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Associate Board of Director Candidate: Pam Williams


Pam Williams

Tourism Sales Manager/Educational Escapes Coordinator, Huntsville/Madison County, AL CVB

Please describe your experience as a volunteer within or outside the travel community.

I have coordinated several projects that can be considered tourism product development within our community and served on the board of Crisis Services of North Alabama/Hope Place (domestic violence shelters, et.al.) for 5 years.

Please describe your professional experience in the student travel industry.

I held positions at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and as a counselor at U.S. Space Academy and Adult Space Academy. I began at the Huntsville, AL Convention & Visitors Bureau 13 years ago and continue to be the only coordinator of our travel program specifically designed for student &youth travel, Educational Escapes.

Please describe other professional or personal experience that would benefit you as a Board member.

I had the privilege of serving on the SYTA Board of Directors for one year in the at-large position, 2016-2017. I have worked with many of the current board members and would like the opportunity to continue that work.

Please describe why you would like to serve as a Board of Director (Associate).

In addition to the above, I believe it is crucial to SYTA’s success and future to have a board that represents all segments of our industry. The Board is currently missing DMO and “lesser known” member representation. I could serve in both capacities.

What do you see as the challenges facing the student travel industry?  What can SYTA do to meet those challenges?

Challenges facing the student & youth travel industry are the ever-concerning safety issues apparent in our world today. SYTA is moving in the right direction with the addition to the safety forum at this year’s conference. Additional information/training for SYTA members should serve to reassure group leaders and teachers travelling with their students.