Board of Directors
NTA is governed by a member-elected volunteer board of directors, which is advised by member volunteer networks and committees. NTA is based in North America, but its industry and its membership spans the globe. If you would like to contact a member of the NTA Board, please log in to the NTA Online member directory, or contact NTA at headquarters@ntastaff.com. Interested in becoming a leader? Contact NTA’s Jennifer Royse, CTP. For the step-by-step process for nominations and elections, click here.
The board governs. NTA president and staff manages.
Executive Committee
Cabo Raso, Portugal Monique van Dijk-Seppola
Chair | Scandinavia Tours
Email
Seward, Alaska Michelle Pino
Vice Chair | Northeast Unlimited Tours
Email
Christina Werner, CTP
Secretary | Custom Holidays
Email
British Columbia, Canada Fraser Neave, CTP
Immediate Past Chair | Wells Gray Tours
Email
Tremblant, Quebec Juan Pablo Suarez
DMO Director | Ottawa Tourism
Email
San Francisco, California Lois Stoltzfus, CTP
Tour Supplier Director | GroupsGalore
Email
Directors
Koekohe Beach, New Zealand Sheli Hinds Armstrong
Destination Southwest
Email
Richard Arnold
Atlantic Tour & Travel
Email
Keukenhof, Netherlands Brent Dalrymple
Sunrise Tours
Email
Slovakia Marcela Laukova, CTP
Discover Slovakia Tours
Email
Frances Manzitto
Trips Unlimited
Email
Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee Theresa Nemetz
Travel Deliciously
Email
Director at Large
Alaska Brittany Dykla
Brilliant Edventures
Email
Past Presidents and Chairs
- 2024: Fraser Neave, CTP
- 2023: Jerry Varner, CTP
- 2022: Debra Asberry, CTP
- 2021: Chase Poffenberger
- 2020: Jim Warren, CTP
- 2019: Paul Larsen
- 2018: J. Chris Babb
- 2017: Jay Smith
- 2016: Justin Osbon
- 2015: Jorge Cazenave, CTP
- 2014: Paul Nakamoto
- 2013: Mark Hoffmann, CTP
- 2012: Jim Reddekopp, Jr.
- 2010-11: Catherine Greteman, CTP
- 2009: Michele Michalewicz, CTP
- 2008: Bob Hoelscher, CTP
- 2007: Randy Julian
- 2006: Judith Thomas, CTP
- 2005: Ann Thomas, CTP
- 2004: Mitchell Sussman, CTP
- 2003: Charlie McIlvain, CTP
- 2002: Kathy LeTarte, CTP
- 2001: Ed Dresel
- 2000: Mark Hoffmann, CTP
- 1999: Robert Brennan, CTP
- 1998: Keith Griffall, CTP
- 1997: Janice McIlwain
- 1996: Robert Everidge
- 1995: Gerald B. “Jerry” DiPietro
- 1994: S. Burkett “Doc” Milner, CTP
- 1993: Dottie Maitland, CTP
- 1992: John P. Stachnik Sr., CTP, CTC
- 1991: Thomas R. Frenkel, CTP
- 1990: George Guenther, CTP
- 1989: Dan Dipert
- 1988: Pete Anderson, CTP
- 1987: David V. Lippincott, CTP
- 1986: Francis “MIkie” Wall, CTP
- 1985: Lois Anderson
- 1984: Harold E. Mishnick, Sr.
- 1983: R. Bruce Beckham, CTP
- 1981-82: William Grossman
- 1979-80: Earl L. Harmon
- 1977-78: Lynn B. “Spike” Herzig
- 1975-76: Edwin Bortner
- 1973-74: Joseph A. Casser
- 1971-72: Mary H. Lee
- 1969-70: Maurice P. Hughes
- 1967-68: Aurthur C. Tauck Jr.
- 1965-66: Robert L. McMullen
- 1963-64: Stanley A. Parker
- 1961-62: Arnold C. Rigby
- 1958-60: George S. Talmage
- 1951-57: Robert H. Shattuck
Leadership Requirements
Members are chosen for committees based on several criteria. Here is a sampling of guidelines used in the selection process:
- Representation of different basic types of members is essential. A variety of tour operator, tour supplier and DMO components, geographic diversity, and mix from the large, medium and small companies provide a good balance. Different viewpoints are important in achieving a well-balanced group.
- A member’s role within his/her company or organization is considered.
- Retention of selected past volunteer leaders is valuable to ensure continuity.
- Appointment of new members ensures fresh ideas and perspectives. It is NTA’s goal to avoid over-taxing those who have made a contribution over a period of time.
