Best Startup
At Best Startup US we track over 1,000,000 US startups and over 3 million people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United States based Director operating in the Travel space. If you think a Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.us.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Bryan Dunn
Director, Acquisitions & Business Development of Life House
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About Life House, SnowSearch: Life House is a vertically integrated hotel software and management platform on the mission to make hotels operationally autonomous.
Molly Stevens
Director of User Experience Research of Booking.com
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About Booking.com: Founded in 1996, Booking.com is one of the world’s leading digital travel companies, available in 40+ languages and 155,000+ destinations.
Bob Bellas
Director of IT of Grasp Technologies
Bob Bellas has been serving as chief infrastructure officer of Grasp Technologies since March 1996.
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About Grasp Technologies: Grasp Technologies provides data management, visualization, and payment solutions in the travel and entertainment industry.
Kyle Britt
Director, Brand Strategy & Management, Bankrate of Red Ventures
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About Red Ventures: A portfolio of influential brands, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships that help people make life’s most important decisions.
Joshua Leibner
Director, Paid Media of Red Ventures
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About Boost Ventures, Red Ventures: A portfolio of influential brands, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships that help people make life’s most important decisions.
Sean Murphy
Director of Red Ventures
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About : A portfolio of influential brands, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships that help people make life’s most important decisions.
Melody Petulla
Director of SEO, B2B of Red Ventures
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About Red Ventures: A portfolio of influential brands, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships that help people make life’s most important decisions.
Melody Petulla
Director of SEO, B2B of Red Ventures
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About Red Ventures: A portfolio of influential brands, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships that help people make life’s most important decisions.
Al Morin
Director of Creative & Front End UI/UX of Boatsetter
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About Boatsetter: Boatsetter is a boat rental community connecting boat owners, boat captains, and anyone who seeks a water-full experience.
Cyrus Sigari
Co-founder & Managing Director of UP Partners
As an aviator, entrepreneur, and investor, Cyrus Sigari has committed his life’s work to the advancement of aviation for the betterment of humanity. Sigari is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on the rapidly advancing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)) and Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (EVTOL) aircraft industries, which are forecasted by Morgan Stanely to reach $1.4 trillion by 2040. Sigari is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of UP.Partners, an early-stage venture firm investing in technology companies that are supporting a multi-dimensional future. He is an active investor and advisor to numerous AAM companies, co-founder of the UP Summits, and founder of TransportUP, the leading AAM related news and media company. Sigari is also a global leader in the business of private aviation. As the Executive Chairman and co-founder of jetAVIVA, Sigari led jetAVIVA to become one of the largest sellers of business jets in the world with annual sales in excess of $300M USD. With over 27 years and thousands of hours of aviating experience, Sigari is an instructor pilot in 13 different jets including the Boeing 747, he has owned dozens of aircrafts, is a helicopter pilot and owner, a graduate of Purdue University’s Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering program, an experienced acceptance test pilot and formerly a nationally ranked competitive aerobatic pilot. Sigari is also an Ironman triathlete and self-admitted adventure junkie. Prior to co-founding jetAVIVA, Cyrus served as a principal engineer for Eclipse Aviation during the initial development of the Eclipse 500. After fulfilling his engineering commitments, Cyrus transitioned to sales and sold 50 Eclipse 500s in a one-year period. Outside of his direct efforts at jetAVIVA, Cyrus holds the position of Very Light Jet Editor for Plane & Pilot and Pilot Journal magazines, has been published in Twin & Turbine magazine, and authors Light Jet Pre-Owned market report for Aviation International News. Cyrus is a founding member of the Citation Jet Pilots Owners group and Eclipse 500 Owners Club. He is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Farsi.
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About jetAVIVA, UP Partners: UP Partners is an early stage venture capital fund dedicated to supporting companies that are transforming the moving world.
Alberto Beeck
Director of Virgin Hotels
Alberto Beeck (Chair) Alberto is an investor and entrepreneur focused on the mining, hotels, wealth management, and tech sectors, as well as on social impact activities in the education sector. He is Managing Partner of VH Properties and Director of Virgin Hotels. He is the Chairman of Lumni (a company that invests in human capital) and of Sin Limites (a company that promotes the work of social leaders through media). Alberto also serves on the boards of WE Family Offices Holdings and Endeavor Miami. He is a member of the Group of Fifty, YPO, and of ASN (Ashoka Support Network). Alberto is a member of the Board of Trustees of Georgetown University, Founder and Chairman of Georgetown’s Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation, and Founder and former Chairman of Georgetown’s Latin American Board. Until 2008, Alberto was President of Cementos Pacasmayo, a Peruvian Cement production and distribution company, and Executive Director of Hochschild Mining Plc., a UK-listed precious metals company, with activities in several countries in Latin America and Canada. Alberto started his career in investment banking at Lehman Brothers and subsequently worked at Dillon Read, Barings, and ING Barings in New York and London, where he headed the Latin American Investment Banking Group.
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About Virgin Hotels: Virgin Hotels is a company that offers hospitality services.
Ben DeJarnette
Local Director of WhereBy.Us
Entrepreneurial Journalism Community Manager at LION: Local Independent Online News Publishers.
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About LION: Local Independent Online News Publishers, WhereBy.Us: A platform that enables creators to build a media business for their community.
Robert Friedman
Member of the Board of Director of Orbitz Worldwide
Robert L. Friedman is a director on the board of Orbitz Worldwide. Robert Friedman was appointed to the board as a Class III director in March 2011 and is a member of the executive committee. His current term expires at the 2013 Annual Meeting.Robert Friedman is a Senior Advisor in the Private Equity group of The Blackstone Group. Robert Friedman joined Blackstone in 1999 to work primarily in Blackstone’s Private Equity group. He was Chief Legal Officer of the company from January 2003 through August 2010 and was also its Chief Administrative Officer during most of that period. Most recently, Robert Friedman served as a Senior Managing Director. Prior to joining Blackstone in 1999, Robert Friedman had been a partner with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett for 25 years, where he was a senior member of that law firm’s mergers and acquisitions practice and was an advisor to Blackstone since the company’s inception.He currently serves on the boards of directors of Axis Capital Holdings Limited, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., FGIC Corporation and YRC Worldwide Inc. Robert Friedman is a member of the finance committee of Axis Capital Holdings Limited, a member of the audit committee of FGIC Corporation and a member of the audit committee and finance committee of YRC Worldwide Inc. Robert Friedman previously served on the boards of directors of The India Fund Inc. from 2008 to 2011, Northwest Airlines, Inc. from 2002 to 2008, and Corp. Group Banking S.A. from 1999 to 2007. Prior to Northwest Airlines’ merger with Delta Airlines, Inc. in 2008, Robert Friedman served as Chair of Northwest Airlines’ corporate governance committee.Robert Friedman holds a BA degree from Columbia College and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
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About : Orbitz Worldwide is an online travel company, using technology to transform the way consumers around the world plan and purchase travel.
Mark Britton
Member of the Board of Director of Orbitz Worldwide
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About Gonzaga University: Orbitz Worldwide is an online travel company, using technology to transform the way consumers around the world plan and purchase travel.
