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.
The board governs. NTA president & staff manages.
Executive Committee
Jerry Varner, CTP
Chair | Making Memories Tours
Email
Fraser Neave, CTP
Vice Chair | Wells Gray Tours
Email
Monique van Dijk-Seppola
Secretary | Scandinavia Tours
Email
Debra Asberry, CTP
Immediate Past Chair | Women Traveling Together
Email
Amy Larsen
DMO Director | Wyoming Office of Tourism
Email
Ryan Robutka
Tour Supplier Director | VIA Rail Canada
Email
Director at Large
Matthew Maturo
Meridian Guided Travel
Email
Past Presidents and Chairs
- 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.
On a daily basis, Catherine draws connections and seeks collaboration among the association’s staff experts, NTA members and industry counterparts. She also guides the team to strengthen engagement and business connections among the NTA community.
Catherine has been appointed to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which serves as an advisory body to the Secretary of Commerce on government policies and programs that affect the U.S. travel and tourism industry and offers counsel on current and emerging issues. She also actively supports Tourism Cares, NTA’s official philanthropy, and sits on the Tourism Cares Board of Directors. Other leadership roles include the Retailing and Tourism Management Advisory Board for the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
A native of Georgetown, Kentucky, Catherine has earned NTA’s Certified Tour Professional designation and is a graduate of Transylvania University with a bachelor’s degree in English.
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.
2022 NTA Ambassadors
Ambassadors
- Suzanne Slavitter, Associate, Red Hot Groups/Sports Empire
- Jim Coggin, DMO, Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Pam Williams. DMO, Huntsville, Alabama Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Brittany Dykla, Tour Operator, Brilliant Edventures
- 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
- Carol Ross, Tour Supplier, Portland Rose Festival
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
DMO Network Core Group
Members
- Chair | Frances Manzitto, Visit Clarksville
- Greg Eckhart, Travel Oregon
- Melissa Hopper, VisitNorfolk
- Kate Cox, Cochise County Tourism Council
- Roger Dudley, Experience Columbus
- Renee Eichelberger, Explore St. Louis
- Wendy Dobrzynski, Circle Wisconsin
- Todd Stallbaumer, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
- Mark Kowalewski, Visit Prince William
- Jeannette Yetman, Destination St. John’s
- Lindsay Hill, Destination DC
- Scott McCrea, Explore Fairbanks
- Holly Avino, VisitRochester
- Mary Rittmann, Visit Tuscon
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
Tour Supplier Network Core Group
Members
- Chair | Holly Williamson, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
- Janet Young, Plimoth Patuxet Museums
- Ryan Robutka, VIA Rail Canada
- Dan Flores, Maverick Aviation Group
- Eddie Lutz, Ark Encounter
- Jennifer Morkert, LAM Hotels
- Gina Romanelli, National Constitution Center
- Lois Stoltzfus, Dutchman Hospitality Group
- Heather Anderson, Hood River Hotel
- Vernon Briggs, Giri Hotel Management
- Julie Payne, Hershey’s Chocolate World
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
Buyers Network Core Group
Members
- Chair | Taunya Wolfe Finn, Wolfe Adventures & Tours
- Nayaz Noor, 39 Degrees South
- Jim Warren, Anderson Vacations
- Denise Buchanan, Appina Travel GmbH
- Julie Kozikowski, Destinations Unlimited
- Michael Holzer, Educational Travel Adventures
- Shannon Larsen, Ed-Ventures
- Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures
- Dustin Teichman, Good Times Travel
- Charmaine Edwards, Great Tour Experiences
- Justin Osbon, Image Tours
- Jerry Varner, Making Memories Tours
- Timothy Patrick, Mayflower Cruises and Tours
- Aldo Caronia, Michelangelo International Travel
- Rolland Graham, Mountain Outin Tours
- Sarna Rose, Poland Culinary Vacations
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
- Dawnielle Tehama, Willamette Valley Visitors Association, chair
- Portia Conerly, Stay Arlington
- Roxana Rivera, Stay Arlington
- Chase Poffenberger, Academic Travel Abroad
- Patrice Graves, Memphis Tourism
- Willma Harvey, CTP, River Parishes Tourist Commission
- Jalyssa Gasmen, Visit Mesa
- Chris Babb, Group Tour Company
- Ted Nelson, Hospitality Tours
- Paul Nakamoto, Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco
- Roni Weiss, Travel Unity
- Michael Lo Presti, Vamonos Tours
- Irene Hodge, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
Board and staff liaisons
- NTA President Catherine Prather, CTP, staff liaison
- NTA Marketing and Communication Manager Kendall Fletcher, staff liaison
Faith Travel Advisory Group
Members
- Henrique Abreu, Gemm Travel – Holy Land
- Sue Barbanel, Travel Insured International
- Denise Buchanan, Appina Travel GmbH
- Peter Craddick, Globetrotters Travel & Tours
- Mete Gurel, TRIPOTOUR LLC
- Eddie Lutz, Ark Encounter
- Connie VanderPoel, Southwest Tours
- Janet Young, Plimoth Plantation
Staff liaison
- Todd Probus, CTP
Board Alliances Team
Purpose
This cross-functional vetting team will use criteria for the 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 | Fraser Neave, Wells Gray Tours
- Ryan Sanders, Louisiana Motor Coach
- Chase Poffenberger, Academic Travel Abroad
- Dee Dee McGowan, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort
- Marcela Laukova, Discover Slovakia Tours
- Theresa Nemetz, Travel Deliciously
- Christina Werner, Custom Holidays
- Ex-officio | Debra Asberry, CTP, Women Traveling Together
- Ex-officio | Jerry Varner, Making Memories 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 | Jerry Varner, Making Memories Tours
- Ryan Robutka, VIA Rail Canada
- Cory Mace, North Central Group-Hilton & Marriott Hotels
- Dawn Burns, Deadwood CVB
- Nish Patel, Mayflower Cruises and Tours
- Monique van Dijk-Seppola, Scandinavia Tours
- Michelle Pino, Northeast Unlimited Tours
- Greg Eckhart, Travel Oregon
- Ex-officio | Debra Asberry, Women Traveling Together
- Ex-officio | Fraser Neave, Wells Gray Tours
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 | Chase Poffenberger, Academic Travel Abroad
- Debra Asberry, Women Traveling Together, CTP, ex-officio
- Jerry Varner, Making Memories Tours, CTP, ex-officio
- Henrique Abreu, Gemm Travel-Holy Land
- Cathy Greteman, CTP; Star Destinations
- Chacara Harvin, Charlotte
- Michael Holzer, Educational Travel Adventures
- Matthew Maturo, Meridian Guided Travel
- Dawnielle Tehama, Williamette Valley Visitors Association
- Betsay Painter, Lowcountry Hotels of Charleston
Staff liaison
- Jennifer Royse, CTP
Interested in volunteering? Contact:Jennifer Royse, CTP jennifer.royse@ntastaff.com+1.859.264.6576
- 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