Adam Sacks President of Tourism Economics
Adam Sacks is the President of Tourism Economics; an Oxford Economics company dedicated to unlocking the power of economics for the travel sector. For more than 25 years, Adam has worked with destinations, industry associations, and companies around the world in the areas of policy analysis, market assessments, and economic impact. Adam’s work has provided the foundation for billions of dollars in capital investment decisions by hotel companies, developers, and investors. Adam also manages the ongoing production of travel forecasts that have consistently guided the travel industry through uncertain times. He is an authority on measuring the economic impact of visitor activity and his work regularly informs national and local government policy.

Alexis Bailey
Director of Government Affairs, NJTIA

Rick Dunn Executive Creative Director
Rick brings more than 20 years of experience to his role of SVP, Executive Creative Director, over a decade of which have been at MMGY. His client portfolio includes well-known names in travel such as CheapCaribbean.com, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Visit Kansas City, Costa Rica Tourism, Kampgrounds of America, Wyndham Hotels, Namibia Tourism Board, Los Cabos Tourism Board, Barbados Tourism Authority and Choice Hotels International.

His travel marketing philosophy shines in HSMAI award-winning campaigns, with work featured in Creativity, Print and Communication Arts.

In his own words, “Whether you’re taking a few days to explore your home town or flying around the world, you’ll come away with a similar feeling. You’ll learn something new about other people, places and yourself. You’ll try new things. You’ll put money in the economy and create jobs. Any time you travel, you’re really bringing the world closer together. And that benefits everyone.” Rick gets to combine his love of traveling with his passion for advertising as he leads the creative department in cultivating campaigns that inspire people to go places. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Scott Donnini
Auburn Road Vineyards
Scott is a former attorney turned winemaker and entrepreneur. With a law degree in hand, Scott and his partner Jules made a bold career pivot two decades ago to establish Auburn Road Vineyards, located in Pilesgrove, New Jersey. Together, they’ve built the winery into a community gathering spot where craftsmanship, hospitality, and their passion for viticulture are central to every bottle. Outside the vineyard, Scott is known for his dedication to both his craft and the local region—bringing together legal acumen, business savvy, and a deep appreciation for New Jersey’s landscapes.

Patrick Marini
Director of Marketing, Holland Ridge Farms
Patrick Marini is a seasoned marketing professional and creative entrepreneur. As the Director of Marketing at Holland Ridge Farms, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, transforming it into one of New Jersey’s top agritourism destinations. His ability to blend storytelling, digital engagement, and experiential marketing has not only strengthened the farm’s spring and fall flower festivals, but also helped to launch a successful winter light show event. Patrick’s passion for creating immersive experiences continues to drive innovation in the agritourism industry.

Christina Albert
Managing Director, Beach Plum Farm
Inspired by the PBS documentary “Food Inc,” Christina Albert made a resolute departure from her 15-year career in the insurance industry, driven by a profound calling to the world of urban agriculture. Following several years of cultivating urban gardens in locations spanning South Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey, she resolved to transition her passion into a professional pursuit. This transformative journey led her to the doors of Beach Plum Farm in Cape May, New Jersey, a distinguished hospitality venue that readily embraced her passion.

 In the years that followed, Christina Albert, a dedicated mother of two, demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the field of agriculture by achieving certificates in farm programs from esteemed institutions such as Rutgers and Johns Hopkins. Her expertise and dedication translated into tangible achievements, as she spearheaded the installation of gardens, construction of greenhouses, and the facilitation of captivating farm-to-table dinners.

In her current role as the Managing Director at Beach Plum Farm, Christina plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organic and regenerative cultivation of crops and the management of the livestock programs in addition to hospitality and tourism components. At any given time, the farm boasts over 100 distinct crop varieties alongside cut flowers, eggs, chickens, pork, turkey, and honey programs. In addition to our farm to table dining and retail market we operate Michelin Key award winning accommodations. We seek to connect our guests to the natural world through interesting and intriguing programming such as Falconry, Astronomy, Forest Meditation and much more. Blending agriculture, tourism, and hospitality seamlessly.

