Board of Directors Election
Direct and Allied Representatives
2015
Dear GBTA Members,
At Convention, each of you can take part in the election process.
This July, in Orlando, you will be able to vote for candidates running
for the positions of President & CEO, Vice President, and one Allied
position and three Direct Board seats. I encourage you to familiarize
yourself with all the participating candidates through their platform
statements.
On Tuesday, July 28, during the Annual Meeting at Convention,
you will be able to listen to each candidate’s campaign speech and
cast your vote for the next leadership. In order to vote, you must be a current Allied or Direct
Member of the Association. If you have questions about your membership status, please
check with GBTA’s Member Care Team at [email protected], before July 24, 2015.
The GBTA Board of Directors serves as the governing body and is responsible for establishing
the focus and direction of the Association. Don’t miss your chance to have your voice heard
by participating in the GBTA electoral process.
The continued success of our Association relies on the dedication of many member volunteers.
Keep your Association strong by being an active participant and cast your vote on July 28!
Best regards,
Donna Kelliher
President & CEO
Global Business Travel Association
2
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
The Board consists of thirteen (13) Members comprised of the President & CEO, Vice President,
Immediate Past President/Chairman of the Board, President of the Chapter Presidents’ Council,
President and Vice President of the Allied Leadership Council, five (5) Direct Members elected at
large, and two (2) Allied Members elected at large. The Executive Director and COO also serves
as an ex officio Member of the Board. This year, GBTA’s Membership will elect:
n One (1) President & CEO for a term of two years
n One (1) Vice President for a term of two years
n Three (3) Direct Member Directors at Large for a term of three years
n One (1) Allied Member Director at Large for a term of two years
The President & CEO will be elected by GBTA Direct Members.
The President & CEO serves a term of two years to begin at the close of the GBTA Convention
2015 through the close of GBTA Convention 2017.
The Vice President will be elected by GBTA Direct Members.
The Vice President serves a term of two years to begin at the close of the GBTA Convention
2015 through the close of GBTA Convention 2017.
The Direct Member Director at Large will be elected by GBTA Direct Members.
The Direct Member Director at Large serves a term of three years to begin at the close of GBTA
Convention 2015 through the close of GBTA Convention 2018. No Direct Member Director at
Large may serve on the Board more than two consecutive terms.
The Allied Member Director at Large will be elected by GBTA Allied Members.
The Allied Member Director at Large serves a term of two years to begin at the close of the
GBTA Convention 2015 through the close of GBTA Convention 2017. No Allied Member Director
at Large may serve on the Board more than two consecutive terms.
3
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015 ELECTION PROCESS
According to the Bylaws, each GBTA Member will be permitted to cast one vote for respective
vacant seats on the Board by ballot at the GBTA Convention or by absentee ballot.
You will receive information on how to request an absentee ballot on May 27 and you have until
June 26 to request an absentee ballot.
The ballot will contain necessary information for both the Election of Directors as well as the
Bylaw Amendment Proposals.
Absentee ballots will be submitted electronically and must be received by July 20, 2015, which
is five days prior to the start of Convention. Instructions for submission and completion will be
included on the ballot.
VOTING ELIGIBILITY
Individuals must be Members of GBTA to be eligible to vote.
Name badges at Convention will convey your eligibility by indicating the word MEMBER.
In the United States, if you are a community member in an Affiliate or Chapter, but not a global
member, you will not be eligible to vote.
If you have questions about your membership status or voter eligibility, please contact GBTA’s
Member Care Team at [email protected], before July 24, 2015.
VOTING PROCEDURES
Please join us for the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, July 28, to hear Board candidates speak and
cast your ballot for the GBTA Board of Directors.
At this important election session, GBTA Direct Members will elect one (1) President & CEO for
a term of two years, one (1) Vice President for a term of two years, and three (3) Direct Member
Directors at Large for terms of three years.
GBTA Allied members will have the opportunity to elect one (1) Allied Member Director at Large
for a term of two years.
Elections with voting by paper ballots will be held at the Annual Meeting from 7:30 am to
8:45 am Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at the GBTA Convention at the Orange County
Convention Center. Voting by electronic means will be held from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time
on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at the GBTA Convention at the Orange County Convention Center.
Election results will be announced at the Convention Arena Luncheon on Wednesday, July 29,
in West Hall D.
