2024 Summit Speakers and Bios

As Senior Vice President of Tourism Market Development for New York City Tourism + Conventions, Makiko Matsuda Healy has the overall responsibility for strengthening New York City’s position as a premier travel destination in new, emerging, developing, and specialty markets, with a primary focus on product distribution channels and strategic trade partnerships. She held a key role in the company’s global network expansion and strategized growth in markets such as Brazil, China, India, and Muslim Travel. She is particularly passionate about the development of inclusive travel for people with disabilities.

Ms. Healy actively participates in national-level tourism development efforts, working closely with Brand USA, US Travel Association, and the network of US Commercial Services throughout the world, as well as trade associations such as International Inbound Travel Association (IITA), and the Japanese Travel Industry Association (JTIA) where she serves as a board member. She also serves as an advisory board member of Travel Ability which promotes accessible travel for people with disabilities. She has been an active participant of the annual Sino-U.S. Tourism Leaders Summits, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, and Brand USA. Ms. Healy received the Moves Power Women award in 2022, and the Travel Industry Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year award by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) in 2009.

Julie Heizer currently serves at IITA’s Ambassador having recently retired from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) in September 2023 as Deputy Director of the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). In that role, she was responsible for industry outreach, partnerships and strategic alliances. Julie served as the department’s liaison to Brand USA and managed all federal components of the Travel Promotion Act, including oversight of Brand USA’s $100 million matching funds submissions and their government compliance with the Travel Promotion Act.

From 1997 until 2003, she was Director, and then Vice President, of Tourism for Destination DC. In this capacity, she was responsible for domestic and international tourism development and sales programs, and the organization’s consumer inquiry and fulfillment programs.

Prior to her work for Destination DC, Julie served as Assistant Director of Development for the Maryland Office of Tourism Development; Manager of Private Sector Marketing for the United States Travel and Tourism Administration, a former agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce and predecessor to NTTO; Executive Director of the Virginia Peninsula Tourism and Conference Bureau; and she was the first Executive Director of the Montgomery County, Maryland Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her career in the travel industry began 40+ years ago at the U.S. Travel Association, where she worked in the marketing, membership and national councils’ departments.

Nick Hentschel is the Chief Operating Officer at AmericanTours International, LLC (ATI), where he is responsible for developing and implementing overall corporate strategy, with a focus on distribution and investment in technology. Nick served on the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board during the Obama Administration, advising the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on important issues facing the travel industry.  

Founded in 1977, ATI has been a leader in the North American inbound travel industry for over forty years. Our philosophy has always been “innovation, not duplication.” Operating tour and travel products and services across all of North America, ATI develops specialized solutions to deliver product from more than 30,000 accommodation, attraction, and transportation supplier partners to customers worldwide.  

Florian Herrmann is the CEO and founder of Herrmann Global, a strategic tourism marketing firm headquartered in the Rocky Mountains with offices in the US and Europe. His vision for the travel industry is simple: Utilizing innovative technology to connect destinations and attractions with a passionate and responsible global travel audience. Together with his global team, he has built the social platforms Visit USA Parks and Untraveled to inspire millions of global travelers about destinations that are lesser known. His expertise in the travel trade industry is significant. His first job after high school was a traineeship at a travel agency in Germany organizing sightseeing trips all around the world. Since then, his focus has always been on collaboration among industry stakeholders and how trade can build a better future for sustainable tourism.

Florian holds a Master’s in Business and Sustainable Destination Management from George Washington University and is currently an active member of the World Travel Tourism Council to help making global travel a better fit for the world.

Tim Hines is a global keynote speaker and business coach who helps travel industry professionals accelerate their growth by guiding them to be more collaborative, innovative, and influential. He’s the author of the book, The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy Marketer, and he also hosts The Marketing Starter Podcast.

For nearly 20 years, Tim has been teaching individuals, teams, and audiences around the world how to use an entrepreneurial mindset to elevate their brands and themselves and has worked with companies like AmTrav, Dialpad, Tribune Media, Ticketmaster, and the CIA. Fun fact; he’s also a licensed minister and has married many couples.

