Valerie Lomeli has found a home, a community, and a passion for her work here in South Lake Tahoe. As a long time visitor to the area, she was spending so much time in the South Shore that she finally decided to make the move.  As the Project Manager for the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Lomeli loves to plan large events that help to bring visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin. She is the mental muscle behind massive events like the 4th of July Fireworks, Spring Loaded, and Heavenly Holidays.

Beyond her exciting work for the LTVA, Lomeli is on the Take Care Tahoe committee which helps promote a more responsible use of our great outdoors. Her highly active lifestyle leads her to spend a lot of time outdoors and she wants to help raise awareness of some of the issues that impact the Tahoe region.

Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Valerie Lomeli!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

As the Project Manager for the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, I’m responsible for executing team projects, which include: Heavenly Holidays, Spring Loaded, Amgen Tour of California, 4th of July Fireworks, and American Century Championships. I work closely with the executive team to make sure the scope and direction of each project is on schedule.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

My favorite professional moment last year was being tasked to manage our first ever, Spring Loaded 2018 marketing campaign. I’ve always been passionate about giving visitors more reasons to visit South Lake Tahoe, even when Spring break in Tahoe may not be on their minds. So, when I was given this assignment, I couldn’t have been more excited. Springtime in Tahoe is a great time to do many activities, especially if you don’t ski/board. I’m all about multi-sport days and visitors are able to do that when they visit Tahoe in the Spring. I look forward to working with all of the local restaurants, breweries, lodging properties, casino’s, and ski resorts in kicking off the second year of Spring Loaded 2019!

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

I live by two mantras and they’ve really shaped who I am today. I often find myself over thinking things or worried, so I remind myself, “This too shall pass,” and it always does! My second one is, anytime I’m in a situation I can’t solve or fix, I ask myself, “Is this something I can fix? If yes, then fix it. And if the answer is no, then it’s time to move on.” Life throws some crazy adventures and life experiences at us, and I’m so happy for all of them. Those life experiences have shaped who I am today, and for that I’m thankful.  All I want is to be surrounded by loved ones, my amazing work team, and the best Tahoe crew a girl could ask for. I’m truly living my dream here in Lake Tahoe!

What was your first job?

My first job was at Jamba Juice, in Southern California. It was a great first job; it taught be a great amount about responsibility and customer service.  We had to memorize over 40 different types of drinks and constantly work with the other team members to deliver quick and fast service. I learned the value of teamwork, without it there would have been a lot of melted drinks . Some of my best memories are from my days working at Jamba Juice.  

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

I’ve been retreating to Lake Tahoe my whole life; my family and I  would vacation in Lake Tahoe every summer. It wasn’t till I was living in San Francisco and coming up every weekend in the winter time to ski, that I decided to make Tahoe home for a while? I was a successful project coordinator in San Francisco working with top real estate agents in the city.  I decided to apply for a job for Tahoe North since I have always loved visiting. I had no idea that three weeks later I would be hired and moving to the mountains. I still can’t believe sometimes that I get to work and live where I where I get to play; ski, golf, bike, wake surf, paddle board, trail run, and most importantly be in the outdoors. I have been fortunate to work for Tahoe North and learned everything there was to learn about the North Shore. Shortly after being at Tahoe North, I was offered the job as Account Manager for Ski Lake Tahoe. A dream come true, I always heard about this organization and how desirable it was and be able to promote all of the ski resorts around Lake Tahoe, who knew, I would be chosen? During that journey I was mentored by Tahoe’s locally famous, Carl Ribaudo and Jenn Gleckman. They’ve been critical to my career growth. As we’ve all learned, things don’t last forever, Ski Lake Tahoe officially shut down after 40+ years. I was conflicted on what my next adventure would be and if I should continue making Tahoe home, especially with the limited career opportunities.  But all of my networking, hard work, and having a positive outlook on life paid off. Carol Chaplin the CEO/President of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and the team at Tahoe South, offered me a position. My journey in Tahoe has been amazing, it wasn’t easy and has been a constant hustle. But, if you work hard, and make yourself open to new opportunities, life will throw you amazing and beautiful things. I’m eternally grateful for the people in my life and will continue to give back to Lake Tahoe, the community, and am looking forward to raising a family here someday.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I sit on the Take Care Tahoe committee. I believe in a regional message and when we come together as community (Lake Tahoe Basin), we can truly make an impact and difference.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I’m a pretty active individual and I love trying new things. During the winter time I love skiing and cross-country skiing.  During Spring & Summer, I road bike, golf, MTB, trail run, and I just learned how to wakesurf. During the Fall, I enjoy searching for fall foliage and I’m always looking for that next epic shot or adventure. Follow me @Tahoe_Val.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?

Emerald Bay Bar & Grill (aka Brothers Bar), The Bistro at Edgewood, and Samurai Sushi. I love to eat and anytime I can try a new restaurant, I’m game.

Who would YOU nominate for 40 under 40?

Meg Peart

Get in touch with Valerie today:
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