My name is Cindy Coggin, and together with my husband and business partner, Jeff Coggin, I co-own Coggin Travels. We are a Nexion-hosted agency based in Newnan, Georgia. I am seeking to represent the vital small agency community as an At Large National Director for ASTA. While over 6,000 Independent Counselors (ICs) constitute a significant majority of ASTA's membership, their collective booking volume is surpassed by Core and Premium members. This disparity underscores the unique needs of ICs and small agencies, which often diverge from those of larger counterparts. Effective representation is crucial to ensure these distinct interests are addressed. ASTA has been instrumental in amplifying the voice of ICs and small agencies, providing essential advocacy both within our industry and before government bodies. I am very committed to contributing to and strengthening that voice. 

My roots run deep in Iowa, having grown up along the banks of the Mississippi River. My academic foundation, built at St. Ambrose College and solidified with a Psychology degree focused on Consumer Behavior from the University of Iowa, paved the way for a dynamic career in the travel industry. Early experiences at TravelHost Magazine and as an Incentive Planner in Dallas provided a practical education, but it was at American Express where my skills truly crystallized. Ranking in the top 10% of national producers as Sales Manager for Incentive Services, I ascended to Business Travel District Sales Manager, leading a team to achieve our $14 million quota in booked airline volume within the crucial "middle market sector." This period was transformative, instilling in me the critical importance of strategic planning, and effective team management – all important assets for advocating on behalf of ASTA members. 

Prioritizing our son's upbringing, I made the fulfilling choice to pause my career and raise him in Park Ridge, IL. Today, he is a thriving restaurateur, embodying the values I in which I believe. Throughout my time at home, I maintained a strong connection to the travel industry vicariously through my husband's and father-in-law's leadership positions at prominent travel companies. Beyond family, community engagement was a priority. I spearheaded a fundraising initiative for our high school's scholarship program, successfully leading a team to surpass $100,000 in donations. This achievement, recognized with the Community Hero award, solidified my belief in the power of collaborative effort and the significance of empowering others.

 

Re-entering the travel industry as an independent advisor through Nexion felt like the perfect progression. My husband Jeff and I realized our long-held aspiration by establishing Coggin Travels, a boutique agency. This direct experience as an agency co-owner provides me with invaluable insight into the daily realities—both the hurdles and the potential—encountered by independent contractors and small agencies.  I appreciate the essential elements necessary for success: delivering tailored client experiences, cultivating enduring relationships, and effectively managing the intricacies of today's travel market.

 

Contributing to my local community is a core value. I serve on the board of the Coweta County Samaritan Clinic, which supports patients without health insurance who are at or below 200% of the poverty level. My dedication continues with the Kiwanis Club of Coweta County where I hold a board position and am co-chair of both the Citizen of the Year committee and the Kiwanis County Fair booth.  Additionally, I have previously served as President of our HOA, am a founding member of P.E.O. Chapter BW in Georgia, I actively participate on various committees and sponsor numerous local charities. These diverse experiences have been instrumental in developing my leadership, collaboration, and consensus-building skills, qualities essential for effective representation within ASTA. 

My involvement with ASTA since 2020 has been incredibly rewarding, and I've always been a strong advocate for ASTAPAC. I'm absolutely delighted to announce that my husband and I are finalists for the ASTA River Cruise Agent of the Year!  I am proud to have successfully completed the Verified Travel Advisor certification process, which I found to be a demanding and rigorous experience.  I am eager to use my firsthand experience to champion the program's continued evolution. As an ASTA Board member, I will work to continue making the Verified Travel Advisor program practical, readily accessible, and beneficial, by providing essential support to members of all sizes, including large agencies, independent contractors, and small agencies.

 

ASTA's impactful advocacy has been instrumental in amplifying the travel agent community's voice to our government. I deeply admire ASTA’s achievements and am eager to contribute to ASTA’s continued success as an At Large National Director on the ASTA Board.  Together, we can build an even stronger future for ASTA. 

 

Dear ASTA Members, 

It has been an incredible honor to serve as your representative, and I am eager to continue advocating for you, the travel advisors and travel agency owners who are the backbone of our industry. I am asking for your vote once again for the position of Director At-Large on the ASTA Board of Directors. With over 25 years of experience in the travel business, I bring hands-on expertise, strategic insight, and leadership that will continue to benefit ASTA and its members. Together, we can shape a future for ASTA and the travel industry that is more innovative, inclusive, and successful than ever before. 

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside travel advisors, suppliers, and partners to strengthen our industry. From working with industry giants like Disney, Ensemble Travel Group, Hard Rock, Kempinski Hotels, and Regent, I understand the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities travel professionals face. This experience equips me to advocate for every member of ASTA, ensuring that your voices are heard and your interests are represented at the highest levels of the association. 