President Bio
Catherine Prather, CTP, President, National Tour AssociationCatherine joined the National Tour Association team in 1994 and currently serves as president, the chief staff role. She focuses on strategic continuity, member engagement, and professional development to ensure NTA’s long-term growth and viability.
Catherine guides the management team to strengthen engagement and business connections within the NTA community and its unique position in the packaged-travel space. She focuses on strategic continuity and professional development and encourages collaboration and fresh ideas among the association’s members: tour operators, experience providers, destinations, and representatives of all the vital components of packaged travel.
A recognized face of leadership in the industry, Catherine serves on the Tourism Cares Board of Directors, the Kentucky Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear. She also is active with Travel Unity and served on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, a consultative body to the Secretary of Commerce.
A native of Georgetown, Kentucky, Catherine is a graduate of Transylvania University and has earned NTA’s Certified Tour Professional designation.
Become an NTA Leader
NTA relies heavily on member volunteers to assist in guiding the association and enhancing its programs. The Leadership Team comprises members who serve on networks and advisory groups, which are a vital link between the strategic direction set by the NTA Board of Directors and the NTA staff which implements the strategies. The bottom line: it all benefits the membership. If you are interested in serving as a leadership volunteer, please email Jennifer Royse, CTP.
2025 NTA Ambassadors
Ambassadors
- Suzanne Slavitter, Associate, Sports Empire
- Jim Coggin, DMO, Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Nayaz Noor, Tour Operator, 39 Degrees South
- Clayton Whitehead, Tour Operator, Sports Leisure Vacations
- Vernon Briggs, Tour Supplier, Giri Hotel Management
- Julie Payne, Tour Supplier, Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Mandy Hamblett, Tour Operator, Making Memories Tours
- Jered Fournier, Tour Supplier, Broadway Inbound
- Mike Gwinn, DMO, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
DMO Network Core Group
Members
- Chair | Wendy Dobrzynski, Circle Wisconsin
- Greg Eckhart, Travel Oregon
- Melissa Hopper, VisitNorfolk
- Todd Stallbaumer, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
- Mark Kowalewski, Visit Prince William
- Lindsay Hill, Destination DC
- Todd Read, SoIn Tourism
- Mike Gwinn, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
- Megan McComas, Carbon County Visitors Council
- Shannon Rinker, Visit Bucks County
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
Tour Supplier Network Core Group
Members
- Chair | Janet Young, Plimoth Patuxet Museums
- Holly Williamson, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
- Eddie Lutz, Ark Encounter
- Gina Romanelli, National Constitution Center
- Lois Stoltzfus, GroupsGalore
- Vernon Briggs, Giri Hotel Management
- Julie Payne, Hershey’s Chocolate World
- John Fernandes, Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Sally Altman, TravelAdvocates
- Ashley Moeller, Diverse Concepts/Paula Deen’s Restaurants
- Ashley Jenkins, Biltmore Estate
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
Tour Operator Network Core Group
Members
- Chair | Shannon Larsen, Ed-Ventures
- Nayaz Noor, 39 Degrees South
- Jim Warren, Anderson Vacations
- Julie Kozikowski, Destinations Unlimited
- Michael Holzer, Educational Travel Adventures
- Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures
- Dustin Teichman, Good Times Travel
- Justin Osbon, Image Tours
- Frances Manzitto, Trips Unlimited
- Rolland Graham, Mountain Outin Tours
- Jeremy Hundt, Landmark Tours
- Elaine Moulder, Brilliant Edventures
- Taunya Wolfe Finn, Wolfe Adventures & Tour
- Christopher Pourgourides, Abbey-The Destination Experts
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
NTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group
Purpose
The NTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group will advise the association’s staff and leadership on cultivating a culture of inclusion; developing and providing opportunities for deeper learning and the integration of DEI in the packaged travel landscape; and expanding the diversity of NTA membership and partnerships.
Members
- Chair | Dawnielle Tehama, Coraggio Group
- Portia Conerly, Stay Arlington
- Roxana Rivera, Stay Arlington
- Chase Poffenberger, Academic Travel Abroad
- Willma Harvey, CTP, River Parishes Tourist Commission
- Chris Babb, Group Tour Company
- Ted Nelson, Hospitality Tours
- Roni Weiss, Travel Unity
- Michael Lo Presti, Vamonos Tours
- Irene Breaux, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
- Eileen Gutierrez, WeTravel
- Talisha Sims, Memphis Tourism
- Christina Werner, Custom Holidays
Board and staff liaisons
- NTA President Catherine Prather, CTP, staff liaison
- NTA Communication and Marketing Manager Kendall Fletcher, staff liaison
Faith Travel Advisory Group
Members
- Chair | Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures
- Henrique Abreu, Gemm Travel – Holy Land
- Peter Craddick, Globetrotters Travel & Tours
- Eddie Lutz, Ark Encounter
- Janet Young, Plimoth Plantation
- Mike Malone, Purposeful Journeys
- Evelyn Lopez-Kelley, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
Board Alliances Team
Purpose
Purpose: This cross-functional vetting team will use criteria for selection of partners ensuring that future alliances are supportive of NTA’s updated strategic requirements and long-term business goals. The Alliances Team will use this criterion to conduct a thorough evaluation of the prospective partner before any commitments are made.