Kyle Hollman
Brand Manager/Director of Marketing, Alstede Farms
Results-driven sales and marketing professional with a proven track record in sports and agritourism, driving revenue growth, building brand awareness, and developing impactful customer engagement strategies. Skilled in both digital and traditional marketing, sales, brand management, and client relationship building. Strong ability to identify emerging trends, launch new products, and implement growth-focused sales strategies tailored to dynamic and seasonal markets. A collaborative leader with exceptional communication skills, dedicated to fostering innovation, delivering memorable guest experiences, and ensuring long-term business success.

Bettina Garibaldi
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee

Barbara Bickhart
Senior Advisor of Arts and Culture, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
is the Senior Advisor of Arts and Culture in the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA’s) Community Development department. She is helping to lead the NJEDA’s efforts in arts, culture, and creative placemaking by developing and implementing strategies and initiatives to strengthen community relationships and increase dialogue among stakeholders relative to arts and culture as an engine for social and economic transformation. As an independent interdisciplinary artist, utilizing socially engaged practice, Bickart has worked primarily with partners in historically marginalized communities to develop innovative video performance projects. Throughout her career, she has worked as a program developer and director for nonprofit organizations, and has served as visiting faculty at Sarah Lawrence College, Ohio State University, Moore College of Art & Design, Drew University, and Rutgers University. Prior to joining the NJEDA, she was visiting faculty and Video Department Chair at the School of Museum and Fine Arts, Tufts University.

Bickart’s work has been shown in galleries, museums, and theaters nationally and internationally.  She holds a Master of Arts degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, and a Creative Placemaking Certification from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Kaitlyn Bundy
Manager, Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission
is Manager of the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission where she advances local arts, cultural and history programs and services to benefit Somerset County residents, local cultural organizations, and tourism. She is Treasurer of the Association of NJ Cultural & Heritage Agencies, an Executive Committee member of the Somerset County Tourism Board and a member of the Somerset County Business Partnerships Emerging Leaders. Kaitlin earned an MPS in Arts and Cultural Management from Pratt Institute and a BA in Visual Arts from Ramapo College. She has a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University and in Creative Placemaking from NJIT. Kaitlin is a 2019 Alumni of LeadNJ. In addition to her professional career, Kaitlin volunteers as a scenic artist for non-profit theaters in New Jersey and lends her artistic talents at charitable events.

Karen Hollywood
Director of Corporate and Foundation Engagement, Grounds For Sculpture
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, Karen Hollywood completed her undergraduate degree in History at the University of Dundee, and received her Masters from William Patterson University. Karen has worked in resource development for non-profit organizations for over 25 years. She is currently the Director of Corporate and Foundation Engagement at Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ, where she oversees corporate, government, state and foundation grants strategy, supporter and funding relationships. She is the former vice president of the board of Women in Development Mercer County, where she led a website and member database rebranding, social media and communications. She is a member of the leadership team and grants committee for the Fund for Women and Girls at Princeton Area Community Foundation. A resident of Pennington in Mercer County, when she’s not at work you can find often find her swimming, reading, or hiking – some weekends with a dog or two from her local animal shelter.

Pam Weichmann
Director of Education & Artist Services, WheatonArts

is the Director of Education & Artist Services at WheatonArts and Cultural Center, where she leads cross-sector initiatives that connect arts, education, and community engagement throughout South Jersey. With over 17 years of experience in nonprofit arts administration and more than nine years in higher education, Pamela (alongside the team at WheatonArts) designs programs that cultivate meaningful visitor experiences, including large-scale community festivals, public art projects, classes and workshops, international/national artist residencies, and creative aging programs. Her leadership has advanced partnerships between cultural institutions, schools, and health organizations to position the arts as a catalyst for learning, wellness, and regional tourism.
In addition to her work at WheatonArts, Pamela serves as an Adjunct Professor of Graduate Studies in Arts Administration at Rowan University and as Chair of the Connie Jost Scholarship Program for CU Maurice River, which supports emerging young artists in South Jersey. She is pursuing her Doctor of Education at Drexel University, where her research explores experiential learning and its impact on professional identity development and creative career self-efficacy of visual arts students.

Jonathan Vena Chief Marketing Officer at the Count Basie Center of the Arts
Jonathan Vena is the Chief Marketing Officer at the Count Basie Center of the Arts, where he leads all marketing, media, and public relations efforts. With more than 20 years of experience in live events, entertainment marketing, and media strategy, Vena brings a deep understanding of audience engagement and brand development to the Basie Center’s leadership team.

