Colleen Guhin, Howard Brooks, Rick Robert, and Scott Guerrero
are honored on stage...click here for news release
Colleen C. Guhin, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Travel & Telecommunications, ON Semiconductor
In a ceremony before 1200 delegates from 37 countries at the ACTE Global Conference in Orlando, Florida, Guhin became the first executive to receive ACTE's Lifetime Achievement Award. According to Executive Director Nancy Holtzman, this is the highest award the association confers on a member. "It took 16 years to present the first one, it may take that long before we issue a second."
Guhin, a founding member of ACTE, was honored for her continuous contributions to the association as a volunteer, a presenter, and a leader during the past 16 years. During her tenure as an officer, she redesigned the association's governance structure (enhancing ACTE's ability to respond to member needs) and played a leading role in the organization's expansion into Europe.
"Colleen Guhin has never stepped away from a challenge and has never left an issue undecided," said Holtzman.
The Advancing the Industry Award honors extraordinary, innovative professionals whose achievements have resulted in positive change and can serve as a model for their peers.
Karina Harris, Partner Relationship Manager, Asia- Pacific Travel Manager, BP Australia Karina Harris has been instrumental in encouraging a substantial number of travel management professionals in China to accept more responsibility, to manage more risk, and to move further up the executive chain. She has also presented at ACTE forums within the region and served as cultural business liaison.
Peter Sijbers, Global Commodity Manager, Philips Electronics, The Netherlands
Peter Sijbers has demonstrated leadership and true vision in the area of Global Travel consolidation. His innovative approach to the subject created a unique process resulting in accurate and reliable data with the potential to achieve considerable savings.
Howard Z. Brooks, Vice President, Travel and Procurement Services, Sony Music The "Advancing The Industry Award" is presented to ACTE members who demonstrate the highest degree of initiative and innovative thinking as an example to the industry. This year's recipient was Howard Z. Brooks. Described as leading the vanguard of procurement specialists, Brooks was honored for his efforts in educating his colleagues on both sides of the issue.
"It takes great insight to predict a major industry shift," said Holtzman. "And it takes a strong sense of commitment to prepare yourself -- and your colleagues -- for that change. Hoard Brooks has proven himself as a man of insight and commitment."
The President's Award is given to one member from each of the organization's four global regions for outstanding service to their colleagues through association programs.
Scott Guerrero, Vice President, Maritz Corporate Travel Citing his efforts to further the global principles of travel management, ACTE President Garth Jopling named Scott Guerrero, the winner of the President's Award for ACTE U.S. Trilingual, Guerrero was instrumental in creating a series of education programs for travel executives in Latin and South America.
"A key objective of ACTE's international educational program is understanding". Scott Guerrero was instrumental in the planning and implementation of forums designed to accelerate the implementation of advanced travel management techniques in a new region."
Michael Molloy, Director, Internal Client Services, Credit Suisse First Boston Molloy has been instrumental in promoting ACTE programs throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with membership growth soaring from 70 members to over 250, since his involvement. In addition, registrations at the ACTE Asia-Pacific Training Workshop have grown from 150 to over 250 -- effectively making the event ACTE's third annual Global Conference.
Michael Platt, Managing Director, BTI UK
Michael Platt has played a key supporting role in advocating a major change in IATA's outdated regulations, and is a leading advocate for advancing the travel management profession. He has served as a presenter, panelist and moderator at a number of ACTE educational meetings, and is regarded as a leader in EMEA travel management circles.
Rick Robert, Associate Director, Travel & Expense Management Fleet Services, Bell Canada, received the President's Award for ACTE Canada, in recognition of his leadership skills and commitment to the association's objectives.
"Canadian travel managers have brought travel management to a new level of strategic significance," said Garth Jopling, ACTE President and a native of Toronto. "Rick Robert has been in the forefront of that awareness process."
The ACTE Distinguished Fellow distinction is awarded to the individuals who present the highest-rated educational sessions at a global conference.
For the first time in the Association of Corporate Travel Executives' 16-year history, there is a tie for this honor. The number of accolades received for the best presentation by member volunteers has resulted in a dead heat between Six Sigma: Eliminating Imperfection in the Travel Program and GDS Rule Changes. Sessions were rated by conference attendees on timeliness, depth of information, and the most effective means of presentation.
"These two sessions received an equal number of equally enthusiastic evaluations, from the most discerning audience in the business travel industry," said Garth Jopling, ACTE President. "Therefore, the designation of Distinguished Fellow will be conferred upon all eight presenters. These members have demonstrated the power of thinking outside the box, and how a compelling presentation can motivate an industry," said Jopling. "This overwhelming response from our members indicates that our educational sessions are going well beyond expectations."
Sandie Barker, Black Belt, Honeywell
Norm Rose, President, Travel Tech Consulting, Inc
Danny Hood, President, WorldTravel BTI
Kay Urban, President & CEO, Amadeus North America
Tim Claydon, Senior VP, Sales, Marketing & Information Technology, JetBlue Airways
Kurt Ekert, COO, Travelport
Douglas Weeks, Senior Manager, Global Travel, Booz Allen & Hamilton
Michael Qualantone, VP, Global Distribution System Strategy
Multi-Market Servicing in EMEA
Mark Avery, Head of Business Service, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Stewart Harvey, Director, Corporate Development, BTI
Suzan Mbowa, Vice President GM Operations and Multinational Accounts, American Express
Keith Mullineux, European Travel Manager, General Electric