Kristina Leslie
Member of the Board of Director of Orbitz Worldwide
Kristina M. Leslie is a director on the board of Orbitz Worldwide.Kristina Leslie was appointed to the board as a Class I director in March 2011 and is Chair of the audit committee and a member of the compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. Her current term expires at the 2014 Annual Meeting.Kristina Leslie is a consultant. From 2004 to 2007, Kristina Leslie served as Chief Financial Officer of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., a company that develops and produces computer generated animated feature films. Prior to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Ms. Leslie served as the Chief Financial Officer of DreamWorks LLC, a diversified entertainment company, from 2003 to 2004 and as Head of Corporate Finance and Strategic Planning from 1996 to 2003. While at DreamWorks LLC, Ms. Leslie led the initial public offering of DreamWorks Animation SKG. Ms. Leslie has also served as Director of Financial Planning for Viacom Inc., an entertainment company, from 1993 to 1996. Kristina Leslie currently serves on the board of directors of Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit mutual benefit corporation and independent member of the BlueCross BlueShield Association, and is a member of the audit, finance and investment, and quality improvement committees. She also serves on the board of directors of PICO Holdings, Inc., a diversified holding company, where she is non-executive Chairwoman, Chairwoman of the nominating and governance committee and a member of the audit and compensation committees. From 2012 to 2013, Ms. Leslie was on the board of directors of Obagi Medical Products, manufacturer of pharmaceutical grade skin care products. From 2006 through 2013, Ms. Leslie served on the board of directors of Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California where she was the Chairwoman of the audit, finance and compliance committees and a member of the compensation and executive committees.From 2007 through 2010, Kristina Leslie served on the board of directors of Bare Escentuals, Inc., a cosmetic company, where she was a member of the audit committee.Kristina Leslie holds a BA degree in economics from Bucknell University and an MBA from Columbia University.
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About : Orbitz Worldwide is an online travel company, using technology to transform the way consumers around the world plan and purchase travel.
Neha Narula
Director, Digital Currency Initiative of MIT Media Lab
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About MIT Media Lab: MIT Media Lab creates disruptive technologies pioneering in wearable and affective computing and tangible interfaces.
Kent Larson
Director, MIT City Science Initiative and Director, Changing Places of MIT Media Lab
Kent Larson directs the City Science Initiative and the Changing Places Group at the MIT Media Lab. Research is focused on developing urban interventions that enable more entrepreneurial, livable, high-performance districts in cities. His research team brings together architects, urban planners, computer scientists, and mechanical and electrical engineers to create an anti-disciplinary team to prototype and pilot test next-generation solutions for cities. Projects include advanced simulation and augmented reality for urban design, transformable micro-housing to make living in the creative heart of the city affordable for young professionals, and mobility-on-demand systems that provide practical and sustainable alternatives to private automobiles. Larson has established a network of living lab partner cities that includes Hamburg, Andorra, Taipei, Lisbon, and Boston. He and his researchers received the “10-Year Impact Award” from Ubicomp 2014: a “test of time” award for work that, with the benefit of that hindsight, has had the greatest impact. Larson practiced architecture for 15 years in New York City, with design work published in Architectural Record, Progressive Architecture, Global Architecture, the New York Times, A+U, and Architectural Digest. His book, Louis I. Kahn: Unbuilt Masterworks was selected as one of the Ten Best Books in Architecture of the year by the New York Times Review of Books.
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About Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT Media Lab: MIT Media Lab creates disruptive technologies pioneering in wearable and affective computing and tangible interfaces.
Barak Berkowitz
Director of Operations and Strategy of MIT Media Lab
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About BIND 4.0 Open Innovation and Acceleration Program, MIT Media Lab: MIT Media Lab creates disruptive technologies pioneering in wearable and affective computing and tangible interfaces.
Marco Tempest
Director’s Fellow Alumnus & Instructor of MIT Media Lab
Marco Tempest is the Creative Technologist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
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About Accenture, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MagicLab, MIT Media Lab, Newmagic Communications: MIT Media Lab creates disruptive technologies pioneering in wearable and affective computing and tangible interfaces.
Shaka Senghor
Media Lab Director of MIT Media Lab
Shaka Senghor is a leading voice in criminal justice reform and a Senior Fellow with The Dream Corps. His memoir, Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison, was released in March 2016 and debuted on The New York Times Best Seller List as well as The Washington Post Best Seller List. An unforgettable tale of forgiveness and second chances, Writing My Wrongs reminds us that our worst deeds don’t define who we are or what we can contribute to the world. Shaka’s story has inspired thousands and serves as a powerful testament to the power of hope, compassion and unconditional love. Shaka is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2016 Ford Man of Courage Award, the 2016 NAACP Great Expectations Award, the 2015 Manchester University Innovator of the Year Award and the 2012 Black Male Engagement (BMe) Leadership Award. He was recently recognized by OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network) as a “Soul Igniter” in the inaugural class of the SuperSoul 100, a dynamic group of trailblazers whose vision and life’s work are bringing a higher level of consciousness to the world around them and encouraging others to do the same. He is a former MIT Media Lab Director’s Fellow, and a current Fellow in the inaugural class of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Community Leadership Network. He has taught at the University of Michigan and shares his story of redemption around the world.
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About Mind Blown Media, MIT Media Lab: MIT Media Lab creates disruptive technologies pioneering in wearable and affective computing and tangible interfaces.
Edward Shapiro
Member of the Board of Directors of United Airlines
Edward Shapiro is a Partner and Vice President at PAR Capital Management, Inc., a Boston-based investment management firm specializing in investments in travel, media and Internet-related companies. Prior to joining PAR Capital in 1997, Edward was a Vice President at Wellington Management Company, and before that an Analyst at Morgan Stanley & Co. Edward also serves as Chairman of the Boards of Global Eagle Entertainment (NASDAQ:ENT) and Lumexis Corporation, and a director of Sonifi Solutions. Edward also serves on the nonprofit boards of the Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, The Undergraduate Executive Board of the Wharton School, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, The Rashi School, and Social Finance. Edward previously served on the board of US Airways from 2005-2008 and Web.com (NASDAQ: WEB, formerly Interland, Inc.). Edward earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
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About : United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 5,000 flights each day to more than 370 destinations throughout the world.
Carolyn Corvi
Member of the Board of Directors of United Airlines
Carolyn Corvi is the former Vice President-General Manager of Airplane Programs, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. In this position Carolyn was responsible for leading Commercial Airplanes integrated production system-including design, production and delivery of the 737, 747, 767 and 777, as well as component part fabrication, and global supply chain operations in support of these airplane programs. As Boeing’s lean leader and student of the Toyota Production System, Carolyn continued to spearhead Boeing’s lean cultural transformation, while leading the implementation of industry leading practices. Prior to this, Carolyn served as Vice President-General Manager of the 737/757 airplane programs. Carolyn retired in January 2009 concluding a 34 year career during which she held leadership positions in program management, manufacturing, quality assurance, propulsion and aircraft systems. Carolyn currently serves on the corporate boards of United Airlines, Allegheny Technologies, Inc. and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. Carolyn is Member of Women Corporate Directors, the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. In 2013 Corvi was recognized by the Northwest Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors as the public company director of the year. Carolyn is the Co-Founder of the Northwest Children’s Fund and former Board Member at Washington’s National Park Fund and the YWCA. Carolyn remains involved in the community, serving as a Board Member at the Virginia Mason Institute, Virginia Mason Medical Center/Health System, as well as a Trustee at the Museum of Flight and the Seattle Foundation. Carolyn was born and raised in Seattle. Carolyn holds a Masters Degree in Management from MIT, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington. Carolyn and her husband John Bates live in Seattle.
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About : United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 5,000 flights each day to more than 370 destinations throughout the world.
James Kennedy
Member of the Board of Directors of United Airlines
James Kennedy is a Member of the Board of Directors at United Continental Holdings Inc. since March 2016. James is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., a global investment management organization which provides mutual funds, sub-advisory services and separate account management. During his tenure, T. Rowe more than doubled its assets under management, which increased from $335 billion at the end of 2006 to $763 billion as of December 31, 2015. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2006, James served in roles of increasing responsibility at T. Rowe since 1978, including Vice President and Director of the Equity Research Division beginning in 1997. James has been a Member of the Board of Directors at T. Rowe since 1987. Prior to joining T. Rowe, James participated in the Financial Management training Program at General Electric. James graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. degree and Stanford University with an MBA. James is a recipient of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Excellence in Leadership Award.
