Erika Richter, ASTA's vice president of communications, will depart the Society in March.
Erika Richter
Richter has been with ASTA for more than 10 years, originally joining as its manager of government affairs and communications and rising through the ranks.
Among many other initiatives, the Society rebranded from the American Society of Travel Agents to the American Society of Travel Advisors during her tenure. ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby announced her departure in a recent email to his leadership team. He also shared something he wrote regarding Richter being named to TravelPulse's Travel Industry 40 Under 40 program (TravelPulse and Travel Weekly have the same parent company, Northstar Travel Group).
"When Erika arrived at ASTA, mainstream media stories about travel advisors ranged somewhere between indifference to outright hostility," Kerby wrote. "With determination, skill and sheer grit, Erika has done more to change the public perception of the great work that travel advisors do, than anyone. We're grateful to call her a colleague, and proud she's being recognized for her work."
Kerby also recognized Richter's work as a vocal advocate for the protection of children after the 2018 death of her infant daughter, Emma, who had been using a Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper.
"In addition to her stellar work for ASTA, Erika has been a tireless advocate for accountability and change to protect the most vulnerable among us," he said. "She was invited to the White House to witness legislation signed as a result of her Congressional testimony and advocacy."
Richter said she will be taking time off to spend with her young son, Rex.
"We are grateful for her years of service, her passion and dedication, and wish her well in future endeavors," Kerby said.