MENDOCINO Co., 1/19/18 — The Mendocino County Tourism Commission (MCTC) will hold an emergency meeting today in the wake of charges filed against current Executive Director Alan Humason by the Yolo County District Attorney’s office.
Humason was previously the executive director of Visit Yolo, the equivalent of the position he now holds in Mendocino County. The Yolo County D.A. has filed charges alleging that Humason embezzled money from Yolo’s tourism commission, and he is scheduled to be arraigned in Yolo Superior Court on Feb. 21.
A Yolo County newspaper, the Daily Democrat, reports that Humason, “may have embezzled as much as $50,000, according to sources familiar with the incident.” Importantly, though he has been charged, it has not yet been proven that he embezzled the funds nor has he been convicted in a court of law.
Humason has been working for the MCTC since last April, but given these nature of these allegations the MCTC board has suspended his financial powers. The board plans to make a decision on this issue at an emergency meeting schedule for today.
Here is the text of a press release issued by the tourism commission:
“ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MENDOCINO COUNTY TOURISM COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PROMPT EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING
MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIF. – January 18, 2018 – Recent allegations levied against Mendocino County Tourism Commission (MCTC) Executive Director Alan Humason by Yolo County have prompted the MCTC Board of Directors to convene an emergency session on Friday, January 19, 2018 to discuss the situation and possible ramifications.
Humason was hired following a long and thorough search via a professional placement agency. During that process, the firm conducted due diligence including completing a thorough reference and background check on said candidate. At this point, there is no indication of impropriety with Humanson’s work or professionalism at MCTC and he has performed well as Executive Director. The MCTC Board of Directors does not take these allegations lightly and therefore will be limiting Humason’s financial access and oversight until the emergency Board of Directors’ meeting is held to determine his role with the organization and the Yolo County matter concludes. “We are all saddened by this news and are hopeful the matter will be resolved in a timely manner.”
Any inquiries/interviews should be directed to MCTC Board Chair John Kuhry at 707-684-4084 or john.kuhry@gmail.com.
BACKGROUND
Mendocino County welcomes nearly 1.8 million visitors annually who explore its 90 miles of prime Pacific coastline, 90+ wineries and 10 diverse AVAs (earning the highest percentage of organic and biodynamic vineyards in the United States), 24 state/national parklands and 450+ unique accommodations. Straddling scenic Highways 1 and 101, “The Redwood Corridor,” the County delivers an ideal vortex of waves, wines and redwoods laced with historic villages and outback adventures. Located 114 mi./184 km. north of San Francisco, the region’s gateway airports are San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS). Visit Mendocino County is a non-profit destination marketing organization designed to enhance the economic vitality of the community by increasing tourism revenue. For more information, go to www.visitmendocino.com.”