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About : United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 5,000 flights each day to more than 370 destinations throughout the world.
Henry Meyer
Member of the Board of Directors of United Airlines
Henry Meyer is the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at United Continental Holdings Inc. since September 2015. Henry is a former Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of KeyCorp. Henry has been a Member of KeyCorp’s Board of Directors since 1996. Henry joined the former Society National Bank (now Key) in 1972 and was given positions of increasing responsibility in the credit and commercial banking departments. In 1984, Henry transferred to Dayton where he ultimately became president of Society Bank, National Association. Henry returned to Cleveland in 1987 after being elected Executive Vice President of Society Corporation and Senior Executive Vice President of Society National Bank, responsible for Society’s Retail Banking sector. Henry was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Society National Bank in 1989 and was elected its President and Chief Operating Officer in 1990. Henry was elected Chief Executive Officer of Society National Bank in 1993 and was elected its Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1994. Henry was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Banking Officer of Society Corporation in 1991. Henry was elected Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of the new KeyCorp in 1994 and was elected its Chief Operating Officer in May 1995. Henry was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at KeyCorp in September 1996, President in May 1997 and Chief Executive Officer in February 2001. Henry was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors at KeyCorp in May 2001. Henry received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Econometrics from Colgate University in 1972 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University in 1978. Active in civic and cultural life, Henry serves on several boards in the greater Cleveland area. Henry serves as a Trustee of the Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc., Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education and ideastream (WVIZ/PBS and WCPN). Henry is a Board Member and immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of United Way of Greater Cleveland and is a Board Member and immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of University School. Meyer is Chairman of the Board of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and is a Board Member of University Hospitals Health System, Inc., as well as past Chairman of the Board of Directors of both University Hospitals Health System, Inc. and University Hospitals of Cleveland. Henry is an immediate past Member of the Board of Directors at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and currently serves on the Federal Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve System. Henry serves as a Member of the Board of Directors at Continental Airlines, Inc. Henry and his wife Jane have three sons.
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About : United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 5,000 flights each day to more than 370 destinations throughout the world.
Hugo Fozzati
Director, Business and Operations of AutoX
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About AutoX: AutoX is a self-driving car startup that offers AI drivers to enable universal access to transportation for the people.
Caroline Shin
Board of Directors of Vacatia
Caroline is a seasoned travel and hospitality executive who is passionate about building companies that embrace technology to deliver a stellar customer experience. She is currently the CEO of Vacatia, the resort marketplace for family vacationers. Prior to Vacatia, Caroline co-founded Store Vantage, a SaaS scheduling and CRM system for SMBs. She was also SVP of Client Management and Flight Operations at Sentient Jet, a private jet membership company where she oversaw client sales, service and command center operations. Previously, she led global CRM and revenue management functions for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Caroline started her travel career by being on the founding team of Hotwire, as the lead website architect and later managed supplier relations and P&L for the company. Caroline spent her early career as a technology and strategy consultant at Accenture and Scient, working with Fortune 500 and startup clients. She is also an active early-stage investor, supporting amazing entrepreneurs in various fields from technology to restaurants. Caroline has a degree in Nuclear Engineering from MIT.
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About Vacatia: Vacatia is the resort marketplace for vacationing families, whose mission is to make family vacations better
Keith Cox
Board Director of Vacatia
Keith Cox is Chairman of Vacatia and Chief Executive Officer at VLS. Keith is a serial entrepreneur who has co-founded businesses in the resort real estate, consumer technology, venture capital and chain restaurant industries. Keith founded Vacation Listing Service after his experience leading a resort real estate brokerage and fractional ownership company, Resort Equities, which he founded in 2004. Prior to entering the resort industry, Keith co-founded and served as managing director of Brainstorm Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund, which invested in e-commerce and emerging technology companies such as OpenTable.com and Zappos.com. Keith also helped to found, fund and launch consumer internet and mobile technology companies such as Me.com, Santa.com and Lightt, Inc., serving in each case as the Chairman of the board of directors. Prior to Brainstorm Ventures, Keith co-founded and served as CEO of World Wrapps, a west coast chain of gourmet, quick-service restaurants and Hot Concepts Award winner. More recently, Keith conceived of, launched and served as CEO of another growing, venture-backed restaurant chain, Pacific Catch, which is a moderately priced, Pacific-inspired fish house. His previous business experience includes that of strategic management consultant in the consumer practice at Booz-Allen & Hamilton and financial consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Keith obtained two BAs in Business Economics and Sociology at UC Santa Barbara and his MBA at Stanford University.
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About Pacific Catch, Vacatia: Vacatia is the resort marketplace for vacationing families, whose mission is to make family vacations better
Matt Hughes
Director of Talent of Lyric
Hughes is Head of Talent at Lyric, a designer and operator of technology and spaces aimed at created a more modern, connected world. As someone with an insatiable appetite for travel, a keen interest in technology, and experience in growth oriented startups, joining Lyric was a no-brainer. Previous to joining Lyric he led talent & people teams at Hired, Gigster, and Shutterstock.
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About Lyric: Lyric is a tech and data-powered real estate and lifestyle hospitality company for the modern business traveler.
Stephen Kennedy
Director – Digital Marketing & Media of Domino’s Pizza
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About Domino’s Pizza: Domino’s is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery.
Brian Flynn
Co-Founder & Managing Director of DiamondStream Partners
Brian Flynn co-founded Volaris (NYSE: VLRS), Mexico’s largest airline, and Casino Marketing Alliance, a travel analytics firm. He was previously a Managing Director at Bachow & Associates, the then largest private equity fund in Philadelphia, where he was focused on thematic investing, focused on wireless cellular technology and services. Mr. Flynn was also CEO of Innova Corporation, a leading telecom equipment company where he led a turnaround. Prior to this, he was a consultant at Bain and Company and also worked for DLJ in investment banking and GE Capital in finance. Mr. Flynn is a Beta Gamma Sigma graduate of Columbia Business School and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Williams College. He was also a General Course student at the London School of Economics. He has served on various public and private company boards of directors.
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About DiamondStream Partners: DiamondStream Partners is a manager that invests in the future of travel and aviation.
William Dean Donovan
Co-Founder & Managing Director of DiamondStream Partners
Dean Donovan co-founded Volaris, Mexico’s largest domestic airline, and continues to sit on the Board of Directors, with a focus on technology transformation. The company has been listed on the NYSE since 2013, employs an Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC) business model, and flies in Mexico, Canada, Central America and the US. He also co-founded Casino Marketing Alliance, a provider of marketing and analytics services to the casino industry. He helped form Metropolitan Bankgroup, where he served as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Metropolitan was sold to Renasant in 2017. Mr. Donovan sits on the board of Stellar Labs, a software company focused on global distribution technologies for private aviation, and is the past Chairman. He also sits on the board of Prophet, a marketing consultancy, and twice served as Chair of the Special Committee during the firm’s recapitalization efforts. Mr. Donovan has also served as COO of Nimblefish Technologies, a micro-marketing technology platform and as CEO of SearchForce, a paid search workflow management and optimization platform. Prior to this, between 1989 and 2003 Mr. Donovan worked with Bain & Company, consulting to executives in the United States, Europe, Africa and Latin America. He was head of Bain’s airline practice and auto practice at various times. Mr. Donovan received his MBA with honors from the Wharton School and his B.A. from University of California Berkeley, where he graduated with Honors in Rhetoric and Economics, Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude.
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About DiamondStream Partners: DiamondStream Partners is a manager that invests in the future of travel and aviation.