4
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
PRESIDENT & CEO (1)
The President is GBTA’s Chief Executive Officer. This person exercises general supervisory control
over the affairs of the Association. The President serves a single, two-year term that begins at the
close of GBTA Convention 2015 and runs through the close of GBTA Convention 2017. All GBTA
Direct Members may vote for these candidates. The nominees for President & CEO are:
Christle Johnson, CCTE, GLP, GTP
Vice President, Travel & Business Services
Johnson Downie LLC
5
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR President & CEO
Christle Johnson, CCTE, GLP, GTP
Vice President, Travel & Business Services
Johnson Downie LLC
GBTA HISTORY
Local GBTA Chapter History, if appropriate,
Number of years you have been a Direct or
listing offices held, committees chaired or
Allied member?
served on and term(s).
i.23 years in the industry (17 years Allied,
i.Active Member of the Texas Business Travel
Association (1995–2015):
6 years Direct)
ii.14 years GBTA member (8 years Allied,
6 years Direct)
List offices held, committees, councils chaired
a.Past President (2012–2013), (2013–2015)
b. President (2008–2010), (2010–2012)
c.Vice President–Allied (2006–2008)*
*Appointed VP–Allied mid-term from
or served on and term(s).
Treasurer due to vacancy from VP leaving
i.GBTA Board of Directors (2010–2013),
(2013–2015)
a. Vice President (2013–2015)
i.Finance & Budget Committee
ii.Executive Compensation Review
(2013–2015)
Committee (2014–2015)
b. Direct Member at Large (2010–2013)
i. GBTA Committee Liaison (2012–2013)
ii.GBTA Chapter President’s Council
(2002–2004), (2008–2010), (2010–2012)
a.CPC GBTA Convention Committee Chair
the industry
d.Treasurer (2006–2008)*
e.Vice President–Allied (2002–2004)
f.Debbie Reynolds Scholarship Committee
g. Holiday Committee Chair (2000–2002)
h. Golf Tournament Committee (1998–2000)
*Appointed VP–Allied mid-term
(2005)
ii.Member of the Austin Business Travel
Association (1995–2010):
a.Chairman (2004–2006), (2006–2008)*
*Successor was unable to finish Presidency
(2010)
b. CPC Membership Dues Committee (2010)
c. CPC GBTA Convention Committee (2009)
d.CPC Scholarship Committee (2008)
e.CPC Business Travel Professional Services
Award Committee (2009)
f.CPC Technology Committee (2002–2004)
term; new President was elected for
2006–2008 term
b. President (2002–2004)
c. Education Day Chairman (2004)
d. Secretary (2000–2002)
e.Board of Directors–Allied Representative
(1998–2000)
iii.GBTA Government Relations/Political Action
Donor (2007–2015)
Include Professional Award(s) or Recognition in
the Travel Industry.
i.GBTA Business Travel Professional Service
Award (2009)
6
n Improving
ii.GBTA Foundation Scholarship Recipient (2007)
iii.Texas BTA Allied Member of the Year Nominee
the feedback loop from members
to determine what topics and challenges the
(2003)
Association should develop programs around.
n Exploring
iv. Austin BTA Allied Member of the Year (2003)
educational partnerships with other
v. National Car Rental:
groups in the industry because we cannot be the
best at everything we do.
a.Director Strategic Accounts Manager of the
Year (2005)
I plan to renew NETWORKING by:
b.Salesperson of the Year (1998, 1999, 2000,
n Ensuring
2001)
commitments of the Chapter Task Force
are honored and our treasured relationships with
c.Regional Outstanding Achievement Award
the Chapter network are repaired.
(1998)
n Creating
d. Street Shark (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
more travel buyer sharing sessions and
think tanks where networking functions can
Educational and/or Professional Accomplishments
evolve into best practice sharing and meaningful
(Include your CCTE certification, listing core
takeaways.
week(s) and electives completed so far; GLP,
n Challenging
CTE, etc.)
our legacy events and programs to
grow and adapt to the modern challenges and
i.GBTA, Global Travel Professional (GTP)
needs of members.
n Fostering
Certification (2012)
ii.GBTA/Wharton, Global Leadership Program
the growth of initiatives such as the
GBTA Ladders program and continuing to support
(GLP) Designation (2010)
important industry initiatives such as WINiT.
iii.GBTA/Wharton, Global Leadership Program
With 23 years of experience in the business travel
(GLP) Certification (2009)
industry, I have been actively involved for 20 years
iv.GBTA, Certified Corporate Travel Executive
on a Chapter level and 14 years at the NBTA/GBTA
(CCTE) (2008)
level.
I am passionate about leveraging my experience as
PLATFORM STATEMENT
Vice President, a Direct at Large board member, and
For the past five years, I have had the privilege
President of two Chapters to take this Association to
of serving on the GBTA Board of Directors in two
the next level.
capacities. First, as a Direct Member at Large, I
Knowing the commitment necessary to serve and
strived to fulfill my commitment to LEAD, PROVIDE
lead through key issues, I commit to continue to hear
and DELIVER. Second, as Vice President, my
your voice, build on our recent successes, and never
commitment to you is to work collaboratively
on a local, national, and global level to ENGAGE,
settle for anything but the best for our members.
EDUCATE and ELEVATE.
I encourage you to engage and vote in this electoral
Now, as President I will focus on going “back to
process and humbly ask for your support over the
basics,” and strategically renewing the core offering
next two years.
of our Association–EDUCATION and NETWORKING.
