San Diego, Calif. (January 27, 2026) — The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) announces a new executive leadership structure to emphasize the client and guest experience, strengthen hospitality operations, and guide the organization through an unprecedented period of capital investment.
In support of these goals, SDCC has established two new executive leadership roles. Alyssa Turowski will serve as Chief of Hospitality and Client Experience and Corey Albright as Chief of Infrastructure and Modernization. Albright, who has been with SDCC since 2018 and served as Chief Operating Officer since 2022, previously oversaw event operations, service delivery, and organizational execution, as well as capital planning, maintenance, and procurement, during a period of record growth and increasing organizational complexity.
“Following the successful passage of Measure C, the Convention Center is preparing for a generational period of capital investment and modernization,” said Rip Rippetoe,CVE, SDCC’s President and CEO. “This executive structure reflects the scale and complexity of that effort, ensuring focused leadership to modernize the building at scale while maintaining our high level of service and execution. Corey and Alyssa bring deep expertise, strategic insight, and understanding of our industry. Their partnership, along with the support of our Deputy CEO and CFO Mardeen Mattix and our entire team, positions us for success in the busy and exciting years ahead.”
Fiscal year 2025 was a record year, with events hosted at the San Diego Convention Center generating approximately $38 million in tax revenues for the City of San Diego and an estimated $1.6 billion in regional impact.
Building on this momentum, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria recently announced the City will seek City Council approval for an initial $119 million Measure C investment to advance early modernization efforts at SDCC. These early investments are intended to strengthen the Convention Center’s long-term economic impact and establish the foundation for additional Measure C-funded initiatives over time. Future projects will be advanced in collaboration with the City as part of a broader, multi-year effort to support expanded event activity, economic growth, and job creation.
Corey Albright to Lead Capital Investment and Modernization
Albright will provide executive leadership for SDCC’s capital investment and evolving modernization efforts, with oversight of capital projects, maintenance, information technology, and procurement. The new role is designed to position the organization to responsibly advance early investments while preparing for a broader, multi-year Measure C program that will shape the Convention Center’s future.
Albright brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience across enterprise operations, capital delivery, and procurement strategy within complex, always-on environments. Since joining the San Diego Convention Center Corporation in 2018, he has served in progressively senior roles, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. A native San Diegan and U.S. Navy combat veteran, Albright has completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2024, the San Diego Business Journal named Albright a San Diego Veteran of Influence. He has served in nonprofit board, civic advisory, and academic advisory capacities supporting community development, public accountability, and workforce advancement.
Alyssa Turowski to Lead Hospitality and Client Experience
Turowski will oversee hospitality operations, event execution, and service delivery to ensure consistently high-quality outcomes for clients, partners, and guests. She will also serve as the primary liaison with the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) for the planning and execution of citywide events. Her leadership will be instrumental as SDCC continues to enhance service standards while managing capital activity.
A seasoned hospitality leader with more than 20 years of industry experience, Turowski has served as General Manager of the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines and Westin San Diego. She began her hospitality career with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and has held roles including Revenue/Reservations Manager, Director of Front Office, Director of Rooms, Director of Operations, and General Manager. With a strong track record of leadership, she is passionate about building, developing, and inspiring teams to cultivate exceptional guest experiences. Turowski serves as Vice Chair of the San Diego County Lodging Association Board of Directors, and she has previously served on the San Diego Convention Center and San Diego Tourism Marketing District Boards.
About the San Diego Convention Center
Located along the San Diego Bay and steps from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Convention Center is the region’s premier gathering place, hosting conventions that create economic benefits and jobs for the San Diego region, paid for by outside visitors to the destination. The San Diego Convention Center Corporation is a public benefit corporation created by the City of San Diego to exclusively manage, market, and operate the waterfront facility.
Media Contact
Maren Dougherty, San Diego Convention Center