Chris Hemmeter
Co-founder & Managing Director of Thayer Ventures
Chris has spent his entire professional life in and around startups and high-growth businesses in the hospitality, travel and technology space having founded six companies during his 30 years in business. Today he is a co-founder and Managing Director of Thayer Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in emerging technology companies in the hospitality and travel space. Immediately Prior to Thayer Ventures, Chris was founder and President of iCare Marketing (sold to Sysco Foodservice Corporation in 2012) and founder and CEO of Dynamic Payment Ventures (sold to Elavon, a subsidiary of US Bank in 2007). Prior to that, Chris was founder and CEO of CriticalArc Technologies, a supply-chain software provider to the foodservice industry, founder of E&O Kitchen and Bar, a casual dining chain based in San Francisco, founder of The Hemmeter Collection, a direct response retailer and founder of Hemmeter Publishing, a publisher and distributor of travel books and content. Upon graduating from Cornell University in 1986, Chris joined Hemmeter Investment Company, a real estate developer of destination-resort properties. Founded by his father in 1962, the Hemmeter organization developed major destination resort hotels in Hawaii and operated several related hospitality and travel businesses in the foodservice, gaming, retail and aviation sectors. Chris received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Cornell University and his graduate degree from Harvard Business School in 1995, where he was recognized as a Baker Scholar for his academic achievement.
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About Thayer Ventures: Thayer Ventures (Thayer) invests in Travel Technology.
Mark E. Farrell
Managing Director of Thayer Ventures
Mark brings experience as both a finance and legal professional to Thayer Ventures. Most recently, Mark served for over five years as an investment banker at Thomas Weisel Partners, where he helped lead the Internet & Digital Media team and founded the firm’s Social Media practice. During his tenure, Mark advised clients on a number of notable transactions, including the sale of Intermix (MySpace) to News Corp., and Google’s initial public offering. Mark was also chosen to lead the internal deal team during the Thomas Weisel Partners’ IPO, and served the dual role of lead underwriter and internal corporate development professional. Previously, Mark practiced law for three years at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati where he represented venture capital firms and technology companies in private financings and M&A transactions. Mark received his B.A. from Loyola Marymount University, cum laude, M.A. from University College Dublin (Ireland), with honors, and J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, cum laude. Mark is currently an Advisor to Pacific Community Ventures and serves on the Penn Law School Alumni Society Board of Managers, as well as the Board of Directors for San Francisco Plan C and SAFE.
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About BookingPal, Thayer Ventures: Thayer Ventures (Thayer) invests in Travel Technology.
Jeffery M. Jackson
Managing Director of Thayer Ventures
In addition to a large reservoir of solid business skills and judgment, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and connections in the transportation and distribution space where he spent the bulk of his career. Located in Dallas, Jeff spent 14 years with American Airlines, managed the legal separation of Sabre, Inc. from AA and left to become EVP and Chief Financial Officer of the stand-alone company in 1998. Over his 13 years at Sabre, both as Chief Financial Officer and as EVP Corporate Development, Jeff managed the Sabre initial public offering, completed over 25 acquisitions and divestitures of over $8 billion in value, served on the Board of Travelocity, managed the globalization of the Sabre organization, and completed sale of the company to a group of private equity firms, thereby taking Sabre, Inc. private. Currently Jeff serves on the Boards of Rent-A-Center, a $2.8 billion public rent-to-own retail space company and of Getty Images. Jeff is a graduate of Dartmouth College and has an MBA from the Northwestern’s Kellogg Business School. He serves as Chair of Parents Advisory Committee of Carleton College and as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.
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About BookingPal, Thayer Ventures: Thayer Ventures (Thayer) invests in Travel Technology.
Leland Pillsbury
Managing Director of Thayer Ventures
Leland C. Pillsbury cofounded Thayer Lodging Group Inc. in 1991 and served as Co-Chairman and CEO until May of 2014 when it was sold to Brookfield Asset Management. He now serves as Chairman, Thayer Lodging Group, a Brookfield Company. Prior to launching Thayer, he spent 19 years at Marriott, where he became an Executive Vice President and Corporate Officer. While with Marriott, he revamped Marriott’s pricing strategies, created the industry’s first revenue and yield management systems, and led the company’s entry into time sharing, Fairfield Inns, and Residence Inns. Since leaving Marriott, he has played a major role in the launch of numerous new companies in the hospitality value chain, including internet services provider TIG Global, Chinese central reservations system innovator HUBS1, and hypoallergenic guest room provider PURE Solutions. Pillsbury is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and is a member of the Cornell University Board of Trustees. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Investment Committee that oversees Cornell’s $5.2 billion endowment and is a member of several other standing committees of the Board. He is a member of the School of Hotel Administration Dean’s Advisory Board and the Real Estate Council. Pillsbury has recently been named a Frank H.T. Rhodes Class of 1956 Visiting Professor and lectures frequently at Cornell’s seven undergraduate schools and the Johnson Graduate School of Business. He and his wife, Mary, endowed the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at the Hotel School and were named Cornell Foremost Benefactors. Pillsbury is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board at the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, from which he received his MBA in 1982. The Kellogg School recognized him with the 2009 Schaffner Award, recognizing professional achievement and contribution to the school. He recently received the 2012 Far and Above Award for his philanthropic work, and in 2010 received the Pioneer Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, recognizing his dynamic contributions in the hospitality industry.
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About ADARA, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Cornell University, Hubs1, Pure Solutions, TenX Healthcare, Thayer Lodging Group, Thayer Ventures: Thayer Ventures (Thayer) invests in Travel Technology.
Steven Hattem
Executive Vice President & Managing Director – USA of Dreamlines
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About Dreamlines: Dreamlines is an online travel company that selling cruises.
Richard Anderson
Member of the Board of Directors of Delta Air Lines
Richard Anderson is the executive chairman of Delta’s Board of Directors and served as Delta’s chief executive officer until May 2016. Through the vision of Richard’s leadership team, Delta is a values-based company that is strategically and creatively reengineering the airline business model. The airline has reinvigorated a culture known for high employee engagement and gracious customer service. Under Richard’s leadership, the airline is reducing debt, strengthening revenues and thinking differently about cost control to build a flexible, stable and more durable business. Delta continues to extend its reach for customers through partnerships such as its trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia, equity based partnerships with Virgin Atlantic Airways and leading Latin American airlines GOL and Aeromexico, and preferred codeshare agreements with China Southern and China Eastern airlines, as well as the Alaska Airlines Group along the U.S. West Coast. In 2013 and 2011, Delta topped Fortune’s Most Admired Airlines list, a worldwide ranking based on people management, quality of management, innovation, long-term investment, social responsibility, quality of product and services and global competitiveness. Richard’s more than 25 years of aviation experience began in 1987 at Continental Airlines. In 1990, he began a 14-year career at Northwest Airlines where he progressed to chief executive officer from 2001 to 2004. In September 2007, Richard joined Delta from United Health Group. Richard currently serves as member of the International Air Transport Association Board of Governors as well as a director on the Boards of Medtronic Inc. and Cargill. He recently served as chairman of the Airlines for America Board of Directors. A native of Galveston, Texas, Richard holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law.
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About : Delta Air Lines is a global airline with a focus on safety, innovation, reliability, and customer experience.
Tim Gregory
Managing Director, HR innovation and workforce Technology of Delta Air Lines
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About Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines is a global airline with a focus on safety, innovation, reliability, and customer experience.
Devin Carlen
Director of Software Engineering of Astra
Devin Carlen is the Director of Software Engineering at Astra.
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About Astra: Astra is a rocket launch startup that provides satellite delivery and launch services.