It will be a distinct honor and privilege to serve as
I plan to renew EDUCATION by:
your President.
n Modernizing
our education programs through
Contact Information
Johnson Downie LLC
811 Main Street, Suite 4225
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: +1 832 512 9939
Fax: +1 713 936 0991
Email: [email protected]
ingenuity and enhanced content to equip
members with practical ideas to deliver results
that matter.
n Developing
advanced educational opportunities
for members that have completed all programs
the Association has to offer.
7
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
Vice President (1)
The Vice President presides at meetings of the Board of Directors and related committees
if and when the President is not available. The Vice President is also a member of GBTA’s
Finance and Budget Committee. Like the President, the Vice President serves a single,
two-year term that begins at the close of GBTA Convention 2015 and runs through the
close of GBTA Convention 2017. All GBTA Direct Members may vote for these candidates.
The nominees for Vice President are:
Jeremy Gardner, GTP
Vice President of Business Services
Accent Indy, A DMC Network Company
Mark Ziegler, CCTE, GLP, GTP
Senior Travel Manager
Americas, NetApp
8
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT
Jeremy Gardner, GTP
Vice President of Business Services
Accent Indy, A DMC Network Company
GBTA AND CHAPTER HISTORY
PLATFORM STATEMENT
n 15
I have had the privilege and honor, over the last
years in the industry (12 years Allied, 3 years
several years, of working closely with some of
Direct)
n 5
years GBTA member (2 years Allied, 3 years
within our industry. To now be nominated for the
Direct)
n GBTA
the most dedicated and motivated volunteers
Chapter Task Force (2012–Current)
GBTA Board by my peers is certainly an honor,
— Task Force Co–Chair (2013–Current)
and a nomination I take very seriously. I believe
— Task Force Member (2012–2013)
my experiences as a business travel professional,
n GBTA
Government Relations Committee
Member (2012–2013)
n GBTA
Chapter President’s Council (CPC)
(2010—2011, 2012–2013)
— CPC Technology Committee Chair
(2011–2012)
chapter and GBTA member, chapter board
member, and GBTA committee and task force
participant have prepared me well for the role of
Vice President.
I am a product of the GBTA chapter network,
having served my local Ohio Valley Chapter as
— CPC Technology Committee (2010)
a committee chair, Executive Vice President,
— CPC Membership Dues Committee (2010)
President for two terms, and now as Chairman
n NBTA
of the Board. As my involvement with my local
Political Action Committee (PAC) Donor
(2010–2015)
n Active
Member of the GBTA Ohio Valley
Chapter (OVBTA) (2002–Present)
chapter grew, so did my connection to GBTA.
I served GBTA on the Government Relations
Committee and most recently with the Chapter
— Chairman of the Board (2014–Present)
Task Force, where I helped lay the foundation
— President (2010–2011, 2012–2013)
for a closer connection between the US chapter
— Executive Vice President (2008–2009)
network, GBTA, and their collective members.
— Sponsor Committee Chair (2007)
That foundation will serve to aid our members,
association, and industry as we continue to evolve
Awards and Accomplishments
n GBTA CPC Business Travel Professional Service
Award (2014)
n GBTA
President’s Special Recognition Award
(2014)
n GBTA
CPC Excellence in Leadership Award
(2013)
n GBTA
Ohio Valley Chapter Member of the Year
(2007, 2013)
n GBTA
GTP Certification (2013)
and grow across the globe.
I accepted the nomination for Vice President for
a few reasons, but one reason for me personally
is to finish the work I started with the Chapter
Task force. We (and I’m referring to chapter
leaders, GBTA board, GBTA staff, and the task
force) have been through a lot together and we
made a lot of progress along the way. The result
of that effort is an incredible framework for the
9
future of our association. For me, the most exciting
n Work
part is about to take shape; the part where our
President, and do so with a clear and open
collective members begin to experience the benefits
of all of our hard work. Stay tuned, there are great
understanding of the views of all key stakeholders.
n Listen
things ahead for GBTA and chapter members, and
closely to the needs of our members, and to
meet the challenge of those needs with every vote
ultimately for our association and industry and I
want to make sure it happens.
tirelessly to support the initiatives of our
I cast and every decision I make.
n Act
with the utmost degree of honesty, integrity,
openness, and consideration for all sides.
If you’ve read this far, you may have noticed a
common theme. Members. Association. Industry.
I know GBTA has a strong and bright future and I
Always in that order. GBTA exists because of its
look forward to serving you and every other member
members, who should always be the primary focus
of GBTA. Thank you for your consideration in this
of everything we do. That is the basis by which my
election.
decisions and thoughts are guided as they relate to
GBTA. As a candidate for Vice President, I believe it
is appropriate for our President to set the goals and
agenda for our association. My role as Vice President
will be to ensure that the views and needs of our
I welcome the opportunity to share more about
me and my views if you are interested, please
email me at [email protected] or call me
at (317) 632-8687.
members, association and industry are appropriately
considered. Therefore, should I be so fortunate as
to receive your vote for Vice President, I commit to
every member of our association to:
n Serve
with an unwavering focus on our members,
our association, and our industry, respectively.
