Chris Chesak
After its formation last year by founder and president
Rainer Jenss, the Family Travel Association (FTA) has
named Chris Chesak to the newly created role of executive director.
Prior to joining FTA, Chesak served as director of partnerships
for the Intrepid Group and Adventure.com. Previously, he spent nine years at
the Adventure Travel Trade Association in various executive and business-development
roles. Chesak has also had stints at the American Hiking Society, where he
managed the National Trails Day program, and the American Alpine Club.
In his new role at FTA, Chesak has been charged with
developing and implementing new programs. He will oversee the recruitment of travel
industry suppliers and media partners.
Jenss, a former publisher of National Geographic Kids,
created FTA as an organization intended to promote family travel experiences,
simplify the family vacation travel-planning process, and educate consumers on
the positive impact travel has on young people.