Beth Crimmins
Director Of Procurement- Global Marketing and Business Services of Avis Budget Group
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About Avis Budget Group: Avis Budget Group offers professionals and individuals with vehicle rental and sharing services.
Andy Chimicles
Director of Product of BLADE
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About BLADE: BLADE is an application that provides short-distance flight management solutions to its clients.
Leedjia Svec
Director of Military Programs of NASA Ames Research Center
Lieutenant Commander Leedjia Svec directs military programs at NASA Ames where she serves as a liaison officer to create and facilitate innovative partnerships and sharing of technical knowledge and resources. She was previously stationed at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) as a senior scientist where she led policy, basic, and applied research in subject areas such as cultural heritage preservation, culture, diversity and inclusion, anti-hazing, bias, and more. Prior duty stations include the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio where she developed mathematical models for predicting color vision performance and implemented a program of science education for girls in the community. At the Center for Information Dominance she introduced a course of academic improvement skills for over 6,000 sailors. She has also served as adjunct faculty at University of West Florida, University of Texas San Antonio and Saint Mary’s University. LCDR Svec studied psychology and engineering technology at University of the Pacific, studied abroad at the University of Melbourne Australia, obtained her MA/PhD in vision science from the University of Nevada, Reno, second MA in International Relations at Saint Mary’s University with distinction where she engaged in hands on conflict transformation internationally, and is certified in Human Systems Integration from the Naval Post Graduate school. Achievements include; 2017 NASA Equal Opportunity Medal, 2017 Silicon Valley Women of Influence award, international young investigator award from the Aerospace Medical Association, national engaged leader award, officer of the quarter, selection for who’s who among college students, Lockheed Martin internship award, and over 100 publications/presentations. She is an avid STEM and diversity advocate; currently serving as a lead cultural mentor and delegate with TechWomen, has mentored over 40 students, served as a scholarship selection panelist for the American Association of University Women, was a student fellow of Norwich University Institute of Culture and Language, is a member of Theta Nu Xi, Multicultural Sorority Inc., and is the author of Stylish STEM, a STEM and diversity advocacy blog.
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About NASA Ames Research Center: Ames Research Center, one of 10 NASA field Centers, is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley.
Leedjia Svec
Director of Military Programs of NASA Ames Research Center
Lieutenant Commander Leedjia Svec directs military programs at NASA Ames where she serves as a liaison officer to create and facilitate innovative partnerships and sharing of technical knowledge and resources. She was previously stationed at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) as a senior scientist where she led policy, basic, and applied research in subject areas such as cultural heritage preservation, culture, diversity and inclusion, anti-hazing, bias, and more. Prior duty stations include the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio where she developed mathematical models for predicting color vision performance and implemented a program of science education for girls in the community. At the Center for Information Dominance she introduced a course of academic improvement skills for over 6,000 sailors. She has also served as adjunct faculty at University of West Florida, University of Texas San Antonio and Saint Mary’s University. LCDR Svec studied psychology and engineering technology at University of the Pacific, studied abroad at the University of Melbourne Australia, obtained her MA/PhD in vision science from the University of Nevada, Reno, second MA in International Relations at Saint Mary’s University with distinction where she engaged in hands on conflict transformation internationally, and is certified in Human Systems Integration from the Naval Post Graduate school. Achievements include; 2017 NASA Equal Opportunity Medal, 2017 Silicon Valley Women of Influence award, international young investigator award from the Aerospace Medical Association, national engaged leader award, officer of the quarter, selection for who’s who among college students, Lockheed Martin internship award, and over 100 publications/presentations. She is an avid STEM and diversity advocate; currently serving as a lead cultural mentor and delegate with TechWomen, has mentored over 40 students, served as a scholarship selection panelist for the American Association of University Women, was a student fellow of Norwich University Institute of Culture and Language, is a member of Theta Nu Xi, Multicultural Sorority Inc., and is the author of Stylish STEM, a STEM and diversity advocacy blog.
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About NASA Ames Research Center: Ames Research Center, one of 10 NASA field Centers, is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley.
Ross Clanton
Chief Architect, Managing Director – Technology Transformation of American Airlines
Accomplished Leader with over 16 years of IT experience in the retail industry. DevOps enthusiast whose mission is to drive LEAN principles and extensive automation across technology service delivery. Broad experience in IT Operations, Engineering, Security and Compliance, Enterprise Architecture, Business Intelligence, and Data Warehousing. Ross lives in Minneapolis with his wife, daughter, and son
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About American Airlines: American Airlines focuses on providing travel experience across the globe.
Matthieu Dupont
Director of Engineering of Boutique Air
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About Boutique Air: Boutique Air offers regional scheduled flights and private charter in North America.
Robert Frost
Group Lead, Daily Operations & Crew Support – Flight Operations Directorate of NASA
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About NASA, NASA: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Parimal Kopardekar
Director of NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI) of NASA
Parimal Kopardekar (PK) manages NASA’s Safe Autonomous System Operations project, which is focused on autonomy/autonomicity in civil aviation, as part of the Airspace System Program (www.aeronautics.nasa.gov). He directs air traffic management related research, and manages R&D portfolio. He serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Aerospace Operations. Journal covers operations from the perspective of airlines, airports, airspace, and aircraft manufacturers.
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About NASA: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Robert Pearce
Associate Administrator & Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate of NASA
Robert Pearce is the Associate Administrator & Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA.
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About NASA: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Steve Rader
Deputy Director for the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation of NASA
Steve Rader is the Deputy Director for the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation at NASA.
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About Crowd Resources Consulting, NASA: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Joel Walker
Director of Center Operations Directorate of NASA
Joel Walker is Board of Directors @ Space Center Houston.
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About NASA, Space Center Houston: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Jason Derleth
Mission Directorate Representative, SBIR of NASA
Jason Derleth is NIAC Program Executive at NASA.
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About NASA, NASA: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Mike Hitch
Special Liaison to the Director of NASA
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About NASA: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Jason Derleth
Mission Directorate Representative, SBIR of NASA
Jason Derleth is NIAC Program Executive at NASA.
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About NASA, NASA: NASA is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.
Allison Mac
Director of Marketing and Communications of GasBuddy
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About GasBuddy: GasBuddy is a travel and navigation app that is used by more North American drivers to save money on gas.
Amina Altaf
Director of Strategic Development of GasBuddy
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About GasBuddy: GasBuddy is a travel and navigation app that is used by more North American drivers to save money on gas.
Paul Bennett
Founder and Director of Context Travel
Paul Bennett founder and director of Context Travel.
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About Context Travel: Context is a leisure and travel company that organizes expert-led tours in the cultural capitals of the world.
David Tucker
Co-Founder, Chairman, Director of Product Development & Co-CEO of Doculife
David Tucker, previously built a highly successful security software company called XtreamLok. XtreamLok was in operation for over five years. Staff numbers rose to 45 during that period before Symantec bought XtreamLok in 2005. Before XtreamLok, David created a company called imovie (at that time, Australia’s largest and most popular movie-based web site) which was sold to Village Roadshow in 2000.
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About Doculife: Doculife is evolving the way important life documents are transferred between parties, providing peace of mind for its users
McAndrew Rudisill
Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of National Hospitality Group LLC
Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer at National Hospitality Group LLC President & Chief Investment Officer at Element Company Inc. CEO & President at Emerald Oil Inc. Managing Partner at Pelagic Capital Advisors LLC Managing Director at North Sound Capital LLC
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About Pelagic Capital Advisors LLC: Vertically Integrated Resort Management and Vacation Ownership Company
Roman Martinez
Member of the Board of Directors of Orbital ATK
Roman Martinez has been a private Investor since 2003. In 2003, Roman retired as Managing Director of Lehman Brothers, an investment banking firm, following a 31-year career with the firm. Roman has been a Member of the Board of Directors at Alliant Techsystems Inc. (an aerospace, defense and commercial products company) from 2004 until February 2015, when Alliant Techsystems Inc. merged with Orbital Sciences, Inc. to create Orbital ATK, Inc. and simultaneously spun-off its commercial products company. Roman has served as a Member of the Board of Directors at Orbital ATK, Inc. since February 2015. Roman has served on the Board on New York Presbyterian Hospital since 1996. Roman also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors at Cigna since 2014.