Contact Information
Accent Indy, a DMC Network Company
545 S. East Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: +1 317 632 8687
Email: [email protected]
10
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT
Mark Ziegler, CCTE, GLP, GTP
Senior Travel Manager
Americas, NetApp
GBTA HISTORY
relationships and education needed to bring our
33 years in the travel industry
travel careers to fruition.
GBTA member since 2000
CCTE, NBTA/Cornell University 2003
Aviation Committee, 2003–05
Bay Area BTA VP Programs, 2005–06
Bay Area BTA President, 2007–08
Hotel Committee, 2005–07
GLP Certification, Wharton School 2007
CPC Technology Committee Chair, 2008
Technology Committee, 2008–09
Bay Area BTA VP Newsletter, 2009–10
NBTA At Large Board of Directors 2009–12
GLP Designation, Wharton School 2010
Bay Area BTA VP Technology, 2010–12
Bay Area BTA VP Programs, 2013–present
Global Travel Professional (GTP), 2012
Silicon Valley BTA Program Director 2015–present
Over the years we have all heard the
word ‘change’ constantly. Whether we are
remembering when airlines paid commissions
to travel agencies, or that the Internet forever
altered the way reservations are processed,
the evolution of travel continues. During my
years as a member of the National Business
Travel Association (NBTA), and now, the global
organization that we know as GBTA, an earth
shaking shift has taken place. GBTA has expanded
its reach and truly earned the designation ‘global’.
The last six years have seen huge strides for the
association and the designation ‘national’ now
seems provincial in comparison to the worldwide
association that GBTA has become.
While all of the expansion of GBTA has been
impressive, that growth has not come without
PLATFORM STATEMENT
a price. As with all large organizations that
Travel has been in my blood ever since I first
have grown and changed rapidly, there have
flew on a Hughes Airwest flight in 1969. There
been growing pains. As the association has
was, and is, no doubt in my mind that I wanted
grown there have been serious challenges to
to travel the world. That dream of a small town
the governance, and structure of leadership.
teenager has most certainly come true, and I
Pressures for reform have been applied and
never tire of seeing new places or going back to
it is time to reconcile them and to lead with
my favorite cities whether London, Singapore,
transparency, and with a spirit of cooperation
or Buenos Aires. Over the years there have been
and sharing.
massive changes in the industry. Despite the
many changes some things have not changed.
Travel is still a service industry and relationships
matter. The Global Business Travel Association
(GBTA) has provided me, and all of us, with the
Now it is time to focus on the connections and
relationships between people having the same
profession or common interest. GBTA can meet
these aspirations and must perform the very
important role of providing a forum for our
11
association. I emphasize our association because
needs to be prioritized so that all members
we, as members, have a responsibility to support
have a voice. Additionally, to further expand
and sustain GBTA as the place that members have
the necessary oversight, I propose that GBTA
chosen to meet to share our common goals and
be required to publish an annual report that is
objectives. Whether you are an Allied member, or a
both detailed and thorough. Such a report would
Direct member, there should be no uncertainty about
provide all members insight and transparency so
the significance of your value as a contributing
they can be more confident and secure in their
supporter of our association. Every member of GBTA
understanding of how GBTA functions and is
has something to contribute.
managed.
n Global
With that said my platform includes three premises:
the value of each member, transparency in the
States organization to ‘shore up’ its international
association, and the continued expansion of GBTA’s
organization. While we have strong partners in
global networking reach.
n Member
Networking: GBTA’s global status is
challenged by its heavy reliance on the United
Germany’s VDR and the UK’s ITM organizations
Value: For many years now there has
we do not have enough contributions from the
been an established predilection for Direct
international community in governing GBTA.
members over Allied members. In our association
An overarching board of directors should be
there is not one without the other. Direct members
established to improve GBTA’s global aspirations.
are the buyers, but GBTA cannot function
Regional conferences are commendable but in
without the Allied member’s support. There is
today’s economic environment it is difficult for
equal need for the talents and abilities of all
many members to travel to those conferences and
members. Therefore, I propose that a task force
learn from their colleagues in the far corners of the
be established to evaluate the voting rights of
world. A new seat of governance would facilitate
all members and propose a new structure to the
more cooperation and improve the ties that bind
board of directors. It is my belief that the bylaws
GBTA together.
need to be revised to allow a more equitable
For years GBTA has had lofty goals. I share those
membership platform from which to function. The
goals and want to assist our association in earning
board should be comprised of equal Allied and
the motto ‘voice of the travel industry’. Whether we
Direct members elected by all of the members. In
are engaged in education, government relations,
addition, every member of the board of directors
networking, or advocacy; our association must
should be elected to their position with the
aspire to do the best it can for its members and the
one exception of the paid position of executive
industry that we all love. I ask for your vote for vice
director.
n Transparency:
president so that I can strive for a brighter future for
In view of the fact that GBTA is a
the Global Business Travel Association.
very high profile association in the travel industry
it is imperative that the manner in which it is
governed be above reproach. Annual meetings
Contact Information
NetApp, Inc.
