About the Tourism Foundation
The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation values the experiences and contributions of our hospitality workforce at all levels, recognizing that that their passion and dedication contribute to the exceptional experiences we offer our visitors.
We will continue to invest in their professional development and well-being while also curating the next generation of hospitality leaders within our community.
Mission
To foster a thriving hospitality and tourism industry by developing a highly skilled and engaged workforce. We achieve this by:
- Inspiring young people to explore the breadth and richness of careers in hospitality.
- Providing opportunities for growth and advancement within our industry.
- Grow hospitality leaders locally.
Workforce Partners
To strengthen the pipeline between our youth coming from secondary and post-secondary education and our industry, alongside our industry champions, we are proud to partner with OneFuture Coachella Valley, local K-12 school districts, COD (College of the Desert), COD PaCE, and CSUSB PD.
Leadership
The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation Board of Directors provides key oversight, fiduciary, and policy direction for the Foundation. Members bring significant executive-level expertise in tourism, hospitality, and business. Visit Greater Palm Springs President and CEO Scott White serves in an advisory role for the Foundation.
Tourism Foundation Board Members
- Aftab Dada, Tourism Foundation Co-Chair and Managing Director, Hilton Palm Springs
- Tim Ellis, Tourism Foundation Co-Chair and Managing Partner, Ellis Hospitality Services
- Tiffany Lam, Tourism Foundation Board Member and Vice President of Operations, Kam Sang Company
- Robert Schneider, Tourism Foundation Board Member
- John Shay, Tourism Foundation Board Member and Chief Operating Officer, Lulu California Bistro
- Nusrat Mirza, Tourism Foundation Board Member and General Manager, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
How We Are Funded
Founded in 2018, the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing education, employment, and professional growth in the local tourism and hospitality community. Help us achieve these goals by showing that travel really matters to Greater Palm Springs and by making a tax-deductible contribution. The Foundation accepts donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and other foundations.
To make an online donation to the Tourism Foundation, click here.
Contributions are also accepted by mail:
Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation
c/o Visit Greater Palm Springs
70100 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Attn: Lauren Bruggemans, Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement
For more information, contact Lauren Bruggemans at laurenb@visitgreaterps.com, 760-969-1336.
