Kathy Sudeikis Inducted Into ASTA Hall of Fame

Kathryn W. Sudeikis, vice president of corporate relations for All About Travel in Mission, KA, was inducted into ASTA’s Hall of Fame. The award is the highest honor that ASTA presents to individuals. ASTA’s Travel Hall of Fame Award was established in 1971 during the 41st World Travel Congress in Sydney. Its purpose is to recognize and honor individuals whose careers have greatly influenced the development and expansion of the travel and tourism industry.

“I have known Kathy for many years, ever since I joined ASTA, and I can attest to how hard she works on behalf of our industry, each and every day. Her enthusiasm for her profession shines through in all that she does—we couldn’t ask for a better cheerleader. She is a tireless advocate for travel agents, a proud member of ASTA and a skilled businesswoman,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “Travel agents entering the industry now would be well served to pattern themselves after her.”

Sudeikis is a former ASTA National President and CEO and served a two-year term in this role beginning in October 2004. Prior to that, she served as National Vice President for four years. Before her national election, Sudeikis was a member of ASTA’s Board of Directors representing the Missouri Valley and Upper Midwest Chapters. Sudeikis has also served the Society as presiding officer of ASTA's Chapter Presidents Council and chaired ASTA’s 63rd World Congress in St. Louis in 1993.

Sudeikis was the lead issue manager on ASTA’s consumer awareness campaign. In that role she oversaw the Society’s efforts to promote the value of the travel agent and spearheaded the public relations campaign, with the slogan, “Without a travel agent, you’re on your own.”

A working travel age and 40 year veteran of the industry, Sudeikis appeared in Travel Agent magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women” in travel. In 2008, she received ASTA’s Travel Agent of the Year award.

An accomplished speaker, Sudeikis has addressed groups at many industry events, including the National Tour Association (NTA), the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Travel Agent Associations of India, South Africa, Australia and Germany.

Sudeikis earned her Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) distinction in 1976 from The Travel Institute (formerly the Institute of Certified Travel Agents) and was awarded a lifetime membership in 1983. She is currently active on the travel agent advisory boards for Travel & Leisure, Greaves Tours of India, Rail Europe, Dollar-Thrifty Automotive Group and The German National Tourist Board.

In the past, she has consulted on a variety of other boards including: Alamo Car Rental, The American Express Travel Agent Advisory Board, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Disney Attractions and the State of the Maine.

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