ATAA Elects New Board
The Association of Travel Agents of America (ATAA) has announced
its new Board of Directors.
The new members are Linda Robson of Academy Travel in Colorado
Springs, Colo., Paul Seiferth of Terra Travel in Tempe, Ariz.,
Darrin Scheidle of Parkway Travel in El Cajon, Calif., and Robin
Speranza of Passport Travel in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Returning board members include BJ Brooks of Tour West America
in Phoenix, Bruce Iacobelli of Architects of Travel in Scottsdale,
Ariz., and Bonnie Waite of Preferred Travel in Tempe, Ariz.
“The outstanding leadership skills of those on the board will
help us to continue meeting the needs of both our members and the
travel industry,” said Scott Caddow who returns for a second term
as ATAA president.
Also continuing in their roles on the Executive Committee are
Joyce Qualls of Classic Travel in Albuquerque, N.M., who is in her
third term as secretary. Yves Leuenberger of Avenues of the World
in Flagstaff, Ariz. will continue as treasurer and Hope Wallace of
ADA Travel in Casa Grande, Ariz., will continue to serve as vice
president.
SFCVB President Retires
John A. Marks, president and CEO of the San Francisco Convention
and Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) announced his retirement, effective
June 30, after 18 years with the bureau.
Marks was appointed to the position in 1987 and has worked to
increase the amount of visitors to San Francisco as well as to
maintain a steady rate of hotel occupancy.
During Marks’ tenure, the SFCVB lead the city’s recovery efforts
following the Loma Prieta earthquake, earning numerous accolades
for their pro-active crisis management approach. The Moscone Center
was expanded twice under Marks, and in response to the Sept. 11,
2001 terrorist attacks and economic downturn, SFCVB created two
signature events that continue to be successful.
“John Marks’ expertise in destination marketing mirrors San
Francisco’s standing as the world’s preferred city for tourism and
convention bookings,” said Rick Swig, 2005/2006 SFCVB chairman and
president of RSBA and Associates.
Peach Moves to the Ritz
Carol Peach has been appointed director of sales and marketing for
the Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey. In her new position, she will
oversee group, catering, business travel and leisure sales
strategies; revenue management; public relations; marketing; and
reservations.
Previously, Peach served as vice president of sales and
marketing/director of marketing for Remington Hotels/Ventura Beach
Marriott. She’s also held the position of director of sales and
marketing with Interstate Hotels and Resorts in Albuquerque, N.M.
Peach has been a part of the hospitality industry for more than 11
years.
TTPC Names Johnson to Board
Nancy Johnson, executive vice president of Select Service Hotels
for Carlson Hotels World Wide, has been appointed to the board of
directors for the Travel Partnership Corporation (TTPC), a
consortium of travel organizations representing key segments of the
industry.
Currently, Johnson is responsible for leading the brands of
Country Inns & Suites by Carlson and Park Inn.
In 2004, she spearheaded the idea to form a women’s council
through the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA) and
she is now chairman of the newly formed Women in Lodging Council
for the AH&LA.
