The Travel Institute’s Diane Petras to retire at year’s end

Diane Petras, CTIE, president of The Travel Institute, will retire at the end of 2025, concluding a nearly four-decade career in the travel industry. 

Petras has led the non-profit education organization since 2018 and supported its work in various capacities for more than 30 years.

“I’m able to let go and leave because things are truly the best they’ve ever been for The Travel Institute,” Petras said, adding that the role was “never as much a job as it has been a passion and a calling.” 

She noted that retirement has always been part of her plan and looks forward to spending more time with family, supporting local non-profits, and travelling for leisure.

“Diane’s contributions to The Travel Institute cannot be overstated. She’s taken both The Travel Institute—and our entire industry—to a higher level,” said Gary Pollard, CTC, chair of The Travel Institute Board of Directors and president and CEO of Ambassador Tours. 

“Her passion for quality education has inspired countless agents and organizations to prioritize education and become true travel professionals who embrace selling travel and offer greater value through a comprehensive business model. She’ll be missed both professionally and personally by her team and the board, as well as by leaders and advisors throughout the industry.”

Petras first became involved with The Travel Institute in the 1990s, volunteering with its national advisory board and managing training conferences. 

In 2010, she became chief operating officer, focusing on modernizing technology and operations, and was named president in 2018.

During her time with the organization, Petras played a key role in moving The Travel Institute from printed textbooks to an e-commerce-based, digital platform. 

She also oversaw the development of interactive learning tools, a digital credentialing system for consumer marketing, and the introduction of third-party subject matter experts into the Institute’s programming. 

Under her leadership, The Travel Institute awarded over $1 million USD in scholarships and launched curriculum for both new and experienced agents.

Despite a long list of milestones, Petras said her most meaningful achievement was building the team currently in place. 

“My biggest, best accomplishment has been hiring the team in place today. They have made the difference in what we deliver to this industry and I feel really good about leaving it in their capable hands.”

David Chait, CTIE, CEO and founder of Travefy, Inc., and a member of The Travel Institute’s executive committee, said the board is confident in the organization’s continued growth and relevance. 

“The board has every confidence The Travel Institute’s 60+-year foundation of success and ongoing momentum will continue,” he said. 

Chait pointed to an average 12.5% growth rate in recent years, adding, “We’ve got an experienced, accomplished group with our collective sleeves rolled up on multiple initiatives already well underway. Together, we’ll continue to drive educational excellence at every level in support of individual professionalism and broader industry success.”

Alongside Pollard and Chait, the executive committee includes Evan McElligott, CTA, president of Longer Vacations. The full board of directors is composed of:

• Rick Baron, CTC, former managing director, global sales, Tauck, Inc.

• Laurie Bohn-Isaure, CTIE, senior director, national accounts, Silversea Cruises

• Drew Daly, CTIE, SVP & general manager – WTH/Dream Vacations

• Jackie Friedman, CTIE, president, Nexion Travel Group

• Rick Meadows, CTC, former president, Seabourn Cruise Line

• Alex Pinelo, CTC, chief sales officer, AmaWaterways

• Jill Romano, CTIE candidate, owner, Dimensions in Travel

To support a smooth transition, Petras will remain available in a consulting capacity through 2026.

Petras began her travel career in 1986 as a retail travel agent and went on to gain experience in corporate travel, agency ownership, software development, and training. 

She has also served on advisory boards for Ritz-Carlton and various community organizations.

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