495 East Java Drive
Building 10.1
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Phone: +1 408 822 1302
Email: [email protected]
at the convention should not be orchestrated
such that there is no time for open discussion of
business. The “business meeting” is the only open
forum for members to express face to face their
expectations and needs to the leadership of GBTA
including the board of directors. This meeting
12
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
At Large Directors (3)
At Large Directors exercise the General Powers of the Association, as those powers are set
forth in the Association’s Bylaws. At Large Directors serve a term of three (3) years to begin at
the close of GBTA Convention 2015 through the close of GBTA Convention 2018. No At Large
Director may serve on the Board for more than two (2) consecutive terms, but may serve again
after at least a one (1) year hiatus from the Board. All GBTA Direct Members may vote for these
candidates. The nominees for At Large Directors are:
Bhart Sarin, CPSM, GTP, C.P.M.
Global Procurement
Ingredion Incorporated
Cindy Shumate, GTP
Travel Program Manager
Princeton University
Karin Thompson, CCTE, GLP
Senior Global Travel Manager
ViaSat, Inc.
13
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR AT LARGE DIRECTOR
Bhart Sarin, CPSM, GTP, C.P.M.
Global Procurement
Ingredion Incorporated
GBTA AND CHAPTER HISTORY
and concerns have forced all of us to examine
n GBTA
the state of play and develop solutions that are
Board of Directors (2012–Present)
n Advanced
Fundamentals Education
Development Team (2015–Present)
n Sponsor,
n GTP
GBTA Ladders Task Force (2013–2014)
Exam Trainer (2013–2014)
n NBTA
PAC Board (2010–2011)
n GBTA
Government Relations Committee
(2009–2012)
n Vice
President, Pittsburgh BTA (2010–2011)
n Legislative
Chair, Pittsburgh BTA (2009–2010)
GBTA Recognitions/Certifications
n Business
Travel Professional Service Award,
GBTA Chapter President’s Council (2012)
n GTP,
Global Travel Professional (2012)
n CCTE,
Certified Corporate Travel Executive
sustainable for many years to come.
The GBTA Board of Directors answered the call of
this challenge, delivering results including:
n Unprecedented
n Transforming
Corporate Travel Expert (2009)
an inherited multi-million dollar
budget deficit toward a balanced budget
n Contracting
the global expansion and
increasing focus on our legacy core countries
n Establishing
a Compensation Committee to
align the organization to best practices
n Fostering
the GBTA Ladders program to
identify and develop future leaders
n Creating
a Task Force to repair the relationships
with our Chapter partners
(2009)
n CTE,
transparency and compliance
reporting
While it is important to acknowledge these
accomplishments, it is even more important that
Other Recognitions/Certifications
we continue on this trajectory of results oriented
n “Changemaker,”
actions in the following areas:
n “Pro
MeetingsNet Magazine (2013)
to Know,” Supply and Demand Chain
Executive Magazine (2010)
n CPSM,
Certified Professional in Supply
Management, ISM (2009)
n C.P.M.,
Certified Purchasing Manager, ISM
(2008)
Budget
Bringing the budget into balance after years of
investment spending is a great accomplishment
and there is more work to do. It is absolutely
critical that we begin to run a surplus to restore
the Association’s reserves so that we are
financially strong and sustainable.
PLATFORM STATEMENT
Forward
Education
The past three years for our Association have
Our industry has changed and so must our
been tumultuous. Multiple questions, disruptions,
education. GBTA’s education offerings, from
14
Fundamentals to Convention Sessions to GTP
FORWARD is not just a campaign theme, it is a way
Certification, need an overhaul. Education is the
of thinking that allows us to move on from the past
primary reason most companies allow travel buyers
and do what is right for the Association now and for
to participate in Associations and it should be the
those who will inherit it.
primary takeaway/value proposition. Everything
Yes, there have been mistakes, and there always will
must be re-examined including looking outside the
be, the key is that we work toward a future where
organization for partnerships with groups who can
the majority of issues are addressed in the interests
deliver content better than us.
of the majority of our membership.
We are on the path to that future, let’s not turn back.
Advocacy
One of the most exciting functions in GBTA has
Contact Information
Ingredion Incorporated
5 Westbrook Corp Ctr
Westchester, IL 60154
Phone: +1 708 551 2827
Email: [email protected]
always been Government Relations. It is where I
started my volunteer experience at the national level
and it the most interconnected GBTA program at
the Chapter level. There should be a renewed focus
at the Board level increasing activity, resources, and
participation for our committee and PAC efforts.
