Getting to Know KHM Travel Group’s Executive Team
KHM Travel Group is led by a passionate group of travel advocates who bring a world of experience and knowledge to the industry. Through their executive roles at KHM Travel Group and participation in several industry associations, they live our host agency’s mission to educate, support, promote, and empower independent travel agents.
When they aren’t developing new programs and resources for our agents, they enjoy a variety of interests and always have a great travel story to share. Keep reading to meet the people that have shaped KHM Travel Group into the People First company it is today.
Rick Zimmerman, President & CEO
Rick joined the travel industry fresh out of college where he worked as a travel agent for a small agency in Cleveland, Ohio. He left the travel industry to follow his brother into the residential construction industry where he spent the next twenty-five years. In early 2005, his passion for travel drew him back to the industry. Led by Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision for success, KHM Travel Group was founded. Following Rick’s guidance, the company continues to thrive as a leader in innovation with an unwavering commitment to its Core Values.
Lisa Findura, Senior Vice President of Operations
Lisa has been instrumental in the development of KHM Travel Group as a leading host agency. Since she joined the team in 2009, she has managed a variety of teams and led the company’s strategic planning efforts, both internally and industry wide. As the Senior Vice President of Operations, Lisa is a driving force behind several of the host agency’s programs and initiatives, including building a welcoming culture for all team members, travel agents, and supplier partners. Lisa’s career in travel spans 40 years. Before her role at KHM Travel Group, she worked as a travel agent, travel and tourism instructor, flight attendant, and a Royal Caribbean International team member.
Geoff Cox, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Geoff’s commitment to growing KHM Travel Group’s sales has helped the company soar to new heights. He has played a significant role in increasing the host agency’s production with several key Preferred Suppliers. When Geoff joined KHM Travel Group in 2011, he was no stranger to the travel industry. From 1993-2002, he worked as Business Development Manager and Key Account Manager at Royal Caribbean International. After his time with Royal Caribbean International, Geoff served as a Business Development Manager with Carnival Cruise Line for 8 years.
Karen Siburt, Vice President of Finance and Administration
Karen brings a diverse background in regulatory, corporate, and employment law to the KHM Travel Group team. Throughout her career, Karen has increased her knowledge in a variety of areas including corporate law, franchise work, and trademarking. Since she joined KHM Travel Group in 2010, her role has expanded to fit the growing needs of the company. She is also dedicated to ensuring that the host agency remains compliant with the dynamic travel industry and all regulatory laws.
Anita Pagliasso, Vice President of Industry Relations
Anita Pagliasso joined the KHM Travel Group team in early 2020, having previously held the position as Founder and President of Ticket To Travel. After starting her own home-based travel agency in 1992, Anita’s one-person business quickly evolved with agents looking to her for mentoring and guidance. By sharing her success tactics, Anita has become a renowned industry speaker, home-based travel agent advocate, author, and a mentor to thousands. She is also President of the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH), American Society of Travel Advisors Board Director-at-Large (ASTA), Cruise Line Industry Association STARBoard and Trade Relations Co-Chair (CLIA), and Vice President of California Coalition of Travel Organizations (CCTO).
Bill Coyle, Vice President of Agent Engagement
Bill Coyle has become an essential travel industry resource with over 30 years of experience leading his own brick and mortar travel agency, serving on several agent advisory boards, and advocating for travel advisors on a national level with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). As KHM Travel Group’s first-ever Limelight Award recipient for going above and beyond, Bill oversees the Agency Program, top-producing Pinnacle & Basecamp Programs, and KHM Travel Group’s Advisory Board. He brings a spirited passion for travel in all his professional endeavors and continues to book travel for his longtime clients.
Get to know more of the team at KHM Travel Group by joining us as an independent travel agent! Our innovative education and support program will help you on every step of your agent journey to build a successful business. Visit us online at https://khmtravel.com or call our team at 888.611.1220 to get started.