Organizational Changes at ASTA and NACTA

Jul 31, 2016

What:
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), recently announced that, effective immediately, two staff members from ASTA’s sister association, the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA), are taking on new responsibilities at ASTA.

Why It Matters:
According to a release, the reorganization is focused on membership development and supplier relations while better utilizing the talents of existing staff. The changes seem designed to strengthen ASTA, especially in the area of events, and to bring both ASTA and NACTA closer together — and any strengthening of ASTA and NACTA is a win for travel agents. NACTA president Ann Chamberlin is now also senior vice president of operations for ASTA. She will assist Kerby in the day-to-day operations of ASTA, focusing on membership growth and support, chapter operations and consortia partnerships. Robert Duglin, vice president of sales and industry relations for NACTA, is now also vice president of business development for both ASTA and NACTA.

Fast Facts:
- As part of the reorganization Kelly Bigel (director) and Sarah Kresge (senior manager) are being promoted to support ASTA-NACTA business development activities, meetings and events.

- ASTA claims that its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the U.S. through the travel agency distribution channel.

- According to press materials, NACTA represents a “professional community of independent travel agents.”

What They Are Saying:
“Earlier this year, we saw the benefit of working as one team when we launched our first ASTA Showcase event in Maui,” said Kerby. “That event was successful due in large part to the strong professional relationships and sales and marketing efforts of Ann and Bob, which complemented the work of other ASTA staff members. I believe that integrating them into our existing top-notch staff team will strengthen NACTA as a vibrant and well-connected community of independent travel consultants while helping ASTA meet its mission to promote and defend travel agents.”