career YMCA cause driven leader joining the Y movement in 1984, working to improve Anaheim residents’ health and livelihood and promote the development of the City of Anaheim.

Brent has served YMCA’s in Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio and California.

Brent received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota with major in Physical Education and Secondary Education along with graduate studies at the University of Idaho in Exercise Physiology. Brent is certified YMCA of USA Organizational Leader and YMCA of the USA Faculty Trainer.

He is a member of the Anaheim Rotary Club & Board member,  Advisory Board member of the Orange County Sports Commission, OneOC Board of Advisors, OC Non Profit CEO Board of Advisors and the West Valley Y Service Club and lives in Anaheim with his partner Julie. Brent has four grown children and five grandchildren.

Nicholas Price
General Manager, The Westin Anaheim Resort

Since joining us in 2021, General Manager, Nicholas Price has inspired and led The Westin Anaheim Resort team of associates to deliver memorable and magical experiences to their guests. These efforts have been recognized with awards such as achieving over 4 ½ Diamonds by AAA for two years in a row, ranking #6 on TripAdvisor amongst 130 properties in Anaheim and maintaining a top 5 position by Westin® Hotels globally for guest satisfaction and financial goals. In addition, the hotel has been awarded Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Award, Diners’ Choice Award with Open Table for their Rooftop Lounge, RISE. 

Nicholas Price has over 16 years of hospitality experience. Previous to The Westin Anaheim Resort, he was the General Manager at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Costa Mesa, California, where he effectively led a team of over 192 employees to win several awards including, 2017 & 2018 Marriott Hotel of the Year, 2013-2021 Trip Advisor Hall of Fame/Certificate of Excellence, 2012-2021 AAA Four-Diamond hotel award, and The Knot “Best of Weddings” in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Price says he is “focused on instilling a culture of excellence where associates take pride in anticipating guest needs and providing genuine hospitality that exceeds guests’ expectations.” 

Justin Hart
General Manager, The Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort

As General Manager of the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort he has been with Aimbridge Hospitality/Interstate Hotels & Resorts for over ten years and previously held management positions with Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Southern California, including the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel, Sheraton Universal Los Angeles, and The Westin Long Beach. Prior to his 11+ years with Starwood he was with Forte Hotels gaining operational experience in Paris, France, New York (Plaza Athenee New York and The Westbury), Atlanta, GA, Tucson, AZ and Long Beach, CA.