Governor appoints new member to Oregon Tourism Commission

SALEM, OR – Governor Kate Brown has appointed Richard Boyles to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon).

SALEM, OR – Governor Kate Brown has appointed Richard Boyles to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon). Made up of nine members, the Commission provides expertise and sets policy direction for Travel Oregon staff.


“The travel and tourism industry is a vital sector of Oregon’s economy,” said Governor Brown. “Travel Oregon has turned inspiration into an economic boon, with the industry generating $10.8 billion for the state’s economy and directly supporting more than 105,000 jobs. Appointing Richard to the Oregon Tourism Commission will further enhance the concentrated effort to grow the industry and positively impact communities throughout the state.”

Boyles has served as President at Sycan B. Corporation in Springfield, Oregon since 1991. In 1994 he co-founded InnSight Hotel Management Group and established Iris Vineyards and Winery in 1995. He has served on the Board of Travel Lane County since 2003 and is the immediate past chair. He currently serves on the Board for the Greater Eugene, Inc. and was recently elected to the Board of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association. Boyles was honored as the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Inn Keeper of the Year in 2012.



“I could not be more pleased by my appointment to the Oregon Tourism Commission,” said Boyles. “I look forward to joining my fellow commissioners in supporting and guiding the award-winning work of the Travel Oregon team to promote visitation throughout our state. The vote of confidence given to the tourism industry through recent legislation will provide a new framework for allocating funds for a wider variety of tourism-related purposes. I expect this will be a particularly meaningful time to serve on the Commission and am looking forward to helping enhance Oregon’s economy while also improving livability in communities throughout Oregon.”

Alana Hughson, President & CEO of the Central Oregon Visitors Association currently serves as Chair on the Oregon Tourism Commission, with Ryan Snyder, President of Martin Hospitality, serving as Vice-Chair.

“We are pleased that Richard will bring his extensive experience in the lodging and wine industry to the Oregon Tourism Commission,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “His insight and experience will be crucial in helping guide Travel Oregon’s efforts to generate more jobs in every corner of the state. The Governor has selected someone who has a broad understanding of the opportunities and positive impacts the tourism industry brings to the state.”

Governor appoints new member to Oregon Tourism Commission

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

SALEM, OR – Governor John Kitzhaber has appointed Kenji Sugahara to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon).

SALEM, OR – Governor John Kitzhaber has appointed Kenji Sugahara to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon). Made up of nine members, the Commission provides expertise and sets policy direction for Travel Oregon staff.

“The tourism industry generates $9.6 billion in economic impact in Oregon and supports nearly 94,000 jobs,” the Governor said. “Appointing Kenji to the Oregon Tourism Commission will help carry forward the intensive state effort to help tourism grow and thrive, which is good for all sectors of Oregon’s economy.”

Sugahara is the Executive Director of Oregon Bicycle Racing Association and a member of the Oregon Scenic Bikeway Committee and the Oregon Bicycle Tourism Partnership, among others. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon School of Law and currently resides with his family in West Salem.

“I am honored to be appointed to this amazing commission, and I am looking forward to working with the other commissioners and Travel Oregon to inspire people from all over the world to visit and enjoy the wonders of our state,” said Sugahara. “I am keenly interested in supporting tourism, which has such a positive economic impact on all of Oregon, from the smallest towns, like Ukiah, to our largest city, Portland. We have so much to offer visitors, with our abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, our rich cultural heritage, our deep culinary riches and our stunning natural beauty. ”

Karen Utz, the owner of the Black Walnut Inn in Dundee, currently serves as Chair on the Oregon Tourism Commission, with Alana Hughson, President & CEO of the Central Oregon Visitors Association, serving as Vice-Chair.

“Tourism is a crucial component of healthy business development and economic impact in Oregon, as it generates revenue in every corner of the state,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “We are pleased to welcome Kenji to the Oregon Tourism Commission. The Governor has selected someone who brings not only a cycling perspective to the commission, but experience with rural Oregon, international media and transportation issues.”

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Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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