Press Releases

USTOA ANNOUNCES 2016 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE & MARKETPLACE

Collette’s Paula Twidale Named Association’s First Female Chairman

NEW YORK – December 3, 2015 – The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) announced the 2016 Board of Directors, five of whom serve as the associations’ Executive Committee, at its Annual Conference & Marketplace, December 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL.

Heading the Executive Committee as USTOA’s first woman Chairman will be Paula Twidale, executive vice president, Collette, joined by: Dana Santucci, vice president of development, EF Education First, as vice chair; Harry Dalgaard, president and founder, Avanti Destinations, as treasurer; Charlie Ball, executive vice president, land operations & customer service, Holland America Group, as secretary; and Jerre Fuqua, CTC, president, TRAVCOA and YMT Vacations, as immediate past chair. 

“It is both an honor and privilege to welcome Paula Twidale as Chairman of USTOA’s Executive Committee. While the fact that she is our first female chairman is news, it’s secondary to the person inhabiting the role and I speak for the entire membership in saying we have an exemplary leader and motivator in Paula,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO.  “Overall, we’re fortunate to have such a stellar group of professionals as our association’s guiding lights.”

Additionally, one new member rounds-out USTOA’s 2016 Board of Directors, who include: (*indicates newly elected)

-       Bob Drumm, president, Alexander + Roberts 

-       Dan Mahar, CEO, Tauck

-       Olle Olsson, executive chairman, Explorica, Inc.

-       Peter Schaefer, general counsel, The Mark Travel Corporation & Affiliated Companies

-       Linda Springmann, vice president - Alaska marketing, Holland America Line

-       Scott Wiseman, president of Cox & Kings, The Americas

-       Roger Mahil, chairman & CEO, SITA World Tours

-       Scott Nisbet, president & CEO, Globus Family of Brands

-       Bruce Hodge, president, Goway Travel

-       Madhvi Buch, CEO, Destination America*

For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212.599.6599 or email information@ustoa.com.

About USTOA: 

Representing more than $13.5 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow nearly 8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe.   Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. 

As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

Contact:

Gina Dolecki/Liz Carty                                           

Redpoint Marketing PR., Inc.

212-229-0119

Dolecki@redpointpr.com

Carty@redpointpr.com

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