Phillips to Leave Post as National Tour Association President

July 28, 2006

Phillips to Leave Post as National Tour Association President
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Today, Hank Phillips announced his resignation as president of the National Tour Association and from the association’s management firm, Host Communications Inc. His resignation will be effective Sept. 30.

During his 21-year tenure with Host and NTA, Phillips served as director of Education, director of Government and Industry Relations, senior vice president and in 1998, he was selected as NTA’s president.

"I’ve had a fantastic time working for NTA and Host," said Phillips. "Now is a good time to make a career move for my family and me, and I think it is also a good time for NTA to move forward with new leadership."

Of Phillips’ departure, NTA Chairman and CEO Judith Thomas said, "We owe a debt of gratitude to Hank for all he has done for NTA over the years. We also appreciate the leadership of Host Communications, not only for our long-standing work with the organization, but also for our shared vision for the future. There are many opportunities on the horizon, and we look forward to expanding our leadership position in the travel industry and to continue growing as an organization. At this time, I also wish to give a big ‘thank you’ to Hank and wish him the very best in his new endeavors."

According to Host Communications CEO Tom Stultz, "Hank has contributed to the success of this partnership, and we wish him the very best in the future. We are also excited about our continuing partnership with NTA. NTA and Host have been partners for more than 32 years, and we all believe the best days are still ahead of us."

Stultz added that he is "pleased to announce that Lisa Simon, a long-time NTA staff executive and the current executive director of the International Coach Federation, has accepted the additional responsibilities as interim executive director of the National Tour Association effective immediately. In this capacity, Lisa will work with the NTA Board and staff to manage the association through the transition and search process.

"Host will be adding resources to help support Lisa in the interim role and will encourage her to borrow resources and talent from the four other associations managed by Host to make sure NTA continues to be the best association in its industry."