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About Westa

Our Story

The Western Association of Travel Agencies (Westa) was founded on the belief that independent travel agencies are stronger when they work together. As a member-owned travel agency consortium, Westa brings agencies together through collaboration, shared resources, and valuable supplier partnerships while supporting their continued growth and indpendence.

With decades of experience in the travel industry, Westa understands the opportunities and challenges facing travel agency owners and travel advisors. Our longstanding relationships with travel suppliers and firsthand knowledge of the independent agency business help us provide relevant programs, practical resources, and meaningful opportunities for our members.

What sets Westa apart is its cooperative ownership structure. Member agencies have a voice in the organization’s direction, influence how resources are invested, and share in its financial success. This approach keeps Westa focused on the interests of the independent agencies it serves.

As the travel industry evolves, our commitment remains the same: helping independent travel agencies build stronger businesses, improve profitability, and maintain their independence through transparency, collaboration, and long-term partnerships.

97%

Westa's retention rate

With an agency retention rate of 97% spanning more than five decades, Westa stands as a testament to trust, consistency, and exceptional service.

Board of Directors

Westa’s Board of Directors is made up entirely of member agency owners—respected peers who represent the full spectrum of our membership. From one-person agencies to large retail offices, our board includes voices from across the U.S. with diverse expertise in leisure, group, luxury, cruise, incentive, and FIT travel.

Tim has owned Great Escape Travel, a storefront agency in Chico, California, since 1992, and served as Westa Treasurer, Vice President, and board President.

Tim Colbie
Director

Judy has owned her agency for 40 years, designs custom FIT itineraries, escorts groups, and has been an active Westa member since the late 1980s.

Judy Ireland
Past President

Kathy brings more than 40 years in travel, has been a Westa member since 2015, and has held elected board roles including treasurer and vice president.

Kathy Bos
President

Caroline has 30-plus years in travel, owns C Watts Travel in Boring, Oregon specializing in corporate and nonprofit travel, and chaired Westa's Member Services Committee two years.

Caroline Watts
Director

Jene'e brings 42 years of experience, twice led Riverside Travel Group, and negotiated Amadeus master GDS contracts.

Jene'e Bearden
Vice President

Phillip has been IATA-accredited since 2005, operated a Cruise Planners franchise for 15 years, now leads an independent agency, and serves on several industry advisory boards.

Phillip Archer
Treasurer

Roger joined Westa 15 years ago, served nine years on the board—including two as president—and continues to operate his coastal Oregon agency.

Roger Robertson
Director

Ginger began her travel career in 1987, has owned her agency since 1997, and completed multiple Westa board terms, including two years as president.

Ginger Minoletti
Director

Guided by experience, our board ensures every member’s voice is heard—shaping Westa with insight from all corners of the travel industry.

Walter entered travel in 1964, has owned his agency since 1971, once managed four offices with 23 employees, and previously served two years on the Westa board.

Walter Rice
Director

Sherrie has been a travel agent for 41 years, operates a storefront office in Washington, and has been a Westa member since 2010.

Sherrie Wilson
Director

Tammy began her travel career in 1999, opened her own agency in 2009, and joined Westa in 2014.

Tammy Larsen
Secretary

Ross entered the industry in the 1980s, became company president in 2005, joined Westa in 2006, and has twice served as board president.

Ross Beatty
Director

Marti has nearly 50 years in travel, managed a Seattle agency for 18 years, and acquired it in 1993 while continuing ongoing professional education.

Marti Anderson
Director

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Westa's Staff

Westa’s staff brings many decades of travel industry experience and a hands-on approach to member support. Unlike other organizations where you may be assigned a single point of contact, at Westa you have direct access to the entire team—and you’ll see us regularly at events throughout the year. We’re here when you need us, and we actually pick up the phone.

In travel since 1971, Cathy began at the Holiday Inn before launching and running her own agency for 22 years. She joined Westa headquarters in 2013 as Accounting Administrator, bringing deep front- and back-office expertise that keeps our financial operations precise and member-focused.

Cathy Estill
Accounting Administrator

Katie has led Member Services for the past three years. She blends travel experience with a strong background in business development, marketing, leadership, and sales to help agencies forge partnerships, unlock programs, and drive growth across the network.

Katie Thayer Roy
Director of Member Services

A Portland native, Kim started as a retail advisor in 1982 and has worn many hats across the industry. Since joining Westa in 2007, she’s championed owners, advisors, and supplier partners, leveraging hands-on agent experience and sharp organization to deliver the full value of our Cruise & Tour Center.

Kim Ellingson
Cruise Department Director

A third-generation travel professional, Mike has spent his career in the industry and more than 30 years with Westa. He oversees day-to-day operations and represents members across the sector, including service in regional and national ASTA roles and on multiple supplier executive advisory committees.

Mike Estill
Chief Operations Officer

Sue brings 26 years in travel and 22 with Westa. After earning a BA from WOU and graduating from Emmett Travel School, she supported Imperial Tour & Travel in a multi-faceted back-office role before joining Westa in finance. Today she leads our financial stewardship with clarity and care for member outcomes.

Sue Perry
Director of Finance

Josh oversees sales and marketing for Westa, focusing on refreshing old and building new programs that are mutually beneficial for Westa’s preferred suppliers and our members. Josh grew up internationally and has been to over fifty countries before joining Westa. Josh’s experience has been focused on B2B sales, program design and management, and client retention.

Josh Burke
Senior Director of Sales & Marketing

Crystal has supported Westa’s cruise programs for 8 years, coordinating inventory, amenities, and agent requests. Her 10 years in hotel operations at Hampton Inn add valuable hospitality insight, helping advisors deliver seamless client experiences from ship to shore.

Crystal Sowers
Cruise Department Administrator

Danielle brings experience in project coordination and client support. As Manager of Supplier Relations at Westa, she works closely with supplier partners to keep programs on track and ensure a smooth, well-supported experience.

Danielle Hudak
Manager of Supplier Relations