Shanon is a hospitality veteran with more than 23 years of experience in the industry. She earned a B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University and started her career with Marriott International as a Housekeeping Manager. From there she went on to work for Omni Hotels and Resorts, Expedia, Amadeus Hospitality (formerly known as TravelClick) and has been with Best Western Hotels and Resorts for the last 10 years. Her specialty is revenue management where she has spent the last 18 years. She most recently manages a team of 10 revenue managers and under her direction has created an onboarding and training program that has helped with recruiting and retention of revenue managers.

Since 2005 Sandi Lackey has been a pivotal figure at BWH Hotels, assuming diverse responsibilities ranging from developing partnerships and formulating strategies to driving revenue, managing distribution connectivity partners, conducting analytical research, and engaging in marketing initiatives. Her role extends further to promoting and educating clients on brand awareness.

In 2018, Sandi’s contributions were instrumental in establishing BWH Hotels’ first two leisure and corporate (Bleisure) accounts, resulting in substantial growth. During the same year, she joined the Global Managed Distribution department under the leadership of Matt Teixeira.

In 2023, BWH Hotels recognized Sandi’s skills and expertise by promoting her to Associate Director, Worldwide Sales. In this advance role, she has taken on additional responsibilities managing the North America leisure group team and overseas various programs within the managed distribution department.

Sandi is an alumna of North Central College in Naperville, IL, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Psychology. With a wealth of experience as a seasonal professional in the travel industry, she dedicated 14 years to a Tour Operator before joining BWH Hotels. In her previous role, she played a crucial role in marketing, product development, and product building and pricing, contributing to brands such as Hyatt Vacations, Globetrotters Caribbean, and Amtrak Vacations.

With more than 30 years in the tourism industry, Tony Lyle is a seasoned professional, currently serving as the Executive Director of Visit Galveston. Formerly the Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Lake Tahoe, Tony is renowned for his transformative approach to destination marketing. His commitment extends beyond professional roles; he actively volunteers to further industry interests. Tony excels in building loyalty, retention, and revenue by infusing hospitality into every interaction. His visionary mindset creates brand storytellers and Brand Ambassadors—turning satisfied customers into enthusiastic advocates.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tony holds a Bachelor of Education with Honors in Outdoor and Science Education from Liverpool John Moores University in England. This unique educational background enriches his contributions to the tourism industry, adding depth to his approach.

Umang Malbari, born in India in 1985, is a captivating entrepreneur whose journey from a modest background to the helm of a successful company exemplifies the American dream. In 1992, Umang’s family made the courageous decision to relocate to the United States. Umang’s pursuit of knowledge and passion for business led him to Georgia State University, where he studied Business Administration. Armed with a solid foundation in business principles and a deep understanding of the global marketplace, Umang was poised for a career that would leave a lasting impact.

In 2010, Umang seized the opportunity to turn his passion for travel into reality by founding Discover Destinations LLC. As the Chief Executive Officer, he has been the driving force behind the company’s remarkable success. His business acumen, coupled with a keen understanding of the travel market, has propelled Discover Destinations LLC to new heights, establishing it as a leading player in the industry.

Discover Destinations LLC, under Umang’s astute leadership, rapidly gained recognition for its innovative approach to travel, offering unique and personalized experiences to clients. The company’s success is a testament to his strategic vision, dedication, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Helen Marano is currently the Senior Vice President of Longwoods International, a highly acclaimed market research firm dedicated to insights on US travel trends, image research and resident sentiment perspectives among other arenas. She serves as a brand ambassador and consultant for their efforts.

In her role as Executive Vice President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Helen formed the External Affairs Department, expanding the engagement of the Council and the travel and tourism industry with global academia. This enhanced her role as Senior Vice President of the Government and Industry Affairs Department which she developed for WTTC.

Helen’s active leadership in the travel and tourism industry is derived particularly from having led the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) of the United States for more than a decade and a half. During Helen’s tenure, the NTTO was the leader in industry relations between government and every sector of travel and tourism in the country. Her leadership in creating coalitions and inter-governmental collaborations led to a series of important accomplishments which included opening up Chinese group travel for the USA, and having a lead role with industry in the formation of the Brand USA Corporation for marketing the USA.