Vena oversees strategic marketing and communications for all of the Basie Center’s venues, including the historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, The Vogel, and Basie Center Cinemahouse, as well as its regional promotion arm, The Basie Presents. His team is responsible for promoting more than 300 annual live events, as well as the Basie Center’s arts education programming, community initiatives, and institutional campaigns.

Vena was instrumental in generating public visibility for the Basie Center’s $30 million capital expansion and now leads marketing efforts for the organization’s ongoing $20 million endowment campaign. He has been a key player in positioning the Basie Center as New Jersey’s top-performing arts venue and one of the top five theaters in the world with fewer than 2,000 seats.

Before joining the Count Basie Center for the Arts, Vena served as Regional Marketing Manager for AEG Live / AEG Presents, managing venue and national tour marketing. Earlier in his career, he was Vice President of Marketing and Media for Concerts East Incorporated, overseeing marketing for more than 400 performances annually across the Northeast.

Vena graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor of Science in English and from Boston University with a Master of Science in Journalism and Media.

Rebecca Fitzgerald
Administrator of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s State Park Service
Rebecca Fitzgerald serves as the Administrator of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s State Park Service, overseeing the management and operations of 39 state parks, 11 state forests, and 5 recreation areas spanning more than 450,000 acres. With a career dedicated to the stewardship of New Jersey’s natural and cultural resources, Rebecca has been with the State Park Service since 1993, beginning as a seasonal employee at High Point State Park. 

In 1999, she transitioned into a permanent role and spent over 23 years as a Superintendent, managing various state parks in northern New Jersey. Her extensive field experience and deep commitment to conservation and public recreation led to her appointment as Administrator in 2022, where she continues to champion the protection and enhancement of New Jersey’s park system. In this role, she is also dedicated to providing support and guidance to State Park Service employees and seasonal staff, ensuring they have the resources and training needed to serve the public and protect New Jersey’s natural treasures. 

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Rebecca spends her free time exploring the very landscapes she helps conserve. Whether hiking with her dog, trail running, cycling, kayaking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, she embraces every opportunity to connect with nature and share her passion for the outdoors.

Maggie McCann
Administrator of the Urban State Parks & Initiatives with the New Jersey Department of Enviromental Protection’s State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program

Maggie McCann serves as the Administrator for Urban State Parks & Initiatives within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program. Maggie’s work aims to expand the State Park Service’s footprint into New Jersey’s more developed areas, increasing access to green space in the nation’s most densely populated state. She leads the revitalization of Liberty State Park, directs the transformation of a nine-mile abandoned rail line into New Jersey’s newest state park, the Greenway, and advances other urban park initiatives across the state. McCann also oversees daily operations at Liberty State Park and is coordinating preparations for the FIFA Fan Fest to be hosted in the park in 2026.

Before joining the DEP in November 2023, she served as Director of Camden County Parks overseeing 4,000 acres of parkland and open space spanning urban, suburban and rural landscapes. She is deeply committed to revitalizing aging park infrastructure, creating equitable urban open spaces, and collaborating with diverse partners to expand access and programs that reconnect people with their natural environment.

Mark Texel
Administrator of State Historic Sites for the New Jersey Department of Enviornmental Protection
Mark Texel serves as Administrator of State Historic Sites for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he is responsible for the stewardship of more than 50 state historic and cultural sites, guiding the work of over 20 history professionals and 24 nonprofit partners. He oversees visitor readiness, capital projects, and program planning for New Jersey’s state historic sites in preparation for the Semiquincentennial (250th) commemoration.

Texel has worked professionally in historic sites, living history and outdoor museums, and public parks since 1988. He holds bachelor’s degrees in American History and American Music, along with a certificate in Historic Preservation from Drew University. From 2012 to 2021, he served as Director of the New Jersey State Park Service, including its Office of Historic Sites. 

He is currently Vice President of the Association of Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums and is slated to become President in summer 2025. Texel is also an active living history interpreter, having portrayed both civilian and military roles, and serves on the New Jersey Living History Advisory Council.