15
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR AT LARGE DIRECTOR
Cindy Shumate, GTP
Travel Program Manager
Princeton University
GBTA HISTORY
boards for Business Travel News, Starwood
Cindy Shumate is the Travel Program Manager
Hotels, Gelco, and now The Company Dime.
at Princeton University. She is the first to fill this
ACTE awarded Cindy the Corporate Social
position at Princeton and has spent the past two
Responsibility Award in 2008, and she was
years building their first-ever managed travel
named a ChangeMaker by Meetings Net in 2012.
program, complete with a preferred agency,
She looks forward to joining the GBTA Board of
online booking and expense tool, and a full
Directors at the 2015 convention.
complement of travel suppliers and services,
many of whom have been contracted for the
first time. Safety, service and savings are the key
words that drive her programs.
In addition to her travel life, Cindy is a published
landscape designer, with one of her largest
projects featured in a coffee table book published
May 2015 called “Gardens at First Light” by
Prior to Princeton, Cindy developed and managed
Stacy Bass. And because of her love of dance
the global travel and meetings program for
and theater, she serves on the Ballet School of
The Estée Lauder Companies in New York for
Stamford (CT) Board of Directors.
9 years. This was followed by serving in an acting
position as the travel manager at the United
Nations Development Programs. In her first travel
manager position, Cindy developed and managed
the global travel program at Gartner, Inc. Cindy
has also worked as a national corporate events
planner and a catering sales manager for a
corporate hotel.
Cindy is currently a member of the GBTA Industry
Advisory Council, as well as current co-chair of
the Mentoring and Coach Committee for WINiT,
of which she was also a founding member. She
was the recent past vice-chair of the GBTA
PLATFORM STATEMENT
n Leadership—You
n Industry
can make a difference!
issues—You can have a voice!
n Education—You
can find the information and
support you need!
n Networking—It’s
all about you!
Contact Information
Princeton University
701 Carnegie Center
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: +1 609 258 3709
Email: [email protected]
Foundation Board of Trustees and served two
terms on the NYCBTA Board of Directors. She
holds the GBTA certification of Global Travel
Professional (GTP). Cindy has served on advisory
16
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR AT LARGE DIRECTOR
Karin Thompson, CCTE, GLP
Senior Global Travel Manager
ViaSat, Inc.
GBTA HISTORY
cap on PFC taxes, WHICH THEY DID! We CAN
n Certified
and DO make a difference. GBTA has the power
Corporate Travel Executive,
Cornell—1997
n Global
Leadership Program Certification,
Wharton—2009
n Global
Leadership Program Designation,
Wharton—2010
n Legislative
n Peer
Committee Member—2014–2015
Review Committee—2015
n GBTA
Member Since 1994
and politicians LISTEN to our collective voice.
This is thrilling and with respect, I ask for your
involvement.
“Actions speak louder than words.” With this
statement my platform is ACTION—I would
truly appreciate the opportunity to assist
communication between the local chapters
and the Board as to what YOU believe to be
the issues not only before us currently but also
Professional Activities
n San
Diego Business Travel Association Member
Since—1994
n San
Diego Business Travel Association, Director
of Education—2015 (partial)
n Conference
Speaker at TPLA (Transport,
Para-Transport, Limousine Association) 2015
n Consultant
to the California Coalition for
Business Travel (CCBT)—2015
strategic issues that you believe to be on the
horizon. It would be my honor to facilitate this
communication as a Board Director at Large
via phone contact, BTA speaking engagements
and travel to locations. I will speak to local BTA’s
for this cause and I will communicate your local
voices to the Board. Lastly, I want to encourage
your ACTION. We have the power to make the
change you’d like to see through GBTA. I humbly
ask that you allow me the opportunity to hear
your ideas and take them back to Washington D.C.
PLATFORM STATEMENT
I am honored to have been nominated for this
position and would like to thank you the GBTA
direct membership for considering me for a
A bit about me:
I’ve been privileged to be involved in travel all my
professional life. I started as a flight attendant for
Director at Large position on the GBTA Board.
TWA in 1975. I then worked as a Travel Agent/
I am a long standing member of GBTA and
for 11 years eventually managing multipl]e travel
currently have the distinct pleasure of serving on
agencies for them.
the GBTA Legislative Committee where I have
lobbied Capitol Hill with other members on behalf
of GBTA issues twice with success. One recent
success—the House introduced the TSA Managed
Inclusion Bill. Last year we lobbied to keep a
Manager for Ask Mr. Foster/Carlson Wagonlit
I moved to Corporate Travel Management in 1994,
where I accepted the Director of Global Travel
position with LabCorp, Inc. I was tasked to design
and build one of the very first RAP (rent a plate)
17
model agencies, a large corporate on-site. I remained
for a Cause” cupcake sale has raised $50,000 and
at LabCorp until they were sold to Roche Biomedical
purchased hospital grade rocking chairs for each
in 1996, when I made the change to ViaSat, Inc. I’ve
pediatric suite, new PlayStation 3 units, sponsoring
been honored to hold the position of Senior Global
the yearly pediatric picnic for children currently
Corporate Travel Manager for 18 years at this forward
fighting cancer, as well as surviving children and
thinking company.
parents. My fundraising efforts are dedicated to the
memory of my late husband Steven W. Thompson.
