The Government Relations Committee promotes the interests of the business traveler and their organizations through advocacy on legislative issues and other government relations initiatives designed to maintain a transparent, competitive and frictionless business travel community that minimizes adverse impacts to business travel.
The mission of the Government Relations Committee is to review, research, and make recommendations on legislation and policies that impact the business travel community and to help determine GBTA’s legislative action.
GBTA advocates across the globe for policies that better the business travel industry.
More information
Applications to serve on a Committee are accepted year-round and open to any GBTA member. Members serve 2-year terms running from Convention to Convention. Each Committee will be in contact shortly after an application is received. Based on the application, the Committee may either conduct an interview, hold the application or decline the applicant. Committees must maintain a 51% Direct Member and 49% Allied Member ratio. Fill out the committee application form below.
Government Relations Committee Application
Rick Wakida, CCTE, GLP Chair Global Travel Manager Informatica
Matt Assolin Vice-Chair President and CEO Nikko's Worldwide Chauffeured Services
Tricia Alsup Committee Member Travel Manager Dollar General
Sam Bean Committee Member Corporate Director, Sales Development LTD Hospitality Group
Mark Champagne Committee Member Sr. Business Development Manager Execustay Midwest
Bobbi Huber Committee Member Global Account Manager Cornerstone Information Systems
Max Izmaylov Committee Member Director Global Sales Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Rebecca Palatka Committee Member Global Travel & Expense Manager BDP International, Inc.
Sally Wearing Committee Member Travel Manager SCL Health System
Michele Wilson Committee Member Sr. Regional Account Executive Hunter World Travel
Shane Downey Staff Delegate Vice President, Government Relations GBTA