Ashley Abruzzo
Heritage Tourism Program Manager, Crossroads of the American Revolution
Ashley Abruzzo is the Heritage Tourism Program Manager for Crossroads of the American Revolution. She has represented Crossroads and RevolutionNJ, the official state organization commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, at events throughout the state and presented at various conferences. She earned her Master’s Degree in Applied History at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor’s in History at the University of Illinois at Springfield.  

Michael Keeler
Owner, quickSilver
Michael Keeler is the sole proprietor of quickSilver, a marketing consultancy in Pennington. Leveraging his experience on Madison Avenue building global brands for M&M’s, UPS, Pepsico and others, Mike has been helping New Jersey clients such as Tyco and Bristol Myers Squibb since 2006. He is also the author of ‘Forty-Something,’ a mashed-up narrative of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. Mike is a board member and supporter of numerous local historical entities and programs, including the Old Barracks Museum and Patriots Week in Trenton. He is currently assisting RevolutionNJ in its efforts to get all New Jerseyans ready for 2026. Mike has a Bachelor’s in American History from Cornell University, and as such enjoys watching his mighty Big Red come down and beat up the Tigers on a regular basis. 

Lawrence Swiader
Communications Consultant, American Battlefield
Lawrence Swiader has spent his career studying the intersection of technology, media, and education in service of how it improves people’s lives. Currently, as Communications Consultant at the American Battlefield Trust he oversees all aspects of the Trust’s digital presence in support of protecting battlefields and informing the public about the vital role these battlefields played in determining the course of our nation’s history. Formerly, he was the creator of the Bedsider.org program which made use of digital and traditional media to improve the reproductive health behaviors of young adults in the U.S. Before that experience, Lawrence used technology as a tool to teach about the history of the Holocaust and to motivate people to act to end contemporary genocide. In his second home of Athens, Greece, he has consulted on various projects including the Athens Metro and museums of Greek history. Lawrence graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a degree in Television, Radio, and Film and earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation from Syracuse University’s School of Education. He has a Greek wife, college-aged daughter, and finds inspiration from playing tennis, travel, sea kayaking in Greece, art, and a good book. 

Jonas Onkelinx
Sr. Manager, Research and Insights, BrandUSA
Jonas Onkelinx is the Senior Manager of Research & Insights at Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting international visitation to the United States. In his role, Jonas provides data and research insights to empower the team to make data-informed decisions, ultimately driving the organization’s strategic initiatives forward.

Karina Anthony, CDME
Executive Director of Marketing
Karina Anthony is the Executive Director of Marketing for Visit Atlantic City, leading strategic initiatives to promote the destination and drive tourism growth. With extensive experience in destination marketing, Karina oversees marketing and communications, branding, advertising, digital strategy, and partnerships to position Atlantic City as a premier travel and events destination. A Certified Destination Management Executive with expertise in sustainability in hospitality and tourism, Karina is committed to innovative marketing strategies that enhance visitor experiences and economic impact.

Sandee Jordan
Manager of Customer Success
Sandee Jordan is the Manager of Customer Success at Simpleview, a Granicus company. formerly the Director of Content Marketing. In her roles with the company, Sandee works with teams to help DMOs connect travelers to destinations through creative storytelling, user generated content, and other proven digital marketing strategies. “Every destination has the potential to be someone’s “trip of a lifetime”. It’s my job to find, tell, and amplify that story,” she says. Sandee joined Simpleview in 2012, she earned a BA in Journalism, specializing in Broadcasting and Electronic Media, from the University of Oklahoma, and holds certifications in Google Analytics and AdWords as well as a UXC in Web Design from Nielsen Norman. A coast-to-coaster, she’s lived and worked in Brooklyn and San Francisco.

JenAnn Haggerty
Digital Strategy Consultant
JenAnn is a Digital Strategy Consultant who partners with Destination Marketing Organizations  as an extension of their marketing and sales teams. She collaborates closely with clients to align organizational goals with industry trends and long-term destination visions, providing strategic guidance on flagship campaigns, data analysis, and digital presence development across both leisure and meetings markets. JenAnn is passionate about helping destinations tell their stories in compelling ways—and proving their impact through measurable results.

Max Weber
Account Executive, Shrpa
Max Weber is a New Jersey native with a global perspective on how people discover, connect with, and travel to destinations. After earning his degree from the University of Alabama with a focus in Business and Consumer Sciences, Max traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad where he had experiences that helped shape his understanding of traveler motivations and the impact of authentic storytelling on tourism.

Max began his career in finance before transitioning into the tourism and destination marketing space. Since then, he has been with Shrpa, where he works directly with destinations, chambers, and tourism organizations across the country to help them leverage user-generated content, creator partnerships, and interest-based media to drive awareness and visitation.

With a deep interest in how communities inspire travel decisions, Max focuses on the intersection of consumer behavior, content strategy, and destination branding. He has helped hundreds of destinations turn authentic stories into economic impact, making tourism more relatable, community-driven, and measurable.

Diane Wieland
Director of the Cape May County Department of Tourism
Director of Tourism Diane Wieland started her career in tourism in 1975, has served as the Director of the Cape May County Department of Tourism since 1996. Under her direction, the department includes Public Information, and the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage. The Department has won numerous state and national tourism awards for innovative marketing and advertising programs. 

Wieland has served on many local and state tourism boards including the Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council.  She is currently the Chairperson of the Southern Shore Region Destination Marketing Organization.  

She also serves on the Boards of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, the Cape May County Chamber Educational Foundation, Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, New Jersey Travel Industry Association, and the New Jersey Destination Marketing Organization (NJDMO).  

Wieland is recognized for her tourism insight throughout the region and has served as a speaker at the New Jersey Tourism Conference, the Delaware Eco and Tourism Conference, and the Pennsylvania Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Conference. She also spoke at the Eco Tourism Conference in Alaska.

Cat Riechers
Content Creator | Marketing Professional
Cat Riechers is a New Jersey–based content creator, marketer, and storyteller whose passion for food, travel, and connection shines through everything she does. As the voice behind @njfood_travels, she has spent the past six years collaborating with more than 1,500 restaurants, cities, and small businesses, showcasing the best dining and destination experiences across New Jersey and beyond. Whether it’s discovering a hidden local gem or exploring a city’s must-try eats, Cat loves connecting with business owners, learning their stories, and helping spread the word in creative, authentic ways. 

Cat was featured in Dining Out Magazine’s, Dining Under the Influencer in Spring 2025, and has also partnered with Shrpa since 2023, combining her love for travel and storytelling to create adventure itineraries for nine destinations across four states — earning her the nickname “the girl with the itinerary.” 

A proud graduate of Kean University, Cat holds a degree in Marketing and Communications and was an Academic All-American softball player. Before stepping into the food and travel space, she built her career in sports marketing, fan development, live event production, and sponsorship with the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, USA Football, and SSEC. She also worked with AVON 39: The Walk to End Breast Cancer, helping lead two-day, 39-mile walks across 12 cities. Cat later served as a Business Operations Analyst for PVH Corp. (Calvin Klein & Tommy Hilfiger) and now works as a Marketing Manager for a leading flavor house, where she continues to merge creativity, strategy, and storytelling — always with a taste for what’s next.  

 Dan Flores
Head of Tourism, Satisfi Labs
Dan Flores is an experienced tourism executive and thought leader with over two decades in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry. He combines deep operational knowledge with a forward-looking view of how technology and data are shaping the future of visitor engagement.As Head of Tourism at Satisfi Labs, Dan leads strategy and partnerships across destinations, attractions, and travel brands. Satisfi Labs is a leader in Agentic AI, helping organizations deliver intelligent, real-time conversations that enhance the visitor experience, drive revenue, and provide actionable insights through natural language data. Previously, Dan helped scale Maverick Helicopters, Maverick Airlines, and Mustang Helicopters to over 250,000 annual guests, expanding operations across the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas Strip, and Hawaiian Islands. A recognized industry voice, Dan has served on multiple boards and committees, including OCTO, Destinations International Membership Committee, IITA Connectivity & Technology Task Force, and U.S. Travel Board of Directors. He was also named one of Las Vegas’ 40 Under 40 in 2017. Dan’s work continues to bridge the gap between human connection and digital innovation, empowering destinations and travel brands to deliver smarter, more personalized visitor experiences at scale.