Domenic Bravo tapped to lead Wyoming tourism as Diane Shober retires

The original story by Denise Mestas for Wyoming News Now.

Wyoming’s tourism agency is getting a new captain. Governor Mark Gordon has named Domenic Bravo the next executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism, succeeding Diane Shober, who’s stepping down after more than two decades shaping the state’s visitor economy.

Bravo arrives with a resume tailor-made for the job. Since 2020 he’s run Visit Cheyenne, where he pushed splashy marketing, forged new partnerships, and helped grow Laramie County’s tourism footprint. Before that, he led Wyoming State Parks and Outdoor Recreation, a stint that coincided with roughly 25% growth in visitation and revenue. He holds a master’s in Park and Resource Management and a bachelor’s in Natural Resources Management — credentials that pair well with a state that sells big skies and wide-open spaces.

“Tourism is one of Wyoming’s signature industries, vital to both our economy and our identity,” Gordon said, adding that he’s confident Bravo will keep the message centered on the state’s landscapes, communities, and heritage.

Bravo called the appointment “an incredible honor,” pledging to carry forward years of work “built through vision, dedication, and true Wyoming grit,” and to collaborate closely with the Governor, the Tourism Board, destination organizations, and partners across the state.

The Wyoming Tourism Board — nine members drawn from six districts plus three at-large, all tied to the travel industry and appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation — welcomed the choice. Board chair Tony O’Brien praised Bravo’s grasp of Wyoming’s “iconic destinations, western culture, and vibrant tourism economy,” and tipped his hat to Shober for turning tourism into a statewide economic launchpad.

Gordon also offered a public thank-you to Shober, crediting her steady leadership with boosting Wyoming’s profile as a world-class destination and deepening ties between the industry and the communities that make the state special.

Next up: a handoff that keeps momentum going into peak planning season, with Bravo expected to build on Shober’s legacy while pushing fresh ideas to keep Wyoming top-of-mind for travelers chasing the spirit of the West.