SearchWide Global Recruits Executive Director for Cody Yellowstone
February 23, 2026 – Following a nationwide search, executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has placed Michael Wambolt as the new executive director of the Park County Travel Council (Cody Yellowstone). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Wambolt to Cody,” said John Parsons, chairman of the board of directors of PCTC. “He is a travel industry veteran with a wealth of experience who is eager to experience the rich outdoor recreational offerings of our destination. We think he’s going to be a terrific fit for Cody Yellowstone.”
Mr. Wambolt will be the organization’s third executive director in close to 40 years, replacing Ryan Hauck who left last year to become CEO of Experience Fayetteville in Arkansas. Prior to Mr. Hauck’s tenure, Claudia Wade was the original director who established and ran PCTC from the mid-1980s until she retired in 2021.
Mr. Wambolt has been executive director of Visit Morro Bay, a coastal community in central California since 2021. He has also worked for Visit SLO CAL as director of travel trade overseeing sales efforts for all lodging in San Luis Obispo, as director of sales for SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Atascadero, Calif. and director of sales for Sea Ocean Front Hotel in Pismo Beach, CA. He got his start in hospitality as site representative for Contiki Holidays with responsibilities in Amsterdam, Paris and Austria.
“As an avid outdoorsman, I am beyond excited to promote Cody Yellowstone with its rich history, authentic Western atmosphere, world-class attractions and seemingly endless outdoor recreation,” said Mr. Wambolt.
In his new role, Mr. Wambolt is responsible for ensuring that PCTC operations adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Wyoming Lodging Tax Manual, the Park County, Wyoming Joint Powers Agreement, and the PCTC Bylaws. He is also charged with developing and executing a comprehensive sales, marketing, and public relations strategy to inspire overnight leisure travel from key regional, national, and international markets.
The Park County Travel Council is a Joint Powers Board composed of ten volunteer members representing various communities across the region. It is dedicated to obtaining national and international recognition for Park County, Wyoming, and promoting it as a year-round destination filled with opportunity, adventure, and natural beauty. By showcasing the unique offerings of Cody Yellowstone—which includes the communities of Cody, Powell, Meeteetse, East Yellowstone Valley, and nearby Yellowstone National Park—the Council works to realize the area’s full tourism potential.
SearchWide Global, based in St. Paul, MN, is a full-service executive recruitment firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. The firm specializes in C-level and director-level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations.
Related: SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for Finger Lakes Visitors Connection
Ms. Henderson works in all sectors of hospitality, travel and tourism. She has experience recognizing clients’ needs, identifying best-in-class talent. She also leads SearchWide Global’s industry-wide diversity initiative. She serves on the Destinations International Foundation board of trustees and is involved in several other industry organizations. Previously, Ms. Henderson worked in the destination marketing organization and hotel industry.
Visit Estes Park Search
SearchWide Global recently placed Sarah Leonard as the new CEO of Visit Estes Park (VEP) in Colorado. Ms. Henderson led the assignment. “After conducting an extensive nationwide search, the board was thrilled to select Sarah for this critical leadership role,” said Sean Jurgens, chair of the Visit Estes Park board of directors. “Her strategic approach to sustainable tourism, community engagement, marketing, and destination stewardship made her the perfect candidate. She brings a proven record of strong leadership, community collaboration, and a deep passion for tourism advocacy. She is going to be an incredible asset to our community.”
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah as VEP’s new CEO,” said Estes Park mayor Gary Hall. “She brings a remarkable wealth of knowledge and experience from across the travel and tourism industry, particularly in sustainability, government relations, brand stewardship, and destination marketing and management. Her strategic, visionary, and humble leadership makes her the ideal individual to guide VEP to even greater heights.”
Ms. Leonard brings more than 20 years of tourism and destination leadership experience to the organization. Her background in travel and tourism began with Arizona State Parks, where she developed a passion for sustainability and responsible travel.
Situated about 90 miles northwest of Denver, at 7,522 feet above sea level, Estes Park sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Visit Estes Park, the name under which the Estes Park Local Marketing District operates, is the official destination marketing organization for Estes Park. The organization’s mission is to nurture visitor reverence of this vibrant mountain town for business success, environmental sustainability and community harmony.
Related: SearchWide Global Seeking Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer for Nashville Zoo
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
