Krista Bailey Sherman is an alumna of the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management program at California State University Monterey Bay, graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Hospitality Management and a minor in Environmental Studies . During her time at CSUMB, she built a strong foundation in sustainability, leadership, and service that continues to shape her professional path.
Krista began building her hospitality experience as a Sustainable Food Intern with A’viands from 2018 to 2020, while also gaining hands-on industry experience as Event Staff at Folktale Winery & Vineyards. When the pandemic disrupted her early career trajectory, she responded with resilience and adaptability.
She joined See Monterey, the destination marketing organization for Monterey County, as a Destination Specialist and advanced within the organization, serving as Member Relations Coordinator before stepping into her current role as Client Services Manager. Today, Krista leads a team of three professionals supporting incoming group clients with comprehensive destination services, including hotel and restaurant reservations, transportation coordination, local activities, and site visits . She also plays a key role in supporting the Business Development Team with travel logistics, tradeshow execution, and out of market activations.
Her colleagues describe her as the operational backbone of the See Monterey team, consistently exceeding expectations through her exceptional organizational skills and collaborative leadership style. She is deeply committed to mentoring her staff and developing future leaders in hospitality.
Krista also continues to support her alma mater by creating meaningful opportunities for current students. She helps lead a Student Volunteer Program in partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management program, connecting students with hands-on experience supporting event operations. Through this collaboration, students gain valuable exposure to destination management and professional event execution while building their networks within the local industry.
She is actively involved in the Annual Hospitality & Tourism Career Fair each fall, strengthening the connection between See Monterey and emerging talent. Executive Director Paige Viren shares, “It is always meaningful to welcome our graduates back to campus or see them connecting with our students in the field. We are deeply grateful for alumni like Krista who invest in the next generation and strengthen the partnerships that make our program so impactful.”
Through her leadership, professional excellence, and continued engagement with CSUMB, Krista exemplifies the power of alumni giving back while advancing Monterey County’s visitor economy and cultivating the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Thank you Krista for your leadership and dedication to the Monterey County Hospitality Industry!
