Administration

Mike Testa is the President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, leading a talented team that’s dedicated to promoting Sacramento as an attractive place to visit, and creating and attracting events and programs that grow the region’s prowess as a tourism destination. Through the impact of travel, Mike and his team strengthen Sacramento’s economic position, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for people in the community.

Mike has been busy over the last decade building Sacramento’s tourism landscape. He helped establish the region’s Farm-to-Fork identity, created nationally recognized events like the Tower Bridge Dinner, and brought the famed Michelin Guide to the city. He built relationships with national promoters to position Sacramento as an ideal festival destination for major music events like the Aftershock and GoldenSky festivals. Under his leadership, Sacramento has attracted new citywide conventions, and he signed the largest convention held in Sacramento, the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, to a 10-year agreement.

Mike is a graduate of St. Mary's College and has spent his career promoting, connecting, and developing relationships to elevate organizational goals. As an expert communicator and seasoned destination marketing executive, he is highly sought after to speak at CEO forums, participate in panel discussions, and facilitate conversations around marketing, tourism development and community economic creation and development.

Kari Miskit oversees communications, marketing, public relations, and media relations at Visit Sacramento, while also serving as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer.

Kari joined Visit Sacramento in 2014 to design and launch public relations for Visit Sacramento’s America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital program, later expanding her role to include leadership within several areas of the business.

Prior to joining Visit Sacramento, Kari spent 13 years working in public relations agencies, where she worked with a diverse list of clients across the country.

Kari is a graduate of California State University, Chico, and enjoys exploring the region's dining scene with her family.

Linda joined the Visit Sacramento team in March 2022. As the Vice President of People & Culture, she is responsible for the strategy, support, and execution of human resource initiatives. The Director impacts the long-term viability of the organization by recruiting, engaging, and retaining employees, administering compensation and benefit programs, developing and delivering training, and monitoring safety programs, while ensuring compliance to protect the organization, impact the employee experience and achieve the long-term goals.

Linda was formerly the Vice President of Human Resources and Administration for Western Bankers Association. For 17 years, she had a variety of responsibilities encompassing HR, payroll, benefits, training, and office management. Linda also led a team of bank HR professionals in peer groups and conducted an annual compensation and benefits survey.

Some of her favorite things to do include spending time with her family and being outdoors, either walking, bike riding, hiking, or kayaking.

As VP of Finance, Armando is responsible for Visit Sacramento’s financial strategic oversight. He holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting from St. Mary’s College of California.

Prior to Visit Sacramento, Armando served 10+ years at community support nonprofits including FQHCs and Family Resource centers. He implemented new financial systems to increase efficiency and new community programs, including a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance resource for families to prepare taxes for free and achieve better financial stability through more than $500,000 filed in returns.

Armando’s perfect day in Sacramento starts with appetizers and drinks at Cantina Alley, followed by dinner at Paesano’s and a trip to DOCO for a concert or Kings game at the Golden 1 Center.

As Staff Accountant, Harminder supports all aspects of accounting for Visit Sacramento operations. She holds a BA in Accounting/Finance from Sac State.

As Accounting Manager, Erica oversees Visit Sacramento’s accounting processes and reporting.

Prior to Visit Sacramento, Erica worked in accounting for Sacramento region private schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in the Philippines. Her work in the Philippines includes set up and development of Safeway’s IT shared services company.

Erica’s favorite recommendation for visitors is a trip to the California State Railroad Museum, a cornerstone of the Old Sacramento Waterfront district preserving the history of how rail industry built California.

Elizabeth supports the Executive Leadership team at Visit Sacramento and interfaces with the Board of Directors, STMD, and STID committees in stewardship of the organization’s operations. In addition, she collaborates with Convention Sales and the Sports Commission in reporting and data analysis.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration, with a concentration in meeting and event management, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has more than 15 years’ experience in the Hospitality Industry. Named a California Travel Association 30 and Under Emerging Leader in 2019, prior to joining Visit Sacramento she utilized her range of specialties in areas such as Group Room Reservations and Catering & Convention Management while at her nearly decade-long tenure with Caesars Entertainment.

A born and raised Sacramentan, Elizabeth is an expert in creating memorable experiences for travelers to our region and enjoys exploring the city with her two black Labradors, Macy and Molly. Her favorite Sacramento recommendation for travelers is to wander the gardens on the Capitol grounds, including the cactus garden and locally famous rose garden.

Charli serves as Payroll & Operations Manager at Visit Sacramento, supporting the organization by ensuring efficient administrative operations and a smooth day-to-day workflow for staff.

Before joining Visit Sacramento, Charli worked in business outreach for the Power District at Oak Park Business Association. She has developed strong expertise in onboarding, time management, recruitment, and compliance in nearly a decade served in the public sector.

A Sacramento native, Charli was born and raised in the region and is deeply passionate about contributing to the growth and experience of her hometown. When sharing Sacramento with visitors, Charli recommends starting the day with breakfast at Orphan or The Morning Fork, followed by exploring Midtown’s murals and local shops, and experiencing the energy of a Kings game at the Golden 1 Center.

This Arkansas native joined the Visit Sacramento staff in 2000. He manages the office shipping and receiving, distribution of Visitors' Guides throughout the city and the U.S., pick-ups and deliveries, inventory of office supplies and mail services.

Upon leaving Arkansas, Smith ventured west to discover gold. Soon after arriving in Sacramento, Smith realized this river city was home. His background includes data entry and shipping and receiving. "Z's" number-one hobby is the Dallas Cowboys and all things Cowboys. He and his wife Stephanie have three children, daughters Talija and Lanice, and son "ZJ."