In 2020 the Women In Travel and Tourism International (witti) honored Helen with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the sector. In 2019 The International Institute of Peace Through Tourism presented Helen with the Celebrating Her Award for building global alliances that promote Tourism as a force for good.

Brian McInerney joined the State Department in 2002. Currently, he is the Director of Field Operations in the Visa Office at the Bureau of Consular Affairs at State. His other domestic posts were as Director of the Information Management and Liaison Office in the Visa Office, a Senior Watch Officer at the State Department Operations Center, and the Deputy Director of Orientation and Coordinator for all incoming Foreign Service Officers, respectively. Brian’s previous positions abroad were Consular General at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Nonimmigrant Visa Chief in Ciudad Juarez, Consular Chief in Cape Town, Consular Officer in Santo Domingo, and Consular and Political Officer in Dublin.

Brian was born in Indiana and is ethnic Chicagoan, but now calls Reston, VA, home. He attended undergrad at Xavier University and law school at DePaul College of Law. He is married to Jessica and has three sons.

Mr. Michael R. Neipert began his career with CBP in 2007 at Miami International Airport as a CBP Agriculture Specialist where he worked diligently to protect American agriculture. He worked in both passenger and trade environments and was a field training officer. In 2010, he transitioned to a CBP Officer position. In this capacity, he worked in both immigration and baggage control at one of the world’s busiest international airports. In 2012, he participated in the Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats as an outbound enforcement officer in Nogales, Arizona.

In 2014, he was promoted to Chief CBP Officer at the Calexico Port of Entry. As a Chief, he oversaw day to day operations of the busy Calexico Port of Entry while continuing to develop young leaders within the agency. Mr. Neipert also participated in a nationwide initiative as a subject matter expert on the use of automated passport control kiosks located in many major international airports.

In 2017, Mr. Neipert was promoted to Port Director for the Presidio Port of Entry. In this role, he directed operations and enforcement activities at the Presidio Port of Entry as well as provide oversight on the Boquillas International Crossing located at the Big Bend National Park. He managed the Presidio Port of Entry during an unprecedented period of immigration and border security challenges.

On August 5, 2019, Mr. Neipert was promoted to his current assignment as Area Port Director for the Area Port of Memphis, TN. Headquartered in Memphis, the Area Port of Memphis’s area of responsibility includes the ports of Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Tri-cities in Tennessee, along with Little Rock and Rogers in Arkansas. In this role, he continues his commitment to combat terrorism and illicit trade while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

John Percy is President and CEO of Destination Niagara USA, the official Destination Marketing Organization for Niagara Falls USA, a position that he has held since 2006. Previously, Mr. Percy served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the organization. Other prior experience includes Vice President of Tourism for the Niagara Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau and fifteen years in shopping center marketing and management in both Western New York and Detroit, Michigan.

In addition to serving on the US Travel Association Board of Directors, Mr. Percy also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Bus Association (ABA), Board of Governors for the ABA Foundation, Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, and Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier.

Kurt Rausch is Chief of the National Park Service (NPS) Commercial Services Program. He is responsible for overseeing development and implementation of national policy and programs for approximately 500 concession contracts, 6,000 commercial use authorizations and more than one hundred leases providing visitor services in national parks. These range from large multi-service lodging resorts to back-country guides and bus tour operators. Prior to joining the NPS eleven years ago, Mr. Rausch worked for more than twenty years with management, environmental, health and safety consulting firms providing program development and support for various federal agencies, states, local communities and industries. Mr. Rausch has a BS in Environmental Policy from Cook College, Rutgers University and certificates in Executive Management and Strategic Leadership in Hospitality Management from Cornell University. Kurt is married and has two adult children. Kurt is an avid sailor and hiker and loves all things outdoors.

Nancy Richardson was the Senior International Tourism Specialist for the state of Idaho for more than 15 years. She has been working in the tourism industry in Boise, ID since 1989. She has been a tour guide, owner/manager, and a director of sales with positions with the Boise CVB, Boise Tours and Shuttle Service, and Hyatt hotels.

