Agency / Public Relations
In Memoriam
Wayne G. Griffin, ACE
In June 2024, Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority’s past President and CEO Wayne G. Griffin, ACE passed away, leaving a 27-year legacy on the organization, Catalina Island, and California tourism industry. A remarkable leader, Wayne co-ran the family seafood restaurant for 10 years before he took over as President & CEO of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau (now Love Catalina Island) where he served for nearly 27 years from 1988-2014. Wayne and his wife Susie, along with business partner Marlene McAdam, opened The Inn on Mt. Ada in 1984, which went on to become one of the most successful B&B’s in the U.S., earning multiple awards, including the prestigious 4-Star Forbes Award. Wayne served as a member of the WACVB (now DMA West) for 20 years, and he served as Chair of the California Travel Association from 2001-2002. Wayne also taught classes at the Western Institute for Organization Management, a professional development program run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. When the U.S. Chamber discontinued the program, Wayne co-founded a new program through Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE), which launched in 2003 as Academy. Wayne taught at WACE Academy for many years, and the program is still thriving today. In 2008, Wayne served as chair of the board of WACE and was later awarded WACE’s Russell E. Pettit Excellence in Leadership Award.
Of note is his long-time membership in the Avalon Rotary Club, where he served two terms as president; his membership on the Catalina Island Medical Center Board and Catalina Island Museum Society; and his regular performances in community theater, especially musicals. By far Wayne’s greatest contribution of service to his island community was at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, where he served as organist and cantor for 30 years. When Wayne & Susie retired in 2014, the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau awarded them the inaugural Wayne and Susie Griffin Award of Excellence for Outstanding Community Service. The legacy of community service is honored by Love Catalina with the Wayne & Susie Griffin award which is made when an individual or family on Catalina demonstrates exceptional commitment to service. Wayne will be remembered for his leadership and unwavering optimism, as a business and community leader, a civil servant, and a family man who put his wife, children and grandchildren above all else. Most importantly, Wayne will be remembered for his laugh.
51st Annual New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration
Reservations are On Sale!
A sparkling night of evening gowns, tuxedos, champagne, dining and dancing on Tuesday, December 31 in the world-famous Casino Ballroom.
