Governor Tina Kotek has appointed two new members to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon). Harish Patel, President of Florencein Inc. and Travis Hill, Chief Operating Officer of Umpqua Indian Development Corporation (UIDC) joined the commission on Oct. 5, 2023.
Harish Patel has served, and currently serves, on several boards in the travel and hospitality industry, including Immediate Past Chair on the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association Board of Directors, Board of Directors on the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) Owners Association and Vice Chairman of the Choice Hotel Owners Council Board of Directors. Harish is an Engineering Graduate with a Doctorate in Fluid Mechanics from the University of Birmingham, England and currently resides in Portland with his wife, Bina. In his current role as President of Florencein, Inc. he mentors individuals from disadvantaged and under-resourced communities to build successful careers in the hospitality industry.
Travis Hill brings over 25 years of expertise to the tourism and hospitality industry. As Chief Operating Officer at Umpqua Indian Development Corporation (UIDC), he plays a pivotal role in the company’s growth and expansion, while also overseeing operations for nine businesses of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, including the notable Seven Feathers Casino Resort. Travis is a recognized leader who actively participates in various working groups, such as the Oregon Tribes Economic Development & Community Services and Travel Oregon’s Tribal Tourism, championing economic development alongside sustainable and responsible tourism practices. A Southern Oregon native, Travis resides in Roseburg, relishing the outdoors, cherishing time with family and actively supporting regional charitable events and organizations.
Commissioner Patel will replace Commissioner Richard Boyles who served on the commission from September 2016 to June 2023 and Commissioner Hill will replace Commissioner Mia Sheppard who served from July 2019 to June 2023.
Travel Oregon would like to thank Richard and Mia for their time, dedication and contributions to Oregon’s travel and tourism industry during their service on the Oregon Tourism Commission.