I have a broad background in a leadership role inside
large corporate travel departments. My background
With this, I humbly ask for your vote on Election Day.
includes data analysis, business systems analysis,
Thank you for your consideration.
travel procurement, large incentive meetings as well
Karin Thompson
as currently manage a 25M travel program with the
ViaSat, Inc.
focus on cost savings.
Contact Information
ViaSat, Inc.
6155 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA. 92009
Phone: +1 760 476 2594
Email: [email protected]
I earned my CCTE in 1997 at Cornell University and
my GLP certificate from Wharton Business School in
2009, my designation in 2010.
I am passionately dedicated to fundraising for the
Pediatric Unit at the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte,
California. Since 2009, my company event “Cupcakes
18
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
Allied Member Directors (1)
Allied Member Directors also exercise the General Powers of the Association, as those powers are
set forth in the Association’s Bylaws. Allied Member Directors serve a term of two years to begin
at the close of GBTA Convention 2015 through the close of GBTA Convention 2017. No Allied
Member Director may serve on the Board for more than two (2) consecutive terms, but may
serve again after at least a one (1) year hiatus from the Board. All GBTA Allied Members
may vote for these candidates. The nominees for Allied Member director at large are:
Billy Bos
Associate Director of Group Worldwide Sales
Best Western International
Kelly Christner, GTP
Director/Senior Project Manager
Corporate Travel Buyer Resources
Dick Nabors, CTE
Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing
Travel-On
19
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR ALLIED MEMBER DIRECTOR
Billy Bos
Associate Director of Group Worldwide Sales
Best Western International
GBTA HISTORY
3. It is time to be positive in every approach we
William Bos joined Best Western International,
take as an association. We need to provide
Inc. in 2008 as a Worldwide Sales Manager,
more value to our membership and to help
initially to assist with growing the hotel chain’s
both Allied and direct members explain their
corporate market share in Texas, Louisiana,
value to their companies. As an organization,
Arkansas and Oklahoma. For the past year he
GBTA needs to reinforce existing partnerships
has also been spearheading Best Western’s
and develop new ones in all areas of both the
efforts to expand into the sports travel-related
travel industry and the business community in
segment. A 20-year veteran in the hospitality
general.
industry, William Bos has also worked for the
InterContinental Hotels Group, Kempinski Hotels
4. We need to listen better. Everybody is
important. Everybody has ideas, questions,
and Fairmont Hotels where he held posts of
and possible solutions to the challenges we
increased scope and responsibility. He is currently
face. We need to pay closer attention to
based in Dallas, Texas.
everyone’s concerns.
5. GBTA has done an excellent job over the last
PLATFORM STATEMENT
two years of being transparent in everything
1. Continue to enhance the education offerings
they do as an association. We need to maintain
from GBTA so that people at all levels of
experience...new hire, limited professional
experience in the travel industry, to the
the highest level of professionalism.
6. It is time to move forward. It is time to get
past distractions and to look for workable and
experts...will benefit. We must add value to
effective solutions to the challenges facing this
individuals on both the Allied side and the
organization and the travel industry.
direct side. Their value needs to be perceived
by the organizations they work for as well.
2. The travel industry is global. GBTA is global.
We need to develop more state of the art
educational programs that include committee
involvement and lobbying efforts on items that
Contact Information
Best Western International
20400 North 29th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Phone: +1 214 830 3097
Email: [email protected]
directly affect the travel industry in various
global markets, etc.
20
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR ALLIED MEMBER DIRECTOR
Kelly Christner, GTP
Director/Senior Project Manager
Corporate Travel Buyer Resources
GBTA HISTORY
GBTA has grown by leaps and bounds in the
n GBTA
past ten years and has now become a global
Member 2012–present
n Gateway
Business Travel Foundation—
Founding Board Member 2014
n STLBTA
n GTP
President 2012–present
Certification 2013
n BTPSA
winner 2013
network for advocacy and education for our
industry. Working together, our rich history has
encompassed many milestones. While growth
is a good thing, it must be accompanied by
the strategic vision, careful oversight and due
n CPC
Technology Committee
diligence that any good business would use in
n CPC
Roles and Responsibilities Chair
its endeavors. Transparency, accountability and
n CPC
BTPSA Committee
collaboration are all necessary to effectively
n STLBTA
VP 2009–2012
n NEBTA
Secretary 2008
n NEBTA
Website and Communications Chair
2006–2007
n Community
volunteer—BARC St. Louis
navigate the threats and opportunities before us.
