Board of Directors Nominees Slate 2027

Katie Pederson 
OC Vibe ,Vice President, Special Events

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
Karmel Shuttle & Southern California Coach Service, President & CEO 

Michael Afram is the founder and President of Karmel Shuttle Service, Inc., 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 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.