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About : Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
Robert Hanisee
Board Of Director of Orbital ATK
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About : Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
James Roche
Board Of Director of Orbital ATK
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About : Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
Janice Obuchowski
Board Of Director of Orbital ATK
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About : Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
Scott Webster
Board Of Director of Orbital ATK
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About : Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
Christine Petric
Director of Retention Marketing of Away
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About Away: Away is a modern travel and lifestyle brand designed with thoughtful features that solve real travel problems
Lee Chaden
Board of Director of Carlson
Lee Chaden Lee Chaden retired in December 2008 as chairman of the board of nesbrands Inc., a leading marketer of innerwear, outerwear and hosiery apparel. As executive chairman, he led Hanesbrands through its 2006 spin-off from Sara Lee Corporation into an independent publicly traded company. He retired from the Hanesbrands board in April 2014. Chaden began his career with Procter & Gamble in 1966 in brand management, after receiving an engineering degree from Purdue University and a MBA from the University of California at Berkeley. His career path included a variety of senior corporate positions in marketing and general management with Playtex Inc. and the Sara Lee Corporation, as well as a decade in venture capital and entrepreneurial startups. Chaden remains active in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina community, including serving on the board of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art as well as involvement with several other local non-profit organizations. He has also recently endowed a fellowship to provide scholarships to Industrial Engineering students at Purdue University. Chaden and his wife, Shelby, travel extensively, staying in contact with their Los Angeles based daughter Harte, a leadership coach and granddaughters Daphne and Pepper, and with their New York based daughter Alexandra, who produces food-related TV shows for PBS, The Food Network, and others.
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About : Carlson is a family-owned, global hospitality and travel company, operating brands, including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, and more.
Richard Gage
Board of Director of Carlson
Richard Gage is Board of Director at Carlson.
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About : Carlson is a family-owned, global hospitality and travel company, operating brands, including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, and more.
Diana Nelson
Board of Director of Carlson
Diana L. Nelson has served as a director for Carlson for more than a decade and assumed the role of chair in May, 2013. Nelson’s election to chair marks the passing of leadership to the third generation of the Carlson family, and she is only the third person to serve in this capacity in the company’s more than 75 year history. She is preceded as chair by her mother, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, and her grandfather, company founder Curtis L. Carlson. Nelson has extensive board governance and leadership experience through her work with multiple for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. In addition to her role on the Carlson board,she serves on the board of governors of Carlson Holdings, Inc., as well as on the board of directors for the Carlson Family Foundation and the World Childhood Foundation. She is on the advisory board of Prime Group, a San Francisco-based real estate investment company, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, where she is a member of the executive committee. Raised in Minnesota, Nelson graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, where she currently serves as a member of the Harvard University Board of Overseers and on the executive committee. In 2008, she led the Dean’s Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience and inaugurated the Women and Leadership Task Force. A passionate and committed fundraiser, she was the first woman and youngest person to chair the Harvard College Fund (2002-2003). Additional leadership roles at her alma mater include serving on the Committee on University Resources Executive Committee and the Radcliffe Institute Dean’s Advisory Council. Nelson is also a committed advocate for education reform and has worked to expand Teach for America and the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) charter school network. In addition to her degree from Harvard, Nelson holds an MBA in marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. After graduating from Northwestern,Nelson’s career included work for Oglivy and Mather Advertising and American Express Travel Related Services.
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About : Carlson is a family-owned, global hospitality and travel company, operating brands, including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, and more.
Brad Anderson
Board of Director of Carlson
Brad Anderson joined the Carlson Board of Directors in 2009 He retired as Best Buy’s chief executive officer in June 2009.Anderson, a voracious reader of biographies and history, recognizes that innovation is often accompanied by challenge and change, which can become the platform for tremendous learning opportunities. He is convinced that taking advantage of people’s inherent strengths and talents provides the necessary fuel to run the engine of top-line growth, value creation and sustained profitability. He believes employees can have fun while being the best and demands that integrity, humility and respect are demonstrated by all.A lifelong audiophile, Anderson joined the company in 1973 as a commissioned salesman at the fledgling Sound of Music, a small chain of stereo stores that was the precursor to Best Buy. Within weeks of joining the company, Anderson was ready to quit because he had not made a single sale. Then he discovered the power of asking the right questions and truly listening to the customer’s answers. He became a successful salesperson and eventually was named store manager. It was this early work that left Anderson with the indelible impression that a close-to-the-customer understanding of needs and operations would be key to Best Buy’s continued innovation and growth.Best Buy founder Dick Schulze recognized the success of Anderson’s retail operations expertise and named him vice president in 1981. Anderson worked closely with Schulze on all of the major strategic initiatives that transformed and grew Best Buy, including the move to a non-commissioned store staff and the decision to let customers browse for themselves in warehouse-style stores.In 1986, Anderson was promoted to executive vice president and was elected to Best Buy’s Board of Directors. In April 1991, he was promoted to president and chief operating officer. Anderson was named vice chairman in 2001. In June 2002, he assumed the position of chief executive officer.Anderson has an associate degree from Waldorf College, a liberal arts college located in Forest City,Iowa, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver.Anderson’s charitable and volunteer efforts are highlighted by his participation on the boards of the American Film Institute, General Mills, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Public Radio and Minnesota Early Learning Foundation. In addition to serving on Carlson’s Board of Directors, he also serves on the Waldorf College Board of Regents.
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About : Carlson is a family-owned, global hospitality and travel company, operating brands, including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, and more.
Brad Anderson
Board of Director of Carlson
Brad Anderson joined the Carlson Board of Directors in 2009 He retired as Best Buy’s chief executive officer in June 2009.Anderson, a voracious reader of biographies and history, recognizes that innovation is often accompanied by challenge and change, which can become the platform for tremendous learning opportunities. He is convinced that taking advantage of people’s inherent strengths and talents provides the necessary fuel to run the engine of top-line growth, value creation and sustained profitability. He believes employees can have fun while being the best and demands that integrity, humility and respect are demonstrated by all.A lifelong audiophile, Anderson joined the company in 1973 as a commissioned salesman at the fledgling Sound of Music, a small chain of stereo stores that was the precursor to Best Buy. Within weeks of joining the company, Anderson was ready to quit because he had not made a single sale. Then he discovered the power of asking the right questions and truly listening to the customer’s answers. He became a successful salesperson and eventually was named store manager. It was this early work that left Anderson with the indelible impression that a close-to-the-customer understanding of needs and operations would be key to Best Buy’s continued innovation and growth.Best Buy founder Dick Schulze recognized the success of Anderson’s retail operations expertise and named him vice president in 1981. Anderson worked closely with Schulze on all of the major strategic initiatives that transformed and grew Best Buy, including the move to a non-commissioned store staff and the decision to let customers browse for themselves in warehouse-style stores.In 1986, Anderson was promoted to executive vice president and was elected to Best Buy’s Board of Directors. In April 1991, he was promoted to president and chief operating officer. Anderson was named vice chairman in 2001. In June 2002, he assumed the position of chief executive officer.Anderson has an associate degree from Waldorf College, a liberal arts college located in Forest City,Iowa, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver.Anderson’s charitable and volunteer efforts are highlighted by his participation on the boards of the American Film Institute, General Mills, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Public Radio and Minnesota Early Learning Foundation. In addition to serving on Carlson’s Board of Directors, he also serves on the Waldorf College Board of Regents.
