Scholarship Auction Committee
Support the next generation of tourism professionals!
The Scholarship Auction Committee is dedicated to investing in the next generation of tourism professionals by raising funds for the Destinations of New York State Scholarship Fund through the planning and execution of the Scholarship Auction. Through collaboration, creativity, and community engagement, the committee secures travel packages and contributions that directly support scholarships for aspiring tourism, hospitality, and culinary professionals. Its mission is to strengthen New York’s tourism industry by empowering future leaders.
The Scholarship Auction Committee meets monthly on Fridays to collect auction donations, share updates, and plan for the auction event at the 2026 NYS Tourism Conference in Utica, NY. Committee members also participate on-site at the NYSTIA Annual Conference, where the live auction is a highlight of the event and a crowd favorite. The Scholarship Auction Committee is open to all NYSTIA members.
2025-2026 Scholarship Auction Committee Members:
Jennifer Ackerson - DEAI Committee Co-Chair, President/CEO, Alon Tourism Solutions
Deborah Garry - Founder & President, BBG&G Integrated Marketing
Diane Meglino - Northeast Region Business Development Manager, Premier Travel Media
James Sauter - Co-Founder, Rove
Kelly Rapone - Tourism Director, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
Mary Gendron - Senior Vice President-Managing Director, Mower
Matt Mitchell - President, Corporate Communications