
Board of Directors
NTA is governed by a 17-member volunteer board of directors, which is advised by volunteer committees. NTA is based in North America, but its industry and its membership spans the globe. Interested in becoming a leader? Contact NTA’s Morgan Maravich, CTP.
The board governs. NTA president & staff manages.
Executive Committee
Paul Larsen
Chair | Ed-Ventures Inc.
Email+1.507.289.3332Jim Warren, CTP
Vice Chair | Anderson Vacations
Email+1.308.234.4348Jorge Cazenave, CTP
Secretary | Cazenave Argentina
Email+54.11.4519.3225J. Chris Babb
Immediate Past Chair | The Group Tour Company, Inc.
Email+1.202.955.5667Dan Flores
Supplier Director | Maverick Aviation Group
Email+1.702.948.1308Dave Nitkiewicz
DMO Director | Experience Grand Rapids
Email+1.616.233.3574
Directors
Debra Asberry
Women Traveling Together
Email+1.443.458.5634Fraser Neave, CTP
Wells Gray Tours, Ltd.
Email+1.250.374.0831Chase Poffenberger
Academic Travel Abroad
Email+1.202.785.9000Monique van Dijk-Seppola
Scandinavia Tours
Email+47.99.69.38.54Jerry Varner
Making Memories Tours
Email888.845.9582Christina Werner, CTP
Custom Holidays
Email+313.388.0448
DMO Directors
Kelly Dean
Ottawa Tourism
Email+1.613.237.5150 x133Ashley Kingman
Travel Portland
Email+1.503.275.9294
Tour Supplier Directors
Angela Harness, CTP
Tanger Outlets
Email+1.865.453.1053Cory Mace
North Central Group – Hilton & Marriott Hotels
Email+1.608.662.3654
Director at Large
Lydia Fields
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Email+1.770.486.9576
Past Presidents
2018: J. Chris Babb 2017: Jay Smith 2016: Justin Osbon 2015: Jorge Cazenave 2014: Paul Nakamoto 2013: Mark Hoffmann, CTP 2012: Jim Reddekopp, Jr. 2010-11: Catherine Greteman 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
Pam Inman, CTP, CAE, IOM President, National Tour Association Pam Inman, CTP, CAE, IOM, is president of the National Tour Association, a member-based organization of travel professionals who serve the North American market—to, from and within the continent. The membership of NTA, founded in 1951, comprises tour operators, destination marketing representatives and tour suppliers (hotels, attractions, restaurants and transportation companies) from North America and 40 countries worldwide. Inman oversees the NTA headquarters staff in Lexington, Kentucky, and guides the association’s strategic direction. In 2018, Inman was appointed to the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board for a two-year term. In the same year, she was named to Women in Travel & Tourism International’s Top Women in Travel Industry Leadership list and currently serves on its Advisory Board. Prior to taking the helm at NTA in September 2014, Inman was executive vice president and COO for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In this position, Inman worked with the association’s partner state associations, corporations and multiunit management companies to develop programs to solicit and retain members, as well as develop strategies for retaining and growing property, allied, international, student, and faculty membership. In addition, Inman worked with the business development division to create revenue streams and value-added membership services, as well as overseeing the association’s marketing/communications and conventions/events functions. Before joining the AH&LA staff in 2004, Inman served as president and CEO of the Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association and the Greater Nashville Hotel & Lodging Association. As TH&LA’s CEO, Inman lobbied for issues supporting the hospitality industry. She is credited with building TH&LA’s strong membership base and political action fundraising capability. Inman has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and trade association industry in leadership positions at the national and state level. In addition, she held executive positions in state government including two gubernatorial offices, tourist development, environment, and labor agencies. Inman also has more than 15 years’ experience working on political campaigns and 25 years in lobbying to the state legislature and members of Congress on tourism issues. A graduate of Tennessee State University, Inman earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication. She is a graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Notre Dame, received the designation of Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives and the Certified Master Hotel Supplier designation from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. She recently earned her Certified Tour Professional credentials with NTA. Inman resides in Washington, D.C., and Lexington, Kentucky.
