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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 and staff manages. 

Executive Committee

Directors

Tour Supplier Directors

DMO Director

Director at Large

  • Past Presidents and Chairs

    • 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 Association

    Catherine 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.

  • 2024 NTA Ambassadors

    Ambassadors

    Staff liaison

    • Todd Probus, CTP

  • DMO Network Core Group

    Members

    • Chair | Pam Williams, Huntsville/Madison County CVB
    • Greg Eckhart, Travel Oregon
    • Melissa Hopper, VisitNorfolk
    • Tom White, Visit Mobile
    • Renee Eichelberger, Explore St. Louis
    • Wendy Dobrzynski, Circle Wisconsin
    • Todd Stallbaumer, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
    • Mark Kowalewski, Visit Prince William
    • Lindsay Hill, Destination DC
    • Mary Rittmann, Visit Tuscon
    • Denise Olsen, Enjoy Eagan
    • Lorna Davis, Travel Oregon
    • Todd Read, SoIn Tourism
    • Saundra Briggs-Robertson, Louisville Tourism
    • Mike Gwinn, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
    • Paige Mendoza, Geary County CVB
    • Megan McComas, Carbon County Visitors Council
    • Emma Quinn, VisitRochester
    • Sandy Haines, Myrtle Beach Area CVB

    Staff liaison

    • Todd Probus, CTP

  • Tour Supplier Network Core Group

    Members

    • Janet Young, Plimoth Patuxet Museums
    • Holly Williamson, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
    • Ryan Robutka, VIA Rail Canada
    • Eddie Lutz, Ark Encounter
    • Gina Romanelli, National Constitution Center
    • Lois Stoltzfus, Dutchman Hospitality Group
    • 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
    • Yannis Dinapoyias, Travelr
    • Ashley Jenkins, Biltmore Estate

    Staff liaison

    • Todd Probus, CTP

  • Buyers Network Core Group

    Members

    • Chair | Shannon Larsen, Ed-Ventures
    • Nayaz Noor, 39 Degrees South
    • Jim Warren, Anderson Vacations
    • Denise Buchanan, Appina Travel GmbH
    • Julie Kozikowski, Destinations Unlimited
    • Michael Holzer, Educational Travel Adventures
    • Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures
    • Dustin Teichman, Good Times Travel
    • Charmaine Edwards, Great Tour Experiences
    • Justin Osbon, Image Tours
    • Jerry Varner, Making Memories Tours
    • Frances Manzitto, Directions Tours
    • Rolland Graham, Mountain Outin Tours
    • Jeremy Hundt, Landmark Tours
    • Elaine Moulder, Brilliant Edventures
    • Holly Rogers, Brilliant Edventures
    • Mia Story, Friends Tours & Travel
    • Taunya Wolfe Finn, Wolfe Adventures & Tours

    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, Willamette Valley Visitors Association
    • Portia Conerly, Stay Arlington
    • Roxana Rivera, Stay Arlington
    • Chase Poffenberger, Academic Travel Abroad
    • 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
    • Eileen Gutierrez, WeTravel

    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

    • Chair | Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures
    • Henrique Abreu, Gemm Travel – Holy Land
    • Denise Buchanan, Appina Travel GmbH
    • Peter Craddick, Globetrotters Travel & Tours
    • Mete Gurel, TRIPOTOUR LLC
    • Eddie Lutz, Ark Encounter
    • Janet Young, Plimoth Plantation
    • Mike Malone, Purposeful Journeys
    • Yannis Dinapoyias, Travelr

    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| Monique van Dijk-Seppola, Scandinavia Tours
    • Lois Stolzfuz, Dutchman Hospitality Group
    • Katie Kirkland, Visit Tuolumne County
    • Sheli Hinds Armstrong, Destination Southwest
    • Matthew Maturo, Meridian Guided Travel
    • Marcela Laukova, CTP, Discover Slovakia Tours
    • Theresa Nemetz, Travel Deliciously
    • Christina Werner, CTP, Custom Holidays
    • Ex-officio| Jerry Varner, CTP, Making Memories Tours
    • Ex-officio|Fraser Neave, CTP, Wells Gray 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 | Fraser Neave, CTP, Wells Gray Tours
    • Amy Larsen, Wyoming Office of Tourism
    • Ryan Robutka, VIA Rail Canada
    • Ryan Sanders, CTP, Motor Coach Family of Brands
    • Greg Eckhart, Travel Oregon
    • Nish Patel, Mayflower Cruises and Tours
    • Debra Asberry, CTP, Women Traveling Together
    • Michelle Pino, Northeast Unlimited Tours
    • Ex-officio| Jerry Varner, CTP, Making Memories Tours
    • Ex-officio| Monique van Dijk-Seppola, Scandinavia 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 | Debra Asberry, CTP, Women Traveling Together
    • Jerry Varner, CTP, Making Memories Tours, ex-officio
    • Fraser Neave, CTP, Wells Gray Travel, ex-officio
    • Henrique Abreu, Gemm Travel-Holy Land
    • Chase Poffenberger, Academic Travel Abroad, Inc.
    • Chacara Harvin, Charlotte
    • Kelly Dean, Ottawa Tourism
    • Betsay Painter, Lowcountry Hotels of Charleston
    • Don Caparella, Quality Travel Solutions
    • Suzanne Hagberg, Free Spirit Vacations

    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
  • 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
  • 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