Marlyss Auster | President & CEO
Marlyss came back to Ventura in 2012, having left her heart behind when she moved away in 1994. She originally moved to Ventura based on a postcard her mother received while living in Houston. Now she focuses on inspiring others to discover the Ventura that stole her heart. She leads all aspects of strategic planning, brand development and stewardship, marketing, public relations, and visitor center operations. She is a mom to two boys and Snickers, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever that she adopted after he was displaced by Hurricane Katrina. On the weekends, she enjoys being out and about with the family car-free – with a stroll-and-see-where it-takes-us kind of vibe.
Mike Laan | Director of Marketing
Mike has been on the team since 2014. Mike came from a strong video background and has been editing for 20 years. He also is a huge contributor to the laughs in the office and is dubbed the “drone pilot.” Big into technology, he keeps everything tech-related up to date and is always behind a camera.
Michele Foster | Visitor Center Manager
Michele joined the Visit Ventura team in 2015, after beginning as a volunteer. She loves managing the Visitor Center during the weekend, working with guests and supporting the team on special projects. Michele has traveled to and lived in a variety of different, wonderful places, but she has been totally charmed by Ventura and is happy to call it home.
Julie Madsen | Communications & PR Manager
Julie joined the Visit Ventura team in 2022. She is a Ventura native and has loved to see the city grow and expand alongside of her. Julie left Ventura to attend UC Berkeley (go bears!) where she earned an honors B.A. in Media Studies. She has an extensive journalism background and sometimes seems to think faster than she can write. Julie oversees a strategic public relations program and serves as the day-to-day media contact. She is excited to do all things writing, but most of all, she is thrilled to share with others why Ventura and its people are so special.
Chrissie Nichols | Business Development Manager
Chrissie has been a part of the Ventura community since 1999 and prides herself on being a Venturan and a UC Santa Cruz alumn (go banana slugs!). She went to high school, met her husband, and had her daughter right here in this wonderful community she calls home. Joining the team in 2025 has been an absolute thrill for her as she looks forward to sharing her love for Ventura with any and all who want to embrace this funky beach town into their hearts. In her free time, Chrissie loves to spend time with her husband and daughter, read by the fire, snuggle with her kitties and pups, or walk the shoreline of our beautiful beaches (finding sea glass with her daughter is the cherry on top of a beautiful beachy trek).
Aubrey Zambrana | Visitors Services Representative
Aubrey brings a host of talents to the table. And a big heart. Along with working at Visit Ventura, she’s studying to be a high school teacher — and she’s a huge dog and basketball lover. If you drop into the Visitor Center you might have the chance to meet her heart-melting best friend, Kobe.
Nicole Taylor | Visitor Center Supervisor
Nicole joined the Visit Ventura team in 2023. Working in the hospitality industry has been a part of Nicole’s life for over 10 years — a true testament to her passion for making personal connections with everyone she meets, both in the visitor center and outside. A Ventura native, Nicole loves biking along the coast, catching a movie, and is excited to raise her son in her hometown.
Amber Tayo | Sales & Marketing Assistant
Amber joined the team in 2025 and is excited to put to work all of the fun and unique skillsets she’s acquired during her career. From editing photos and videos to taking a deep dive into all things analytics and data, Amber is always looking for opportunities to learn more and experience new things! She’s always dreamed of living in a beach town like Ventura, so that’s why she and her husband decided to take the leap and move to town a few years ago. Since moving to Ventura, you can find her biking around town, taking photos, or at home relaxing with her cat and husband, probably watching a movie or playing a video game.
Ventura Partners With
