Not only did Jennifer Wesselhoff say it was an honor to be chosen, it’s also something she’s wanted to for quite some time.

Last week, Gov. Doug Ducey chose Wesselhoff, the president and CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, as one of the newest members of the state’s Tourism Advisory Council.

“I’ve been aware of this council for many years and always hoped that one day I could serve alongside the well-respected tourism leaders in the state,” she said. “The Arizona Office of Tourism does an incredible job marketing our entire state and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to provide insights on the tourism needs in Northern Arizona.”

According to Arizona Office of Tourism spokesman Scott Dunn, the council’s members hail from the tourism community as well as the general public, and include representatives from the hotel, restaurant, transportation and recreation industries.

Arizona’s Tourism Advisory Council includes at least one member from six geographical planning areas within the state. Wesselhoff, who has been at the Sedona Chamber’s helm for 11 years, represents the Apache, Coconino, Navajo and Yavapai planning area.

The Tourism Advisory Council advises the director of the Arizona Office of Tourism on the establishment of policies and programs related to tourism promotion in the state. The council consists of 15 members, all of whom are appointed by the governor for terms of five years.

In her role at the Chamber, Wesselhoff oversees its advocacy and business-development efforts, as well as all aspects of tourism marketing and management for the city, including the visitor center and product development.

Wesselhoff is the chairwoman of the board of directors for the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization. She is also the past president of Destination Marketing Association West, a professional-development group consisting of more than 140 destination marketing organizations across the western United States. She sits on the board of DMA West’s Educational and Research Foundation.

In addition, Wesselhoff co-developed the Verde Valley Tourism Council and Scottsdale-Sedona Alliance, and spearheaded the launch of the National Geographic Sustainable Tourism project for the region. She is also a certified film commissioner with the Association of Film Commissioners International.

Other new appointees to the Tourism Advisory Council are Jeff Meyer, president of the Cactus League Baseball Association; Deborah Ostreicher, assistant director at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; and Lorraine Zomok, manager of Visit Glendale.