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About : Carlson is a family-owned, global hospitality and travel company, operating brands, including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, and more.
Greg Swayne
Chairman of the Board of Directors of AirSage
Greg Swayne is the Chairman of the Board of AirSage.
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About AirSage, TechCXO: AirSage provides population location, movement, and traffic information based on wireless signaling data.
Loulu Lima
Director of Business Development of Hotels By Day
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About Hotels By Day: Create protocols to enable hotels to smoothly transition towards our ‘on-demand everything’ society.
Wendy Blandon
Director of sales of Ultimate Jet Vacations
Wendy Blandon has been serving Ultimate Jet Vacations as its director of sales since February 2014.
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About Ultimate Jet Vacations: Ultimate Jet Vacations provides services in private flight and hotel vacation services.
Jason Craig
Director, Mobile Applications of Intercontinental Hotels Group
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About Intercontinental Hotels Group: IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies
Jason Craig
Director, Mobile Applications of Intercontinental Hotels Group
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About Intercontinental Hotels Group: IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies
Jonathan Cholak
Managing Director of Adit Ventures
Venture capital investment professional focused on early-stage companies in the financial services, Internet of Things, security and consumer sectors. Bitcoin / Blockchain enthusiast and evangelist.
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About Adit Ventures: Adit Ventures is a venture capital investment firm with over 1250 LPs, $400MM in AUM, 3 offices across the US, and 9 exits.
Scot Kleinman
Associate Director, Development of Gemini Observatory
Scot Kleinman joined us in 2007, most recently from the Subaru Telescope where he was the Instrument Division Chief. Prior, he served as the Site Science Manager/Deputy Head of Survey Operations for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey throughout the original SDSS survey. He has been the Associate Director of the Whole Earth Telescope and still sits on its board. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in 1995. Besides astronomical instruments, his research interests include variable objects, white dwarf stars, and large-scale surveys.
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About Gemini Observatory: General Electric (GE) is an international partnership that provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astrophysicists.
Andy Adamson
Associate Director Operations of Gemini Observatory
He received his B.Sc. in Physics at Imperial College London, UK, in 1979, and Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Leicester, UK, in 1983. After a period as an optical astronomer at the University of St. Andrews, he returned to the infrared as a postdoctoral researcher at Lancashire Polytechnic, Preston, UK (now the University of Central Lancashire). After more than ten years at UCLAN, he moved to become Head of Operations at the UK Infrared Telescope in 1998. Principal research interests are the composition and physical properties of dust grains in the interstellar medium. Andy joined Gemini in May of 2010.
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About Gemini Observatory: General Electric (GE) is an international partnership that provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astrophysicists.
Inger Jorgensen
Deputy Associate Director, Operations of Gemini Observatory
Inger Jorgensen is the Deputy Associate Director for Operations. She obtained her PhD in astronomy from Copenhagen University, Denmark, in 1993. Following a postdoctoral fellowship and a Hubble Fellowship at University of Texas, Austin, she joined Gemini in 1998. Her main research interests are the formation and evolution of galaxies. She leads an international research group carrying out an observational study of the stellar populations of galaxies in rich clusters between z=2 and the present using the Gemini Telescopes and the Hubble Space Telescope.
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About Gemini Observatory: General Electric (GE) is an international partnership that provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astrophysicists.
Markus Kissler-Patig
Director of Gemini Observatory
He obtained his PhD in astrophysics in 1997 from the University of Bonn and held post-doctoral positions at the University of California Santa Cruz and the European Southern Observatory. He joined the latter as faculty in 2000 as instrument scientist for a series of instruments for the VLT. In 2008, he took up the position of project scientist for the E-ELT and joined Gemini in 2012. He is an adjunct professor and has been teaching at the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich between 2005 and 2012.
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About Gemini Observatory: General Electric (GE) is an international partnership that provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astrophysicists.
Nancy Levenson
Deputy Director and Head of Science of Gemini Observatory
Nancy Levenson earned bachelor’s degrees from Harvard University and the University of Oxford before receiving a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1997. After postdoctoral research at the Johns Hopkins University, she joined the faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kentucky in 2002, joining Gemini in 2009. Nancy’s primary research interests are active galaxies and star formation in their nuclei, which she explores over a range of wavelengths, from the mid-infrared through X-rays.
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About Gemini Observatory: General Electric (GE) is an international partnership that provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astrophysicists.
Munira Miyazi
Director, UX, UI and Website of MUrgency
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About MUrgency: MUrgency Inc. is a holding company for multiple businesses playing the role of the idea generator, incubator, accelerator& growth hacker
Munira Miyazi
Director, UX, UI and Website of MUrgency
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About MUrgency: MUrgency Inc. is a holding company for multiple businesses playing the role of the idea generator, incubator, accelerator& growth hacker
Cyrus Freidheim
Member of the Board of Directors of Virgin America
Cyrus Freidheim, has served as a member of our board of directors since 2006. Freidheim has been a private investor since 2009. From 2006 to 2009, Freidheim served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Sun-Times Media Group Inc., a parent company of Sun-Times News Group (formerly Hollinger International Inc.), which filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2009. Previously, Freidheim served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Chiquita Brands International Inc., a produce company. Freidheim also previously held various leadership roles with Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc., a management consulting firm, including President of BoozAllen International. Freidheim brings to our board of directors significant expertise in executive leadership positions and knowledge of our company. Freidheim is the father of Stephen C. Freidheim, a member of our board of directors.
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About : Virgin America is a California-based airline.
Jennifer Vogel
Member of the Board of Directors of Virgin America
Jennifer Vogel has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2015. Vogel was most recently Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer of Continental Airlines, Inc. in Houston. Vogel serves on the Board of Directors of American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection systems. She is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and received an undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa.
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About : Virgin America is a California-based airline.
Anita Miller
Director, MTA-HQ Labor Relations of Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Anita Miller is Chief Employee Relations and Administrative Officer at Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
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About Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides subway, bus, and commuter railroad transportation services to customers with disabilities.
Raymond Diaz
Director of Security of Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Raymond Diaz is Director of Security at Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
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About Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides subway, bus, and commuter railroad transportation services to customers with disabilities.
William Wheeler
Director of Special Project Development & Planning of Metropolitan Transportation Authority
William Wheeler is Director of Special Project Development & Planning at Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
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About Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides subway, bus, and commuter railroad transportation services to customers with disabilities.
Barbara Bradley Baekgaard
Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer and Director of Vera Bradley
Barbara Bradley Baekgaard co-founded Vera Bradley in 1982 and has served as a Director since then. From 1982 through June 2010, she also served as Co-President. From the outset, Ms. Bradley Baekgaard has provided leadership and strategic direction in our brand’s development by providing creative vision to areas such as marketing, product design, assortment planning and the design and visual merchandising of our stores. In May 2010, she was appointed Chief Creative Officer. She currently serves as a board member of the Indiana University Cancer Center Development and the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. Ms. Bradley Baekgaard’s personal awards include 2007 Country Living Entrepreneur Award and 2006 Gifts and Decorative Accessories Industry Achievement Award.
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About Vera Bradley: Vera Bradley is a leader in fashionable, colorful, cotton quilted handbags, accessories, and paper and gift items for women of every age.
