Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1140472
B M & T ••• May/June 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 13 HOLLAND AMERICA LINE ADDS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER POSITION FOR AFFINITY AND DIVERSITY GROUP SALES Hospitality and Travel Industry Veteran Lisa Blake Takes on New Role Holland America Line has added the position of Business Development Manager, Affinity & Diversity Group Sales to its growing sales force. Lisa Blake, a hospitality and travel industry profes- sional with more than 20 years in the business, was appointed to this new role. In this capacity, Blake will aim to expand group sales and work with travel advisors looking to grow their business in the affinity and diversity market, including, but not limited to, women, a variety of ethnicities, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ community. Blake will report to Denella Ri'chard, Holland America Line's senior director of trade communications and engagement. "There is an untapped market for affinity and diversity groups in the cruise industry; and as we grow our sales team, we're excited to add a professional like Lisa who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be beneficial in building up this area of our business," said Eva Jenner, vice president of sales for Holland America Line. "Holland America Line's perfectly sized ships are ideal for both business-oriented and vacation groups, and Lisa is going to provide invaluable support to the affinity group community." Blake comes to Holland America Line from the hospitality industry, where she worked in hotel operations as well as sales and conventions, with a specialty in driving diversity and affinity group business for large conferences and events. Most recent- ly she was the general manager responsible for opening a new Hampton by Hilton hotel in Locust Grove, Georgia, near Atlanta, where she resides. LILLIAN DUKES NAMED BOARD PRESIDENT OF HAITIAN NON-PROFIT, FONDATION ENFANT JESUS-USA Lillian Dukes, the highly respected senior operations leader who is principal and president of her own firm, LAD Consulting, has been elected president of the board of directors of Fondation Enfant Jesus-USA, the organization recently announced. Dukes, who boasts extensive global experience delivering strategic organizational improvements in the start-up, turnaround and mature manufacturing environments, has charted a noteworthy track- record of career achievement, having spent more than a quarter-century hiring, developing and lead- ing talented staffers, finding solutions and, most importantly, transforming organizations and compa- nies. Elected by a unanimous board vote, she has declared fundraising and international awareness to be her priorities for the near 35-year-old charitable organization. Dukes previously served as an FEJ- USA board member and vice president. A registered non-governmental, nonprofit corporation, FEJ is a successful charitable group based in Haiti which has worked for more than three decades to help break the cycle of poverty there, empowering local communities, and providing genuine care for Haiti's most vulnerable populations: Children and families. This core focus is unaltered with the new leadership. "At Fondation Enfant Jesus-USA, our mission and model has been consistent, and that is to build sustainable communities throughout the historic island nation by providing greater educational, health, vocational training and employment opportunities," Dukes states. "FEJ implements many acclaimed and effective programs, among them healthcare, nutrition, clean water and agricultural development, vocational training and literacy, among others," she adds. "We believe that in order to achieve lasting change long term, we must marshal the power of people, learning and working collectively toward a brighter future." A noted change agent, Dukes has conceived and guided change initiatives from concept through fruition and profitability for companies includ- ing American Airlines/American Eagle, Beechcraft Corporation, General Electric and Spirit AeroSystems. She began her professional life as an electrical and aeronautical engineer, before ascending steadily through the ranks to become a vice president with several companies. Broadly acknowledged as a humanitarian, and a leader making a positive difference in the technology industry and beyond, Dukes has been featured in a number of industry trade publications, and she is in frequent demand on the international speaking circuit as well while proudly mentoring students and young profes- sionals.