Those of you who know me well will agree
that I'm tenacious and will always fight the
right fight for the benefits of our national and
global chapters, the members, and this great
association.
PLATFORM STATEMENT
As your Allied Member at Large I will work to
As a long time supporter of and participant
strengthen the GBTA chapter systems and
in the GBTA chapter system, I have seen and
members, in the US and around the globe. I will
experienced the tremendous opportunities that
advocate on your behalf and will seek to make
come from being an active member of GBTA. The
GBTA a more transparent, collaborative, and
chapters are the roots of the GBTA vision, that of
educationally focused association that benefits
education, networking and growth.
us all.
The ability to form valuable business partnerships
I welcome your comments and ideas; please follow
and lasting friendships through a dynamic,
me on Twitter or reach out to me on LinkedIn.
interactive, educational and mutually respectful
environment has enriched both my life and my
career. From my beginnings in the travel industry
in 1990 and my experiences in the operational
and sales areas of a global airline, to my current
interactions with my consulting clients as a
Contact Information
Corporate Travel Buyer Resources
8534 Colonial Lane
St. Louis, MO 63124
Phone: +1 314 477 5848
Email: [email protected]
trusted advisor and advocate, I have been a
person who believes in and has reaped the
benefits and value of a collaborative association.
21
GBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2015
CANDIDATE FOR ALLIED MEMBER DIRECTOR
Dick Nabors, CTE
Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing
Travel-On
GBTA HISTORY
Affiliations
Dick Nabors has over thirty years of travel
GBTA (Global Business Travel Association)
industry experience with responsibility in
GBTA CPC Chapter President’s Counsel
domestic and international sales, marketing,
BWBTA (Baltimore Washington Business Travel
Association) President
operations and financial management. Mr.
Nabors extensive experience in sales, technology,
LFVA (Law Firm Vendors Association)
product knowledge, implementation, vendor
NVBTA (Northern Virginia Business Travel
Association) Vice President
negotiations, call center management, and
public relations, brings a tremendous amount
ACTE (Association Corporate Travel Executives)
of experience to GBTA. Currently President of
TOWARD (Tour Operators & Wholesalers
BWBTA, Mr. Nabors is responsible for exercising
Achieving Real-time Distribution) Founding
general supervision over the affairs of the
Member
Chapter consistent with policies established by
NDTA (National Defense Transportation
Association)
the Board of Directors. Nabors was instrumental
in bringing back BWBTA membership from
0 members to 70 members today and it
Employment History
continues to grow.
SATO Travel, Program Manager, Carlson Wagonlit
Travel, Vice President & General Manager, Unisys,
Specialties
Director Business Development, Datalex, Director
Extensive experience in e-Commerce solutions
of Sales Americas, Discovery Travel Systems,
for the Corporate, Leisure, Travel and Tourism
Director of Sales, American Express Business
industries.
Travel, Manager of Business Development, Travel
Experienced, successful with a track record of
strong leadership, creating value, closing sales
and developing long term relationships.
On, Director Business Development, International
Limousine Service, Director e-Commerce &
Reservation Distribution, Vice President Global
Sales & Marketing, TravelLeaders-Travel-On
Professional Overview:
Demonstrated management and sales experience
PLATFORM STATEMENT
in the corporate, airline, military, government,
As our industry continues to constantly
leisure and tour industries. Career characterized
change and grow, as mergers, acquisitions, and
by high energy, innovation, team development,
globalizations continue to evolve our professional
skilled communications and strong client
landscape and our lives, GBTA must continue to
relationships.
be the leading voice of education in the travel
22
industry. GBTA is as the authoritative voice of the
done by GBTA on behalf of Buyer and Allied
travel industry; a provider of world-class educational
members worldwide.
opportunities; scholarships, industry research; and
an organization that is respected for its advocacy
efforts not only in Washington, DC, but in our local
communities, and capitals around the world.
The leadership team at GBTA must continue to
deliver relevant information to our membership and
be a facilitator of discussion amongst all members.
All members are equal in terms of opportunities,
representation, and education.
GBTA understands the value of the Allied members
and shows their support by adding Allied members
to their board. The diverse groups bring vision
and focus from both sides of membership. We
must create an environment of transparency by
The Chapters are critical to the future growth
of GBTA, both domestically and internationally.
Chapters are key to GBTA future growth! Don’t wait
to get involved with your local GBTA chapter, attend
an event and get connected!
My name is Dick Nabors and I am running for the
Allied Member at Large!
Contact Information
Travel Leaders - Travel-On
9000 Virginia Manor Road
Suite 201
Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: +1 703 626 6040
Email: [email protected]
advocating greater visibility into the work being
23