Robert Wallstrom
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Vera Bradley
Mr. Wallstrom joined Vera Bradley in November 2013 as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to joining Vera Bradley, Mr. Wallstrom served as President of Saks Fifth Avenue’s OFF 5TH division from 2007 until November 2013. Previously, he was Group Senior Vice President and General Manager of Saks’ flagship New York store from 2002 to 2007, where he articulated a vision to return the store to its luxury heritage and dramatically improve merchandising, service and the in-store experience. During his five-year tenure at the New York location, he helped grow annual sales from $450 million to more than $600 million and was part of the team that designed and developed the iconic eighth floor shoe store – the first with its own zip code – setting the stage for highly productive relationships with key luxury manufacturers around the world. Prior to joining Saks, Mr. Wallstrom held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility at Macy’s Inc. from 1987 to 1995 and began his career in 1983 at J. W. Robinson department stores.
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About : Vera Bradley is a leader in fashionable, colorful, cotton quilted handbags, accessories, and paper and gift items for women of every age.
Vivek Chandran
Senior Director, Engineering of Deem
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About Deem: Deem is a technology platform for the business travel industry focusing on travel, car service, and expense solutions.
Trent Deike
Director of QA and Program Release Management of HotelTonight
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About HotelTonight: HotelTonight is a mobile hotel booking application that allows users to find and reserve same-day hotel rooms from their smartphones.
Richard Hamermesh
Board Of Director of B/E Aerospace
Richard G. Hamermesh has been a Director since July 1987. Dr. Hamermesh has been a Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School since July 1, 2002. From 1987 to 2001, he was a co-founder and a Managing Partner of The Center for Executive Development, an executive education and development consulting firm. From 1976 to 1987, Dr. Hamermesh was a member of the faculty of Harvard Business School. He is also an active investor and entrepreneur, having participated as a principal, director and investor in the founding and early stages of more than 15 organizations. Dr. Hamermesh’s education and business experience as co-founder of a leading executive education and consulting firm, as president, founder, director, and co-investor in over 15 early stage businesses, and his 27 years as a Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School where he has led MBA candidates through thousands of business case studies, as well as his intimate knowledge of our business and industry (including over 25 years as a member of our Board), uniquely qualify him to serve as a member of our Board.
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About : B/E Aerospace is the worldwide leading manufacturer of aircraft passenger cabin interior products for the commercial and business jet
Julia Zamorska
Senior Director of Corporate Communications of Fareportal
Julia Zamorska, Vice President, Grayling New York, NY As Vice President at Grayling, I oversee the technology practice in the New York office of the award-winning, global public relations agency, headquartered in London. Previously, as VP of corporate communications at iolo technologies, I strategically planned and supervised all external and internal communications efforts for the 15-year-old PC tune-up software company with more than 45 million users worldwide, managing the five-person internal department and eight PR agencies and distributors across 40 countries. Prior to joining iolo technologies in 2008, Ms. Zamorska worked at Ruder Finn, an international public relations agency, where she managed campaigns for several technology companies including Specific Media and Interpolls. She started her career at Antenna Group, a boutique public relations agency in San Francisco, managing public relations campaigns for clients including Jigsaw, MyNewPlace and MyBizHomepage. Ms. Zamorska is currently a finalist in PRWeek Awards 2013 “In-House PR Professional of the Year” category, among top executives from AECOM, Cisco, Ford and Hilton. In October 2012, she was honored as Golden Bridge Awards’ “Corporate Communications Executive of the Year”. In 2011, she was honored as “Executive of the Year” in the 8th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business and named to the high-profile “15 to Watch” list of up-and-coming public relations stars by PR News. Her department was named as one of only five Finalists for “Communications Department of the Year” in the 2011 American Business Awards, and won Bronze in that category in 2012. Her employees frequently receive individual “Young PR Professional of the Year” accolades, including HPRA’s PRemio Awards, PRSA-LA PRism Awards and PRWeek Awards finalist honors, and in 2011 iolo technology’s monthly internal newsletter received a PRSA-LA PRism award, PR News’ Platinum PR award, and The Holmes Report’s SABRE award. Born and raised in Poland, Ms. Zamorska has lived in six countries and is fluent in English and Polish, with a working knowledge of German and Italian. Ms. Zamorska holds a Bachelor of Arts in social science (summa cum laude) from University College Utrecht, Netherlands, having also spent two semesters at University of California in Berkeley. She also holds a Master of Science degree in social anthropology from Oxford University, England.
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About Fareportal: Fareportal is a leading travel technology company that operates a number of websites which serve customers both online and with telephone
TJ Sassani
Board of Directors of ZOZI
TJ Sassani is the Founder of ZOZI. ZOZI provides booking software to activity & event merchants across the active lifestyle category and also provides these merchants with new customers from the ZOZI.com marketplace. Following a trip around the world, where Founder TJ Sassani was struggling to find and book activities, he launched the company to create a two-sided platform that could change the industry. ZOZI is the largest and fastest growing provider of booking software in the category with thousands of merchants operating across 50 countries, and having sold activities to nearly 5M customers totaling nearly half a billion dollars in sales. In 2015, ZOZI was named #17 on the Forbes Most Promising Companies list (up from #94 in 2014), was honored as the “Most Brilliant Company in Travel” by Entrepreneur Magazine, and was named a Best Place to Work in America by Outside Magazine four years in a row.
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About : ZOZI designs and develops a web-based bookings, payments, and customer management software for tour, activity, and event businesses.
Yangbo Du
Director of Finance of Southescapes
With made-in-New-York entrepreneurial spirit, Yangbo Du has been leading by example on partnerships towards sustainable development since the United Nations’ announcement of the Post-2015 Agenda to follow Millennium Development Goals. From 2005 through 2011, he conducted research on topics in energy and environmental policy covering biofuels, nuclear, and infrastructure in general. He is a trained economist with a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a StartingBloc New York Social Innovation Fellow. Since leaving academia, he has co-founded startups in international trade and development, digital media and online marketing, open data, financial technology, and related fields. His current focus is on integrating the tools of the Fourth Industrial Revolution — blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things — with governance to enable achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and follow-on goals through 2030 and beyond. Connector of connectors, convener of conveners, facilitator of facilitators Serving as the New York +SocialGood Connector with the Social Good Summit since 2013, Yangbo leaves no major economic sector or global city untouched when it comes to bringing people together. Ever since his first foray into online publishing as community manager with IDEAS Global Challenge, MIT’s in-house social innovation accelerator, he has been persevering in effort to close reinforcing loops of global online connectivity and local offline action. Always social with intention and conviction, he meets on average 50 new people in person each week and employs online social media primarily to augment such engagement — effectively someone in the same room without need for a travel budget.
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About Southescapes: South Escapes is a sub brand of Target Management “eDitribution Hotel & eMarketing,” that offers of travel like hotels, airlines etc.
Alice Laughlin
Senior Director of Human Resources of American Hotel & Lodging Association
Alice Laughlin is Senior Director of Human Resources at American Hotel & Lodging Association.
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About American Hotel & Lodging Association: AH&LA is the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee lodging industry.
Joyce Bliss
Global Marketing Promotions Director of Enterprise Holdings
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About Enterprise Holdings: world-class portfolio of rental brands
Joseph Romaine
Director of Software Engineering of Cirium
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About Cirium, Diio: Cirium brings together aviation and travel data and analytics to keep the world moving.
David Ho
Director of Technical Services, North America of Yotel
Hotel manager turned hotel developer Likes rock climbing, sitting on the beach and eating his way through New York City.
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About Yotel: Yotel offers affordable hotels with elements of luxury in smart spaces.
Arteen Mnayan
Director of Business Development of Discotech
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About Discotech: Top-rated nightlife app that allows users to browse and book table service, purchase presale tickets, and sign up for guest lists.
Arteen Mnayan
Director of Business Development of Discotech
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About Discotech: Top-rated nightlife app that allows users to browse and book table service, purchase presale tickets, and sign up for guest lists.