Nancy has served on a variety of boards in her community including Preservation Idaho, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and the Boise City Arts Commission – Events and Performing Arts Committee.

She has a BS degree from Northern Montana College in Secondary Education – History and Social Science. Her passion for Idaho history and tourism has led her to fulfill her career dreams.

AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe) has nearly two decades of executive-level experience managing and promoting Native American tourism. As CEO of the only national association dedicated to indigenous tourism, she is the leading voice in advocating for travel and tourism as a significant economic driver in tribal nations. She also holds leadership positions on various national boards including the Board of Directors for the U.S. Travel Association, the America250 Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Committee and the Office of National Marine Sanctuary System (ONMS) Business Advisory Council under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce.

Under her leadership, she has launched the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses, the first-ever ever study of its kind. She also curates a robust educational program for tribes and indigenous-owned hospitality enterprises around the country. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, she served as President of AIANTA’s Board of Directors since 2012. During that time, she was instrumental in working with Congress to pass the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act.

Sherry previously served as the Executive Director of the State of Nevada Indian Commission, reporting directly to the Governor of Nevada to serve as a liaison to the state’s 28 tribes, bands and colonies and served as the Chairperson on Nevada’s Indian Territory, Nevada Commission on Tourism.

Sherry holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance Major from the University of Nevada, Reno and has completed professional training courses and programs to support her work in advancing cultural tourism in the United States.

Mindy Shea, Director, International Sales for Visit Savannah, hails from Charlotte, NC, and has been in the hospitality and tourism industry for nearly 30 years. After 10 years in the television industry, she spent the next 12 years in luxury hotel sales, working with top accounts at 4 and 5-star properties. 

 In 2006 she joined Visit Savannah as their Group Tour Manager, working primarily with their domestic motorcoach industry. Shortly after coming on board, she started working to help bring Savannah into the international spotlight. For the first 16 years she worked with both the domestic and international markets. At the beginning of 2022 her focus turned exclusively to the organization’s international efforts, being promoted to the Director of International Sales. Over the past 17 years she’s worked hard to strengthen the partnerships with Georgia’s state tourism office, US-based receptive operators, as well as international tour operators in Savannah’s key source markets. 

Her main goal for the future? Showcase Savannah as the world-class destination it has become!  

Lisa Simon currently serves as the Executive Director of the International Inbound Travel Association, the only trade association focused solely on international inbound travel to the United States. With her 30-years of experience in the travel industry specializing in association management, strategic planning, and tourism market development, she has spoken on global and domestic travel industry trends throughout the United States and around the world.

Simon is also the principal of The Simon Connection, LLC, specializing in association management, strategic planning, and tourism market development. She has spoken on global and domestic travel industry trends throughout the United States and around the world.

Previously, Lisa served as the president of NTA (National Tour Association). During Lisa’s tenure with NTA, she expanded NTA’s international presence, including working with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the China National Tourism Administration to open the U.S. as a preferred destination for Chinese travelers. NTA was the only association that volunteered to work with the two governments to register and approve U.S. tour operators to work with the China market.

Greg has been the CEO of Tourism Cares since 2019. He previously served on its Board, acting as its Chairman before becoming CEO. Prior to Tourism Cares, Greg was the President of Trip Mate, Inc., a travel insurance administrator, and prior to Trip Mate, he was the Senior Vice President of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. He began his 35-year career in the travel and tourism industry at The Mark Travel Corporation, where he served as General Counsel.

Greg is a founding member of the Future of Tourism Coalition, a coalition of six global non-governmental organizations that have come together to stand united in an appeal for change. He serves on the Board of the US Travel Association and has served on the Boards of NTA and the IGLTA Foundation, as well as numerous industry committees. He is from Chicago and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Juris Doctor degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Christopher L. Thompson is President and CEO of Brand USA, the nation’s public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States. Chris is responsible for accelerating the organization’s efforts to increase U.S. travel exports, create jobs, strengthen the economy, and help enhance the image of the U.S. with people all over the world. Under Chris’ leadership, Brand USA has nearly tripled its partnership network and more than doubled its partner contributions and program offerings.