Members
- Chair | Christina Werner, CTP, Custom Holidays
- Mike Pitman, Sight & Sound Theaters
- Pam Willimas, CTP, Huntsville/Madison Country CVB
- Sheli Hinds Armstrong, Destination Southwest
- Brittany Dykla, Brilliant Edventures
- Marcela Laukova, CTP, Discover Slovakia Tours
- Brent Dalrymple, Sunrise Tours
- Frances Manzitto, Trips Unlimited
- Ex-officio | Monique van Dijk-Seppola, Scandinavia Tours
- Ex-officio | Michelle Pino, Northeast Unlimited Tours
Staff liaison
- Jennifer Royse, CTP
Board Governance Committee
Purpose
To oversee the NTA Board’s policy governance process and performance. The Governance Committee develops and delivers education and orientation as it relates to the governance structure and shall conduct a thorough review of the NTA Board Effectiveness evaluation and move forward recommendations to align NTA’s policy governance work with its strategic direction.
Members
- Chair | Michelle Pino, Northeast Unlimited Tours
- Juan Pablo Suarez, Ottawa Tourism
- Lois Stoltzfus, Dutchman Hospitality Group
- Cory Mace, Badger Coaches
- Jalyssa Gasmen, Visit Mesa
- Theresa Nemetz, Travel Deliciously
- Fraser Neave, CTP, Wells Gray Tours
- Richard Arnold, Atlantic Tour & Travel
- Ex-officio | Monique van Dijk-Seppola, Scandinavia Tours
- Ex-officio | Christina Werner, CTP, Custom Holidays
Staff liaison
- Jennifer Royse, CTP
Board Nominating Committee
Purpose
To select board and elected officer nominees and oversee the election process. The committee recruits candidates and promotes board services throughout the year and at NTA events, establishes the election timeline annually, and interviews candidates and selects the most qualified candidate per available seat (i.e. nominates a slate of candidates).(Members of the Nominating Committee are determined each year per the structure outlined in the NTA Election Policies and Procedures.)
Members
- Chair | Fraser Neave, CTP, Wells Gray Tours
- Monique van Dijk-Seppola, Scandinavia Tours, ex-officio
- Michelle Pino Northeast, Unlimited Tours, ex-officio
- Agne Samkuviene, ESA Baltic
- Kelly Fields, Fields Trips
- Ken Saunders, Marquis Discoveries
- Jay Smith, Sports Travel and Tours
- Roxana Rivera, Arlington Convention & Visitors Service
- John Fernandes, Boston Pops Orchestra
- Renee Wilson, New York City Tourism + Conventions
Staff liaison
- Jennifer Royse, CTP
Interested in volunteering? Contact:Jennifer Royse, CTP jennifer.royse@ntastaff.com+1.859.264.6576
- Travel Exchange is worth every penny. The networking is great, and there is always business to be made to show ROI for your decision makers. The investment is worth the reward. Cory Mace, Badger Bus
- I came to NTA to build a business, and that’s exactly what it did for us, as sales came in. For me, it’s the only outlet for new ideas. Matthew Squire, Select Travel Service (UK), NTA member since 2002
- The No. 1 member benefit of NTA has to be all the great professional and personal connections we’ve made over the past decade. Taunya Wolfe Finn, CTP, Wolfe Adventures & Tours, NTA member since 2005
- We have not found a more reliable, more profitable or more consistent tourism venue in which to acquire new business than NTA. Diane Hohnstein, Hospitality Management Services, NTA member since 1999
- You guys at NTA have the best bunch of members I have ever come across. I had one of my best shows ever. Everybody was so nice and welcoming, and the organization of the event was spectacular. I am so happy to be a member and be assured of my continued support in the future. Bernard O'Reilly, Joe O'Reilly Ireland DMC
- NTA events provide us with beneficial networking with many top tour operators. It’s national and international in scope providing a global perspective. Tim and Elaine Moulder, Brilliant Edventures, NTA member since 2015