The Travel Institute Names New President

The Travel Institute’s Board of Directors has named Taylor Ahlsmith Ruecking as president of The Institute, effective immediately, replacing Diane Petras, CTIE, who retired last year. In one of his first moves in his new role, Ruecking named Guida Botelho, CTIE as vice president of The Travel Institute.

Ruecking is an 11-year veteran at The Travel Institute and has been a senior leader since 2023. He most recently served as senior director of marketing and technology.

“Taylor has a proven ability to straddle strategic thinking and technical know-how to advance education for this industry,” said Gary Pollard, CTC, chair for The Travel Institute Board of Directors and president and CEO, Ambassador Tours. “We took the time to get this right and the board is 100% aligned. We are incredibly enthusiastic and energized about what’s next for The Travel Institute knowing Taylor has the demonstrated results and drive to lead this incredible team and achieve a new level of relevance with our stakeholders.”

During his time at The Travel Institute, Ruecking has been behind the implementation of the Institute’s online learning management system, streamlining disparate content platforms, launching digital credentials, and broadening e-commerce capabilities to better serve students and organizations.

Most recently, Ruecking led the technological specs for the new Education Hub, the back-end automation of thousands of once-manual tasks, and other improvements for the student experience. He has also leveraged strategy, tools and analytics to elevate brand visibility, boost online engagement, and increase enrollment in support of industry success.

“Taylor has played such a meaningful role in The Travel Institute’s success, and his passion for developing travel professionals shines through in everything he does,” said Jackie Friedman, CTIE, VTA, president of Nexion Travel Group and board member for The Travel Institute. “He is uniquely suited to build on the extraordinary foundation Diane Petras created, and I’m excited to see the Institute continue to thrive under his leadership,” she shared.

The transition between Ruecking and Petras has been underway since early December.

“Without Diane’s visionary leadership and guidance, neither myself nor the organization would be where we are today,” Ruecking said.

Ruecking has also been working closely with Botelho for many years.

“My continued collaboration and synergy with Guida fortifies our efforts,” he said. “She has been an incredible team player and leader, driving excellence and relentlessly advocating for partners and students. In this new role, she will further elevate The Travel Institute and the community of travel professionals we serve.”

“The future of this organization is in good hands with Taylor and Guida and, indeed, very bright for industry professionalism,” said Petras, now an advisor for The Travel Institute.

Ruecking’s travel industry roots date back to working as a travel agency as a teenager, supporting his father, the late Scott Ahlsmith, CTC, an industry leader and advisor advocate, and longtime board member and supporter of The Travel Institute.