Chris has more than 40 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Prior to joining Brand USA on Nov. 1, 2012, Chris was president and CEO of Visit Florida for 14 years. Under his leadership, Florida realized record growth in international visitation.

He began his career in tourism with the Division of Tourism in the former Florida Department of Commerce in April 1983, and he became bureau chief for domestic tourism in April 1986. In November 1988, he joined the Leon County (Florida) Tourist Development Council as the organization’s first executive director, and in April 1991, he took leadership of the Tallahassee (Florida) Area Convention and Visitors Bureau as president and CEO.

Throughout his career, Chris has been honored with a number of industry awards and recognized for numerous accomplishments. In 2022, he was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. He was the first recipient of Skål International’s USA National Tourism Leadership Award in 2018 in recognition of his “very meaningful contribution to the growth and success of tourism in the United States.”

Chris is currently on the board of Destinations International, where he is on the organization’s Executive and Global Leadership committees. He is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, an entity within the Department of Tourism, Recreation, and Sport Management at the University of Florida.

Carl Vaz is the Chairman and CEO of Charson Advisory Services, in Mumbai, India, which is an in-depth market research, public and media relations firm providing successfully tested and cost-effective marketing strategies to National Tourism Organizations (NTO) of various countries and private sector organizations from the international and domestic travel and tourism industry.

Charson Advisory Services Pvt Ltd is the Indian subcontinent’s leading brand management, tourist board representation, and advertising / marketing communications consultancy firm focusing exclusively on the aviation, hospitality, and tourism industry. Charson Advisory Services’ clients over a 15-year period have included some of the world’s prestigious Government bodies such as Destination Canada, Tourism Council of Bhutan, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, and Turismo de Portugal, to name a few.

With more than 140 awards and citations; Carl Vaz has been recognized by the travel trade industry, media houses and educational institutions. Additionally, Carl has served as President for Skal International Bombay for two terms.

Carl was the recipient of several awards from Skal International:

2021 – “SKAL ORDER OF MERIT” 

2022 – “SKALLEAGUE OF THE YEAR 2022” 

2023 – “Certificate of Appreciation” for his contribution as CO-Chair of the Subcommittee on Anti Human Trafficking 

After a rewarding and successful 22-year career with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Rafael Villanueva formed Beyond Global Solutions, a tourism marketing consultant company that specializes in the development of strategic domestic and international inbound marketing programs and event management. While at the LVCVA he developed their international vision and strategy that included recruiting, contracting, and managing international representations offices in more than 15 countries.

Prior to joining the LVCVA, Mr. Villanueva served as Executive Director of Advertising and Public Relations at the Tropicana Resort and Casino. His career also included working for some of the top advertising agencies in the state of Nevada. Clients included hotel-casinos, banks, and homebuilders. Additionally, he worked for KLAS-TV (Las Vegas’ CBS affiliate) as sales promotion director.

Born in Mexico, Villanueva has spent all but one year of his life in Las Vegas. He is proud of his work International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) that included the rebranding of the organization.

Roni Weiss is the Executive Director of Travel Unity, a nonprofit focused on making the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

Born in New York and raised in Washington State, Roni received his AAS with Honors at the age of 12. He graduated from high school at 15 and received double Bachelor’s in Drama and English at the age of 18.

At Travel Unity, Roni has led the curation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) Standards for Travel & Tourism and the management of multiple individual DEI certification programs. Through the Travel Unity Alliance, Roni helps connect organizations serious about applied DEI to one another and to resources to further their work to become more inclusive.

Roni has visited 70+ countries, including every country in Europe, and six of seven continents. He lives in Pleasantville, NY with his partner, Lauren, and their four children.

Kyle practices in the areas of travel law, law enforcement representation, corporate and business matters, worker’s compensation, and all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including development, leasing (including office, retail and industrial leasing), financing, title, survey and environmental matters, the sale and disposition of commercial properties and general transactional due diligence.

He received his B.A. from Boston College and his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Kyle is civic-minded and enjoys volunteering at the Simon Foundation, and is actively engaged in local community groups and boards. He enjoys rooting for the New York Yankees and New York Jets alongside his king shepherd, Zeus. He currently lives in West Hartford, Connecticut.