Call for SYTA Board Nominations
We are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors and help guide our mission forward. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise, leadership, and vision to make a lasting impact in our community.
SYTA has a dedicated staff who manage day-to-day operations enabling the board to focus on matters of strategic importance which can help improve our programs and services that we offer to our members.
Board responsibilities include leading SYTA under its established vision and strategic plan, recruiting members and managing volunteers and assuming responsibility for the completion of the current year activities. Serving on the SYTA board offers many professional and personal opportunities to:
- Enhance your leadership skills and gain valuable experience in strategic planning, governance, and organizational management within a national organization.
- Connect and collaborate with influential leaders in the association community, forging valuable relationships that can benefit your career and organization.
- Contribute to the advancement of the student travel profession and help shape the future, influencing best practices and driving positive change within the industry.
- Expand your knowledge of field, gain insights into emerging trends, and broaden your perspective on the challenges and opportunities; and
- Gain recognition for your commitment to the association community and your contributions to SYTA’s success.
Open Director Positions:
- Two (2) Active (Tour Operator) Director member positions and one (1) Associate (Supplier) Director member position are up for election. The term of office is three years, August 2026 – August 2029.
- Click here for Director position description.
Vice President
The Vice President shall be nominated from among the current members of the Board of Directors. The Vice President shall serve a two (2) year term and succeed to the office of President in accordance with the succession provisions of the governing documents. Candidates will complete the Vice President application and submit to the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will approve the candidate and add to the slate of Candidates presented to the membership.
President
The current Vice President will succeed to the office of President and serve a two-year term.
Election Information
Please review the Nomination Process before completing your nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 PM EDT, Friday, April 17, 2026. Candidates may nominate themselves using the links below. If you would like to nominate another member as a candidate, please email Courtenay Betts, Past President and SYTA Nominating Committee Chair, at courtenay.betts@ef.com.
Candidate Nomination Forms:
- Nomination Form for SYTA Board of Directors (Active & Associate)
Next Step – Candidates are notified by the Nominating Committee Chair by May 13, 2026. Once selected as a candidate, please be prepared to complete the following:
- Submit a photo headshot
- Prepare a personal statement of 150 words to share with membership
- Week of May 18, 2026 — Townhall/Videos will be scheduled
Katy Summers, SYTA staff ksummers@syta.org, will reach out to collect and coordinate the items above by May 15, 2026.
SYTA Marketing Toolkit – To learn more about SYTA’s five brands, click here https://syta.org/marketingtoolkit/.
If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact Katy Summers by e-mail at ksummers@syta.org or by phone at 703-672-8530.
Check out our recent Virtual Education, where SYTA members with Board experience walk you through everything you need to know!
Leadership in SYTA and SYTA Youth Foundation
Interested in a leadership and/or volunteer position within SYTA or the SYTA Youth Foundation? Join Courtenay Betts, Past President of SYTA and Ryan Morris, Past Chair of the SYTA Youth Foundation to learn about available opportunities, what it means to serve, time commitment and more! Webinar will give insight into the upcoming Nominating and Election process for serving on the Boards.