Sustainability Task Force
All are welcome!
NYSTIA and their Sustainability Task Force understands that sustainable tourism is an ongoing process and will have varying levels of progress as we work towards our goals.
NYSTIA's Sustainability Task Force is open to all NYSTIA members!
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to educate and bring awareness to sustainable tourism practices in New York State. We are committed to sharing resources and fostering collaboration among our members to encourage meaningful change and transform our communities. Through education, we aim to make sustainability attainable and aspirational for all. By promoting conservation and working together, we strive to create a future where tourism in New York State harmonizes with our natural and cultural resources.
Explore the Task Force’s Resources to learn more about programs, tools, and initiatives supporting sustainable tourism.
"Being part of NYSTIA's Sustainability Committee has been really useful to me and my organization, Discover Cayuga Lake. It's been a great way to network with others in the field and it's allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of NYSTIA's commitment to sustainability in tourism and how we can work together to spread the message through the work that we do. Nominating our organization for the Tourism Excellence Award and a Case Study was a great way for us to make some inroads into the NYSTIA community which is helping us to gain a deeper understanding of the tourism network in NYS and how we can all work best together to advance the industry that we care so much about. I highly encourage any individual or organization with an interest in sustainability to both join the committee and to submit a nomination for themselves or others who they wish to see recognized for the work that they're doing." - Astrid Jirka, Discover Cayuga Lake, Member of the NYSTIA Sustainability Task Force
“By joining a sustainability committee, you can actively contribute to initiatives that promote environmentally friendly practices within your organization or community. This can include reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting renewable energy sources and more. Small steps can lead to big wins!"
- Kate Kruk
NYSTIA Sustainability Task Force Chair
Partner & Engagement Director, Lynkwell
NYSTIA's Sustainability Task Force Members:
Kate Kruk - Chair of NYSTIA Sustainability Task Force, Partnership & Engagement Director, Lynkwell
Mark Luciano - Stakeholder Relations Manager, Brookfield Renewable US
Erin McDowell - Adirondack Station Manager, Revolution Rail Co
Michelle Kearns - Director of Communications, Visit Buffalo Niagara
Pamela Hadad-Hurst - Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Executive, NYS DEC
Paul Wagschal - The Wild Center
Raeann Adams - Community Planner, Akwesasne Travel
Whitney Skeans - Senior Program Manager, National Grid
Elena Oyer - Partnership Manager, Visit Rochester
Astrid Jirka - Director of Tourism Initiatives, Discover Cayuga Lake
Mary Haley - Marketing Manager, Westchester County Tourism & Film
Brooke Wilson - NYSTIA Staff Liaison