I have dedicated my career to elevating travel advisors, defending the integrity of our industry, and creating positive, lasting experiences for travelers worldwide. I remain committed to representing you and your business—ensuring that ASTA continues to deliver the best resources, opportunities, and value to all its members.

 

One of the key pillars of our success as an organization is maintaining the strength and independence of ASTA. As a Director At-Large, I will always advocate for you—your business—regardless of consortia or host affiliation, and whether your business is large or small. I believe that by staying independent and focusing on what’s best for all travel advisors and agency owners we can create and maintain a level playing field. I will ensure that your needs and perspectives are always prioritized, empowering all travel advisors and agency owners to thrive.

 

My career has been built on a commitment to advocacy and service. After balancing work and helping my children through college, I pursued a Master’s in Business Administration at Pepperdine University’s prestigious Graziadio Presidents and Key Executives Program. My leadership experience as President of the Southern California Chapter of ASTA further strengthened my resolve to serve. 

When I took over as president, both our chapter and National ASTA were facing significant financial challenges, declining membership, and the need for reinvention. With the support of key industry leaders, including Roger Block, Alex Sharpe, Matthew Upchurch, Edie Rodriguez, Jackie Friedman, Vicki Freed, and countless others, we turned both our chapter and National ASTA around. Under my leadership, SoCal ASTA won Chapter of the Year, became the third most financially stable chapter in ASTA, and grew membership. We created nationally recognized events such as the Millennial & Mentors Mixers, Luxury Travel Showcases, Legislative Forums, and the Diamond Awards—events that brought the industry together and fostered meaningful connections. 

This success story is a testament to the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and effective leadership—values that I will continue bringing to ASTA at the national level. 

Raised in a large, tight-knit family with Midwest roots, I learned early the value of teamwork, communication, and accountability. These values shape my leadership style, and I apply them in every aspect of my work. As an ASTA leader, I have always worked to ensure members have the resources they need to succeed. My open-door policy means I am always available to you—whether through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or in person. I will continue to keep you informed on industry news, trends, and opportunities, always ensuring that ASTA remains a trusted partner in growing your business. 

 

Advocacy, particularly at the legislative level, has been a cornerstone of my commitment to ASTA. Over the years, I have worked with legislators in California and Washington, D.C., helping to shape policies that benefit travel advisors. From securing relief during the COVID-19 crisis to ensuring our concerns are represented in key legislative discussions, I’ve consistently advocated for policies that support the growth of our industry. 

As your representative, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure our voice remains strong in Washington, D.C., advocating for laws that support the long-term growth and success of the industry. 

The road ahead for ASTA and the travel industry is bright. Working with leaders like Zane Kerby and the ASTA National Staff, I have seen firsthand the strides we’ve made in revitalizing ASTA. Moving forward, I want to continue to help ensure that ASTA remains a progressive, forward-thinking organization that thrives for years to come. 

We’ve made great progress, but there is still work to be done. We must remain focused on strengthening travel advisors’ independence, fostering innovation, and amplifying the collective influence of all our members. We stand on the brink of a new era for travel advisors, and I am committed to leading that charge. 

Your Success is My Mission 

I’m asking for your vote because I’m ready to continue serving you. My mission is clear: to ensure that ASTA remains a powerful force that empowers all travel professionals—whether from the smallest agency or the largest consortia. I will continue to listen to your needs, advocate for your concerns, and help shape the future of our industry with your success at the heart of it all. 

Pamela Irwin, CTA, CTC, VTA, MBA 

Candidate for Director At-Large, ASTA Board of Directors 

Luis Lama started Summit Travel to serve the large Ministry-Travel market. 

He was born in Lima, Peru and grew up in Texas. While attending Southern Methodist University, he had the opportunity to study abroad in England and Italy, igniting his love for travel. He earned two bachelors in 2004, graduating with degrees in Corporate Communications & Public Affairs and Psychology. 

Luis served on a long-term mission in South America in 2008 then earned his Masters in Missiology in 2011 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After serving the local church, on the pastoral staff, he joined a ministry-focused travel agency in Dallas. 

Luis is passionate about partnering with ministry leaders across the nation to enable them to be the best steward of their finances, taking advantage of their 501c3 statues and promoting the Travel Advisor industry! Luis is well respected and trusted, to this market, because of his background. 

Luis speaks at Christian Conferences and Christian webinars sharing Travel Industry tips and tricks and airline best practices. This is a huge market that will continue to spike as the cost and complexity of international travel decreases. This market needs guidance and welcomes it. 

Luis is actively working with Churches, Christian Universities and Mission Sending Agencies through client relationships and providing Travel Industry educational tracks. 

 

Luis continues to go on mission trips with reputable Ministries and continues to study the travel industry up close through ASTA. He enjoys carpentry, basketball, and tacos. He lives in Richardson, Texas with his wife and 3 daughters!