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Alisal Ranch, the 10,500 acre working ranch and resort in the Santa Ynez Valley, is proud to announce the executive promotions of two leaders central to its heritage of soulful hospitality. Kathleen Cochran has been named Vice President and Managing Director, and David Merklinger has been promoted to General Manager, reflecting Alisal Ranch’s commitment to developing leadership from within.
“The Alisal experience that our guests have come to appreciate is only possible with the right people,” said Jim Jackson, Third-Generation Owner and Chief Operating Officer. “Both Kathleen and David understand that our legacy is about the way we make people feel. Kathleen is the anchor of our long-term vision, while David’s warmth makes him the heart of the guest experience. I’m proud to have them at the helm as we keep Alisal a place where life slows down, and genuine connections are made.”
Cochran, who previously served as the property’s General Manager, has been promoted to Vice President and Managing Director. In this expanded role, she oversees the 10,500-acre working ranch and resort, leading a team dedicated to maintaining the property’s authentic guest experience and long-standing traditions. With more than 40 years of hospitality experience, she is known for her grounded leadership style and her ability to balance operational excellence with a people-first culture.
Before Alisal, Cochran served as Vice President of Operations and Managing Director at The Resort at Paws Up and as General Manager of Bacara Resort & Spa, where she led a turnaround that earned Forbes Four-Star recognition for the resort, restaurants, and spa. She also spent over a decade as General Manager of Loews Coronado Bay Resort, consistently ranking at the top of the company in guest satisfaction and employee engagement.
Cochran is a graduate of Cornell University’s General Manager Program and has received numerous industry honors, including General Manager of the Year (large hotels) by the California Hotel & Lodging Association. Beyond her professional work, she is the founder of Moms for All Paths to Recovery (MAP) and serves as President of the Vilomah Foundation.
Merklinger, who previously served as the property’s Assistant General Manager, has been promoted to General Manager. Since joining Alisal Ranch from The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Merklinger has become a mainstay of the Ranch community, overseeing daily operations and championing the property’s signature service standards. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, he is known for his operational expertise and a leadership style rooted in team development and authentic guest connection.
Merklinger began his career in San Diego, where he spent 17 years with Loews Hotels. During his tenure, he developed a deep foundation in food and beverage and guest experience, ultimately advancing to the role of Director of Operations. He later joined the leadership team at The Lodge at Torrey Pines before being drawn to Alisal Ranch for its unique landscape and family-oriented traditions.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Hospitality, Merklinger remains active in the local community, supporting the Westside Challengers Adaptive Little League. An avid baker, he is also known on property for his “Merk’s Chocolate Chip Cookies,” a favorite tradition among the Ranch team. He resides on the Central Coast with his wife and three children.