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 Morgan Maravich, CTP.
DMO Network
Members
- Chair | Monica Hall, Abingdon Virginia CVB
- Mark Kowalewski, Visit Prince William
- Mindy Shea, Visit Savannah
- LouAnna Smith-Henton, Nashville CVB
- Kathy Reynolds, Alger Co. Chamber of commerce
- Colleen Palmertree, Memphis CVB
- Roger Dudley, Experience Columbus
- Patrick Bourque, York County CVB
- Hannah Oliver, Visit Loudoun
- Katie Campbell, Staunton CVB
- Ann Pilcher, Pocono Mountains CVB
- Evelyn Vazquez, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches CVB
- Ivan Martinez-Vega, Mexico Tourism Board
- Estela Martinez-Stuart, Ft. Worth CVB
- Lee Callicutt, Visit Montgomery
- Liz Engh, Fond du Lac CVB
- Ann Pilcher, Pocono Mountains CVB
- Patti Culp, Alabama Travel Council
- Elise Swearingen, Providence Warwick CVB
- Malia Asfour, Jordan Tourism Board North America
- Maxine Morrell-West, Tourism Toronto
- Karen Ballard, Vermont Tourism Network
- Arnaldo Altoran, Choose Chicago
- Dawn Burns, Deadwood Chamber of CVB
- Desiree Gibson, Travel Alberta
- Kelly Dean, Ottawa Tourism
- Sandra Rice, Destination Ontario
- John Marshall, NYC & Company
- John Meyer, Las Vegas CVA
- Frances Manzitto, Visit Clarksville
- Renee Eichelberger, Explore St. Louis
- Jenna Wheatley, Travel Oregon
- Tanya Carlson, Travel Alaska
- Carrie Whitley, Tour Colorado
- Christina Marcotte, Niagara Falls Tourism
Staff liaison
Tour Supplier Network
Members
- Chair | Alyssa Keshel, American Music Theatre
- Melissa Giller, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
- Tom White, U.S. Space & Rocket Center
- Erin Harroun, National Law Enforcement Museum
- Michael Weinberg, Hiltons of Chicago
- Brittany Aanestad, Embassy Suites San Diego – La Jolla
- David Miller, Flying Saddle Resort
- Amber Van Der Hoeven, Lord Elgin Hotel
- Willma Harvey, New Orleans Plantation Country
- Helen Tsang, Red Lion Hotel Anaheim Resort
- Ryan Sanders, Lousiana Motor Coach
- Jennifer Riddell, Kentucky Derby Museum
- Denys Marquez, Desert Diamond Casino Hotel
- Brenda Diaz, Four Points by Sheraton Boston Logan Airport
- Anthony Hilden, AFC Travel
- Kelly Martin, Museum of the Bible
- Estelle Miller, Hornblower Cruises & Events
- John Shaffer, Luray Caverns
- Bruce Sauers, Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Robert Jackson, Houston First Corporation
- Paul Nakamoto, Aquarium of the Bay
- Carol Ross, Portland Rose Festival
- Lori Scott, International Spy Museum
- Carolyn Boss, Golden Corral – National
- Shirley Conner, Graceland & Guest House at Graceland
- Leslie Brewer, Biltmore Estate
- Monique Adams, Norwegian Cruise Line
- Jered Fournier, Broadway Inbound
- Suzanne Thomas, Best Western Greenfield Inn
Staff liaison
Buyers Network
Members
- Chair | Michelle Pino, Northeast Unlimited Tours
- Kristine Geary, Maple Leaf Tours
- Gordon Stearns, Tour Design, Inc.
- Clayton Whitehead, Sports Leisure Vacations
- Melody Johnson, Falcon’s Crest
- Jason Murray, Southwest Adventure Tours
- Julie Elias, Academic Travel Abroad
- Brittany Dykla, Brilliant Edventures
- Justin Osbon, Image Tours, Inc.
- Stephanie Dilling, Well Gray Tours, Ltd.
