2024-2025 SYTA Board Nominations

The Call for Nominations is Now Closed for the 2024 – 2025 SYTA Board of Directors

Thank you to those who have submitted a nomination. The call for nominations is now closed.

The slate of candidates will be presented to the membership on or about June 14th. Voting will open July 29, 2024.

Board of Directors Testimonials

“I have only been in the board for a short time but I am excited at the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much. Being able to represent my industry of food and beverage to youth group traveling is a great responsibility.”

Julie DiStefano-Walker – Tin Roof

“I love the Board’s culture of collaboration and support. It is a Board that is focused so well on being an association with a vision of growth, with increased diversity and with current relevance. Its commitment within the travel industry for young people and students is high. I enjoy its culture of welcoming new ideas, improving and providing quality events for our members, offering important educational opportunities, and embracing new alliances and resources to continue with the great mission of sowing the seed of knowledge in young people through travel.”

Alex Urdaneta – Viajes A Plus, Inc.

“I am grateful for the last 3 years, having been part of an incredible team dedicated to improving the experiences our students will have on tour.  I am reminded that we are all in this together, not competing against one another, but supporting one another to be successful.  Even though I’ve been working in the student travel business for over 30 years; I have learned so much more over the past 3 years, thanks to my friends on the SYTA Board of Directors.”

Tami Rogers – Bob Rogers Travel

“My time as a board member has come with much learning. We work in an industry of great nuance.  Not every person or business works the same way. Observing and listening has changed the way I/we go to market. One common thread however is that each person on the board wants healthy student travel with opportunities for every student to learn and thrive.  For that reason, I’m so proud to be a member of the SYTA board.  You will be too!”

Pete Smith, Smoky Mountain Resorts

“Even though I’m just a first-year board member, I’ve gained valuable experience by learning the ropes of the board and getting a deeper understanding of the entire organization. It’s truly inspiring to see how SYTA unites everyone around the shared goal of student travel. From leadership to members, SYTA is an incredible organization to be a part of, with everything it represents.”

Anjuli King, Visit Savannah

“The people! Being part of a group of dedicated, collaborative, and insightful people has been a real pleasure. As a first-year board member, everyone has been supportive and generous. The other part is knowing we’re working for the betterment of an organization that helps every single one of its members. Come join us.”

Dave Henley, Grand Classroom

“Serving on the SYTA Board of Directors has been one of the highlights of my professional career. Working alongside other passionate advocates of student travel brings an indescribable energy to meetings that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve made so many business connections through the time on the Board in addition to fulfilling the end goal of helping even more students travel. I would highly recommend serving if you are passionate about the industry and would like to network and meet with other like-minded professionals.”

LouAnna Smith, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation