As we kick off 2026, we want to share several important updates that reflect the collective voice of our members and the continued evolution of APTA as a stronger, more impactful association.
Member Vote: Moving Forward Together
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent member vote. By an overwhelming margin, members voted in favor of transitioning APTA to a paid Executive Director model. This decision marks a significant milestone for the organization and underscores our shared commitment to building a more sustainable, professionally supported association that can better serve our chapters and advance tourism to Africa.
Welcoming the New Board & Thanking Our Leaders
With this transition comes important leadership updates. We extend our sincere thanks to Todd Neuman for his service as Executive Director and his many contributions to APTA, as well as to Marion Valderrama, who has stepped down after many years of dedicated service as Treasurer. We are also grateful to Kiki Paris for her work as Corporate Membership Director—she has graciously agreed to remain involved during the transition.
We’re pleased to welcome Kiersten Liedberg as APTA’s new Treasurer, and to share that Jane Behrend has been voted in as APTA Chair, reflecting her expanded leadership role during this next phase of growth.
Search for a Paid Executive Director
With member approval secured, APTA has officially launched the search for a paid Executive Director who will report to the National Board. This role is designed to provide consistent operational leadership, reduce the administrative burden on volunteer leaders, and ensure continuity across chapters and initiatives. If you—or someone in your network—may be a good fit, we encourage you to review the job description and share it widely.
Strengthening How We Operate
In parallel, APTA is developing an Online Operations Manual to capture institutional knowledge and standardize best practices across chapters. This effort, led by Operations Mavenue, will help streamline processes, clarify roles, and set both current and future leaders up for success. Many of you may be invited to contribute your insights—thank you in advance for helping shape APTA’s future.
Join Us — and Help Us Grow
APTA’s strength has always come from its members. Whether you’re involved at the chapter level or as a corporate member, we encourage you to stay engaged—and to invite colleagues to join our growing community.
👉 Not yet a member? Learn more about joining APTA here: https://apta.biz/membership/
We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to be building APTA’s next chapter together.
