The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), in partnership with Travefy, proudly announced the recipients of the inaugural ASTA Emerging Leaders Award presented by Travefy during the ASTA Globes.
Created to spotlight the next generation of leaders shaping the future of travel, the ASTA Emerging Leaders Award recognizes advisors ages 45 and under who are actively driving business growth, demonstrating innovation, mentoring others, and contributing meaningfully to the travel advisor community. The award reflects a holistic view of leadership, evaluating nominees across business performance, industry advocacy, professional development, client experience, and community impact.
Out of many nominations submitted from across the industry, eight advisors were selected for exemplifying what it means to be an Emerging Leader in today’s industry.
The 2026 ASTA Emerging Leaders Award recipients are:
Savannah Hill, Agency Owner of Savvy Travel, recognized for her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and business impact. Since founding her agency in 2016, Savannah has built a high-performing team of five advisors, each making approximately $1 million in annual sales, through intentional coaching and empowerment. Known for her innovative, authentic approach to family travel and her blend of business acumen and emotional intelligence, she leads with purpose while actively giving back through Nexion’s Young Professionals Network and ASTA advocacy efforts.
Sam Johnson, Founder and CEO of Rivers to Peaks Travel, recognized for rapid business growth, innovative trip design, and meaningful industry mentorship. In less than two years, Sam grew his sales from approximately $500,000 to over $2 million by building deep, trust-based relationships and delivering highly personalized travel experiences. Known for pushing boundaries in the luxury-adventure space, he designs unforgettable itineraries that blend exclusive access, and immersive experiences tailored to each client. Beyond his client work, Sam co-leads a multi-university internship program introducing hundreds of hospitality students to careers in travel advising, helping strengthen the industry’s next generation of leaders.
Amy Thomasson, Independent Advisor with Travelmation, recognized for rapid business growth, deep destination expertise, and industry-wide mentorship. In just a few years, Amy has built a highly differentiated Japan-focused travel business, designing more than 100 fully custom itineraries and achieving consistent year-over-year revenue growth. Known for her innovative use of social media as a marketing tool and an educational platform, she also mentors advisors nationwide through training programs and masterclasses that elevate cultural fluency, confidence, and excellence in complex destination planning.
Kristin Hancock, Agency Owner of Bright Life Travel Company, recognized for her rapid business growth, innovative use of technology, and leadership within the travel advisor community. In under two years as an independent agency, Kristin has grown Bright Life Travel Co. to nearly $1 million in annual sales, with a clear path toward $2 million, driven largely by referrals and repeat clients. Known for blending high-touch service with smart systems, she has built custom AI tools and CRM workflows that streamline operations without losing the personal touch. An active ASTA leader and YPS Chair within her chapter, Kristin is deeply committed to mentoring emerging advisors and building a business rooted in professionalism, generosity, and long-term impact.
Shannon Kittner, Owner and Founder of The Wander Network, recognized for building a fast-growing, modern host agency focused on developing the next generation of travel advisors through education, innovation, and community. Since launching The Wander Network in 2024, Shannon has scaled the agency to nearly 100 advisors while implementing robust training programs, strategic supplier partnerships, and content-driven recruitment. Through her hands-on mentorship and industry education initiatives, she is helping shape a more connected, confident, and future-ready travel advisor community.
Megan Love, Vice President of STM Travel Design, a division of Share the Magic Travel, recognized for sales performance, mentorship, and leadership-driven growth. Over the past several years, Megan achieved consistent 25–30% year-over-year revenue growth, becoming the agency’s top-producing advisor in both 2023 and 2024. Her leadership also played a pivotal role in expanding the agency infrastructure, supplier partnerships, and referral programs. In her agent community, she has mentored more than 150 advisors through a comprehensive training program she created, helping elevate professionalism, confidence, and long-term growth in agency.
McLean Robbins, Founder and Lead Designer of Lily Pond Luxury, was recognized for strong business growth, leadership, and innovation in luxury travel. Lily Pond Luxury has achieved more than 100% year-over-year growth, reaching nearly $10 million in annual revenue while maintaining a 90%+ client retention rate. McLean leads a team of advisors supported by shared services, brand administration, and strategic supplier partnerships that strengthen advisor performance and client experience. An active industry contributor and mentor, she also serves on advisory and content boards focused on advancing the travel advisor profession.
Tiffany Elberfeld, Founder of The Travel Pro Summit, recognized for her leadership in education and community building within the travel advisor industry. A former educator, Tiffany has transformed her passion for teaching into one of the industry’s most collaborative learning experiences. In just over two years, the Travel Pro Summit has brought together more than 9,500 travel advisors and over 50 industry leaders across multiple editions, creating space for meaningful connection, shared insight, and professional growth. Through her work, Tiffany continues to make a lasting impact on how advisors learn from one another, support each other, and grow their businesses.
“Emerging leaders are essential to the long-term growth and sustainability of our profession,” said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby. “These recipients represent the values that will carry our industry forward — integrity, innovation, mentorship, and a genuine commitment to excellence. We are proud to recognize this outstanding group and grateful to Travefy for partnering with us to make this award possible.”
“At Travefy, we believe the future of travel is built by advisors who lead with intention, elevate others, and embrace innovation,” said David Chait, Founder and CEO of Travefy. “It is an honor to celebrate these Emerging Leaders alongside ASTA and spotlight professionals who are shaping the next chapter of our industry.”
Each recipient was honored on stage during the ASTA Globes and received a custom crystal award symbolizing leadership, achievement, and innovation.
To learn more about the ASTA Emerging Leaders Award, visit EmergingLeaders.ASTA.org.
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