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Our volunteer Advisory Panel shares their time and expertise. They provide insight that is critical to implementing relevant curriculum, enterprise services, and key strategies needed by students, employers, and the tourism industry as a whole.
The primary purpose of the advisory panel is to promote collaboration between specific educational programs and stakeholders in the tourism community. Career and technical education programs and associated outreach tools are designed to prepare students with skills, knowledge, and approaches to succeed within the workforce and provide better consumer travel experiences.
The advisory panel serves as advisors to the Academy, providing curriculum recommendations and support for quality programs and have no administrative or legislative authority. Working cooperatively with program administrators, staff and instructors, the advisory committee helps strengthen and improve the Academy. The success of workforce education depends, to a large extent, upon the activity and involvement of advisory panel.
Our volunteer Advisory Panel shares their time and expertise. They provide insight that is critical to implementing relevant curriculum, enterprise services, and key strategies needed by students, employers, and the tourism industry as a whole.
The Advisory Panel Chair, CEO, co-founder, and Chief Nerd at Learn Tourism | learntourism.org is Stephen Ekstrom. Ekstrom began his career in tourism development in the 1990s. He holds certificates in Sustainable Business Strategy, Ethical & Inclusive Leadership, and AI Governance and Ethics from prestigious universities.
President & CEO of Visit Baltimore. He also serves on the boards of the United States Travel Association (USTA); Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), the American Bus Association (ABA) and Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM).
Fred Dixon is President and CEO of NYC Tourism & Conventions and the current Chair of Destinations International. With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Dixon has the overall responsibility for developing and implementing New York City’s tourism, meetings, and events strategy and programming to grow business and leisure travel from across the US and from around the world.
Overseeing global brand marketing and sales strategies for one of the world’s most diverse and innovative destinations. He first joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer in 2016.
Elliott Ferguson serves as President and CEO of Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. Inducted into the U.S. Travel Association’s 2023 Hall of Leaders
A thirty-four year veteran of the Travel & Tourism industry, Amir leads the entire team responsible for the development and execution of all facets of this premier travel and tourism market research consultancy, from program development to customer acquisition and retention.
Barbara Karasek's impressive career has led marketing and business development efforts for renowned organizations such as SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, PGA TOUR, NASCAR, and the United States Olympic Committee. Her innovative marketing campaigns, digital platforms, and television productions have garnered numerous accolades, including ADDYs, Ex Awards, Effies, Webbies, and Daytime Emmys.
Oversees efforts to promote and sell Philadelphia as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, overseas travelers, and group tour visitors.
Gary is a 24-year veteran of the destination marketing industry. Gary, a graduate of California State University Fullerton, was named to the school’s Wall of Fame in 2000 and is an adjunct member of the faculty. He is also an instructor and co-creator of the DMAI CDME Brand and Positioning course. Currently he is on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Visitor Association and the California Travel Association.
Kristina focuses her practice on General Counsel Services, Corporate Law, and Real Estate. Specifically, Kristina assists clients with corporate formation, drafts and negotiates an array of contracts, handles commercial acquisitions and leasing, and offers a problem solving approach to provide white glove service to business owners and investors.
Lisa spent 20 years in the tourism industry as VP of Operations with Brightspark Travel/Tui Travel before moving onto a new career as Chief Operations Officer with Caldwell CPAs.
Vincent Agaba is the Managing Director of Avarts Housing Ltd. He is a Director of the Rwenzori Tourism Academy.
Accomplished COO with a 10+ year track record of driving continuous improvement and enabling organization-wide mission and objectives.
More than 25 years as a senior level executive serving both the for profit and non-profit business sectors. He is currently Chairman of Sterling Advisory Group which was formed in 2020.
Co-founder and Chief Learning Officer at the nonprofit Learn Tourism and its academy
An Ambassador For: Sustainable Tourism – Travel – Community Engagement – Art – Culture – History – Heritage – Brand Connections – Storytelling.
Named Norwich Free Academy’s Athletic Director in April 2019, Wentworth credits the support of his family, the guidance of his mentor, and his unique perspective as contributing to his successful career as a student, coach, teacher, and administrator at NFA.
A coach and certified educator and school administrator with over 15 years of experience in diverse educational settings. Her expertise is primarily in supporting schools with curriculum development and ensuring literacy achievement.
Consistently recognized by her peers as one of the top movers and shakers of the travel industry. Anna Karnowski was part of the opening teams at Top of the Rock and SPYSCAPE and has also been a senior leader at One World Observatory and New York Water Taxi.
An avid traveler and lifelong learner, Isaac has been working in the education and training industry since 2008. He currently serves as CEO of EduGuide KSA.
Dr. Lavin has taught at JWU for 9 years in International Travel and Tourism Studies, specializing in destination marketing, community development, and sustainable tourism. Before academia, he worked 12 years in Destination Marketing. He lives in Mansfield, MA with his wife and three kids. A fitness enthusiast and certified CrossFit L-1 Coach, he runs the Instagram account @CoffeeWithLav, focused on home barista culture.
John is the Founder and Chief Stewardship Officer of NYC Borough Pass, a culturally sustainable value sightseeing pass. He has a passion for inclusivity and collaboration and two decades of experience in CX, marketing, and business development.
Santiago is an international tourism expert with over 20 years of experience implementing practical science-based solutions in the public, private, communitarian, and academic sectors, helping people and organizations reach success through tourism in sustainable ways and attract the type of tourism they want..
Ophélie, known as Ofé, is a visionary marketing leader with 12+ years in travel and tourism. Honored as a DI 30 Under 30 in 2022, she revolutionizes marketing with cutting-edge strategies that deliver exceptional revenue growth. As an expatriate and self-taught graphic designer, she deeply understands diverse audiences and needs. Ofé’s unmatched creativity and thought leadership consistently elevate brands, creating lasting impacts and fostering meaningful global connections.
Founder and CEO of KD&CO Advisors, is a marketing, branding, and operations executive with 25+ years of experience in the travel, tourism, hospitality, and commercial real estate with globally recognized iconic brands and assets.
