Diane Petras, CTIE, an industry veteran of almost 40 years, will retire from her position as president of The Travel Institute at the end this year.
“I’m able to let go and leave because things are truly the best they’ve ever been for The Travel Institute,” Petras said, adding that she viewed her role beyond that of a job but rather as “passion and a calling.”
Petras joined The Travel Institute in the 1990s as a volunteer, with responsibilities that included managing its annual training conferences and serving on the organization’s national advisory board. In 2010, she was appointed chief operating officer and rose to the position of president in 2018.
“Diane’s contributions to The Travel Institute cannot be overstated. She’s taken both The Travel Institute and our entire industry – to a higher level,” said Gary Pollard, CTC, chair of The Travel Institute board of directors and president and CEO of Ambassador Tours.
“Her passion for quality education has inspired countless agents and organizations to prioritize education and become true travel professionals who embrace selling travel and offer greater value through a comprehensive business model,” he added.
“She’ll be missed both professionally and personally by her team and the board, as well as by leaders and advisors throughout the industry.”
Petras achieved a formidable number accomplishments during her tenure at The Travel Institute, including “reinventing its operating model by moving from printed textbooks to a responsive e-commerce website; augmenting content with 3rd-party subject matter experts; providing $1 million plus in scholarships; producing award-winning curriculum for new and experienced agents; launching a best-in-class, interactive learning platform as well as a digital credentials marketing tool targeting consumers; and more,’ The Travel Institute said.
“My biggest, best accomplishment has been hiring the team in place today,” Petras said. “They have made the difference in what we deliver to this industry, and I feel really good about leaving it in their capable hands.”
Added CEO and Founder Travefy David Chait, CTIE, and an executive committee board member of The Travel Institute: “The board has every confidence The Travel Institute’s 60-plus-year foundation of success and ongoing momentum will continue.
“We’ve got an experienced, accomplished group with our collective sleeves rolled up on multiple initiatives already well underway.
“Together, we’ll continue to drive educational excellence at every level in support of individual professionalism and broader industry success,” Chait concluded.
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