Workforce Development Committee
Make workforce development a part of your mission!
Committee Purpose: To strengthen and expand New York State's tourism industry by building career pathways, enhancing employer capacity, and connecting talent to opportunity across the state for a robust, sustainable tourism workforce.
Committee Vision:
In three years, the committee aims to have made the following impact for NYSTIA, its members and the greater NYS tourism industry.
- Established as a statewide resource for workforce development in tourism.
- Known for creating tangible results (e.g., job placements, internships, improved, stronger school-employer connections).
- Built a replicable model of tourism workforce development that can be copied across NYS.
- Established strong relationships with colleges, students, and local workforce systems.
- Facilitated personal connections at NYSTIA events between students and employers.
Committee Guiding Values:
- Equity and accessibility in tourism job opportunities.
- Community vitality through local workforce development.
- Practical, results-driven strategies with measurable impact.
- Collaboration and communication across sectors.
- Nicole Mahoney
Co-Chair, NYSTIA Workforce Development Committee
CEO, Travel Alliance Partnership
“Many regions across New York rely on tourism revenue to support essential government services and programs. That’s why it’s crucial that we invest in developing and sustaining a tourism and hospitality workforce that is passionate, skilled, and thriving. These are meaningful, viable careers that make a positive difference for visitors, local communities, and our great state.”
- Liza Ochsendorf
Co-Chair, NYSTIA Workforce Development Committee
Director of Workforce Development, Warren County
NYSTIA's Workforce Development Committee Members:
Nicole Mahoney - CEO, Travel Alliance Partnership & Podcast Host of Destination on the Left
Liza Ochsendorf - Director of Workforce Development, Warren County/Government
Valerie Knoblauch - Retired President of Finger Lakes Visitor Connection
Dwayne Thomas - Director of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development
Antwan Williams - Director of Youth System Services, RochesterWorks
Brandi Guerinot -Acting Dean in the College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management/Niagara University
Ryan McCabe - Finger Lakes Community College Associate Provost of Academic Innovation and Learning Resources
Bob Provost - President & CEO of NYSTIA
Brooke Wilson- NYSTIA Staff Liaison