- Jim Edwards, Collette
- Peter Craddick, Globetrotters Travel & Tours
- Connie VanderPoel, Southwest Tours
- Maurice Nzwii, Africa Safari Classics
- Denise Buchanan, Appina Travel GmbH
- Rowena Drinkhouse, Reformation Tours
- Ted Nelson, Hospitality Tours
- Jorge Cazenave, Cazenave Argentina
- Misha Jovanovic, Misha Tours
- Scholastica Ponera, Pongo Safaris & Tours Limited
- Aldo Caronia, Michelangelo International Travel
- Jonathan Taylor, Pathfinders
- Colin Caparros, A Closer Look Tours
- Marcela Laukova, Discover Slovakia Tours
- Edita Krunic, Select International Tours
- Christian Utpatel, Terra Lu Travel & Consult GmbH
Staff liaison
Board Alliances Team
Purpose
This cross-functional vetting team (comprising volunteer leaders and staff) will create clear criteria for selection of prospective 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 | Kate Simpson, Academic Travel Abroad
- Chris Babb, The Group Tour Company
- Wendy Dobrzynski, Circle Wisconsin
- Chris Hart, Sierra Railroad
- Mel Hopper, VisitNorfolk
- Edita Krunic, Select International Tours & Cruises
- Paul Larsen, Ed-ventures, Inc.
- Cory Mace, North Central Group-Hilton & Marriott Hotels
- John McGlade, Croisieurope America
- Dave Nitkiewicz, Experience Grand Rapids
- Pam Upton, Blue Grass Tours
- Jerry Varner, Making Memories Tours
- Jim Warren, Anderson Vacations
- Taunya Wolfe Finn, Wolfe Adventures & Tours
Staff liaison
Board Governance Committee
Purpose
To oversee the NTA Board’s policy governance transition, 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 survey and move forward recommendations to align NTA’s policy governance work with its strategic direction.
Members
- Chair | Paul Larsen, Ed-ventures, Inc.
- Kelly Dean, Ottawa Tourism
- Jennifer Adu, Wyoming Office of Tourism
- Neil Amrine, Guide Service of Washington, Inc.
- Debra Asberry, Women Travelling Together
- Chris Babb, The Group Tour Company
- Dawn Burns, Deadwood CVB
- Jodi Cumming, PIER 39
- Dan Flores, Maverick Aviation Group
- Julie Kozikowski, Destinations Unlimited
- Dennis McDonnell, Alaska Coach Tours
- Fraser Neave, Wells Gray Tours, Ltd
- Chase Poffenberger, Academic Travel Abroad, Inc.
Staff liaison
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 | Jay Smith, Sports Travel and Tours
- Richard Arnold, Atlantic Tours Ltd.
- Malia Asfour, Jordan Tourism Board North America
- Chris Babb, The Group Tour Company
- Kelly Fields, Fields Trips
- Rich Gilbert, Maryland Office of Tourism Department
- Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures, Inc.
- Justin Osbon, Image Tours, Inc.
- Peter Waugh, Broadway Inbound
- Tracie Wingo, Globus
Staff liaison

Interested in volunteering? Contact:Morgan Maravich, CTP morgan.maravich@ntastaff.com+1.859.264.6552
- NTA has provided us the research and atmosphere to brainstorm new ways of doing things and fresh additions to trips, which has led to successful business development. Rachel Ranck, WorldStrides, NTA member since 1985
- What NTA does is provide the right buyers. They provide the right people who make decisions. This is what makes this organization one I can’t afford to take off my list. John Stachnik CTP, Mayflower Tours, NTA member since 1979
- 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
- NTA membership and our attendance at the convention have provided us with more clients, more business relationships and more ideas. We are proud to belong to NTA. Daniele Panzarin, Target Travel (Italy), NTA member since 2007
- 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
- I believe attending the NTA conferences allow me to create valuable relationships and work together with U.S. operators in creating great Scotland product. Maggie Anderson, VisitScotland, NTA member since 2003
- 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