NBTA Ushers In Carol Devine As Prez

Former National Business Travel Association president Kevin Iwamoto this month at NBTA's conference in Dallas passed the presidential torch to Carol Devine, director of corporate travel for the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co.

Devine said NBTA's number-one priority is furthering its political action committee, created last year by Iwamoto. "There are so many issues that affect the business travel industry," Devine said, citing such controversial topics as CAPPS II and new visa requirements. "There has to be a credible voice." NBTA's PAC this May came to fruition as the organization took to Capitol Hill for its first annual Legislative Action Day, during which more than 75 NBTA corporate participants met with government officials and politicians to discuss the significance of business travel and the future of an industry in distress. Devine said she plans to move forward next year with NBTA's second annual LAD, as the organization strives to grow its political funding and member participation.

Asked whether there are some polarizing political issues between allied members and direct members, Devine said she will focus on mutual political concerns of all NBTA constituents as the organization continues "to focus on building relationships between allied members and direct members."

NBTA in May drafted a three-year strategic plan, which this year is pending approval from the board of directors. While Devine and Iwamoto could not give specifics on the plan, they agreed that NBTA is "well positioned for the future." The organization is working to tap into other revenue streams, attempting to wean itself off its financial reliance on its annual convention.

As Iwamoto steps down from his presidency, he remains an NBTA board member for the next two years. In the short term, Iwamoto will be the organization's "liaison in the international arena," Devine said. The position fits with Iwamoto's penchant for building international relationships among business travel counterparts abroad. Last year, following years of schismatic international relations, Iwamoto announced the formation of the Paragon Agreement, strengthening ties with business travel organizations throughout Europe and elsewhere. While Devine and Iwamoto said that NBTA historically has experienced some "rough transitions," the two leaders are working together to ensure consistency. Devine said that as president she has "a big pair of shoes to fill."