ASTA Looks To Hire A New Communications VP
by Cheryl Rosen /Jennifer Michels Jones, center. Photo: Facebook.
ASTA is on the hunt for a new VP of Communications, as Jennifer Michels Jones leaves the position on May 13.
Newly married and moving to South Carolina, Jones told TMR “it’s all so fast I haven’t even put the word out yet.”
After two years on the job “it makes me so sad to leave now that we have such momentum going, funding from our Chapter Presidents Council, the Maui Showcase coming up, and some great videos produced by ITN News that are on the ASTA website and YouTube channel,” she said. “You’ll see some great things that are in the works come to fruition in the next couple of months.”
Noting that ASTA's mission "is to promote and defend travel agents," ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby told TMR that "in addition to our strong advocacy work, this year, we're turning more attention and resources to consumer awareness. We have several projects in the works to tell consumers how working with an agent makes a big difference in their travel experience. Managing consumer outreach will be one key area of responsibility for a new staff member."
ASTA just now is beginning the search for a replacement for the position. It is based in Alexandria, VA, and reports directly to Kerby.
“Being able to wear three hats at once—consumer awareness, marketing, and a little bit of sales—is helpful," Jones said. She is “extremely sad to leave the hardest working team in show business at ASTA and NACTA; we’re two brands but one company. And it’s been wonderful to work for my boss, Zane Kerby.”
Though she will be taking a few months off to get accustomed to her new home, “I love the travel industry and can’t imagine working for any other. I want to stay a part of it.”