ATIA Annual Convention Speakers
Browse our Convention speakers list by day and session to learn more about our speakers and moderators.
Tuesday, October 13
Tekla Butcher-Monson, Owner, Trail Breaker Kennel
Convention Emcee
Tekla Butcher-Monson is the daughter of four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher and Yukon Quest champion David Monson. She now carries on their legacy as the owner of Trail Breaker Kennel a longstanding tourism sled dog kennel in Fairbanks. Tekla is also the founder of the T-Dog, a new sled dog race in the Tanana Valley. She brings her theatre background into mushing by fostering creativity, collaboration, and community in everything she does.
Kirk Hoessle, President and CEO, Alaska Wildland Adventures
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Small Business Focus: Being a More Effective Leader
Kirk Hoessle is the President and Chief Exploration Officer of Alaska Wildland Adventures. Founded in 1977, he started out as a guide and trip leader in 1982 and became the principal shareholder and leader in 1987. For 20 years, Kirk served on the Board of ATIA, advocating for destination stewardship and sustainability. He also served two, 2-year appointments to the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (2012-2016), representing Alaska and small businesses in support of the Board’s advisory capacity to the US Government on planning and policy matters related to travel. Enhancing his leadership skills is a lifelong pursuit.
Janette Roush, Chief AI Officer and SVP of Innovation, Brand USA
SESSION: The Front Door and the Back Office: How AI Is Changing Both Sides of Tourism
As Chief AI Officer and SVP of Innovation at Brand USA, Janette spearheads AI-driven strategies to enhance tourism marketing, streamline internal operations, and foster innovation for the benefit of both Brand USA and the broader U.S. travel industry. Prior to joining NYC Tourism, she spent more than two decades marketing Broadway at organizations such as Broadway.com and AKA, a global leader in entertainment advertising and strategy. She is a two-time Ironman, a LinkedIn Top Voice, an expert advisor for the European and U.S. cohorts of the “AI Opener for Destinations” program, and was named a 2024 Influential #Eventprof by Northstar Meetings Group.
Valerie Stimac Bailey, Travel Writer
SESSION: Concurrent Session - The Influencer Equation: What Alaska Tour Companies Need to Know
Valerie Stimac Bailey grew up in Alaska, and though she has since moved to the Lower 48, she's made Alaska travel her career as a writer, influencer, and travel agent focused on helping others explore the state she still loves. (She's also moving back to Anchorage in 2027!) Through more than a decade traveling back to Alaska, she's built a network of partners and connections to provide value to businesses across the state.
Wednesday, October 14
Jackie Contaldo, Account Director, Miles Partnership
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Maximizing Your Co-Op Marketing on TravelAlaska.com for AI
With 15-plus years on both the agency and client side, Jackie knows what partners actually want: sharp strategy, straight answers, and work that delivers. Now in her fourth year at Miles, she turns big-picture goals into clear plans, keeping teams aligned and her clients ahead of what's coming next. Off the clock, she's busy collecting passport stamps (22 countries and counting!), nose deep in a book, hiking peaks, setting up camp, or on a quest for the best ramen in town.
Jeff Green, Deputy Director, Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Expanding the Map: New Tourism Opportunities Across Alaska
Jeff Green serves as the Deputy Director of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office, where he leads strategic land and resource development initiatives across a diverse statewide land portfolio. He is dedicated to maximizing Trust revenues through responsible land, mineral, energy, forestry, and real estate development to ensure Trust lands support Alaskans’ long‑term mental health needs.
Carl Johnson, Owner, Alaska Photo Treks
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Growing Dark Sky Tourism in Alaska
Carl Johnson is a nature photographer residing in Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife, Michelle. He has served as the artist-in-residence for Gates of the Arctic, Badlands, Rocky Mountain, and Shenandoah National Park. He was the “Environmental Issues” winner for the Windland Smith Rice International Awards in 2010. In 2017, he was awarded the Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography, Film, or Video by the Alaska Conservation Foundation. Carl’s book, Where Water is Gold: Life and Livelihood in Alaska’s Bristol Bay, was published by Braided River in 2016. He has worked as a lecturer for Tony Robbins, Princess Cruise Lines, and several remote wilderness lodges in Alaska.
Carl is an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers and a member of the North American Nature Photography Association. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers, Visit Anchorage, and Alaska Dark Skies.
Jaimie Palmer, Lewis & Palmer Consulting
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Expanding the Map: New Tourism Opportunities Across Alaska
Liv & Mo's mom first, Jaimie is an entrepreneur, tourism professional, and community leader based in Ketchikan, Alaska. Her work spans port redevelopment, commercial real estate development, tourism, hospitality, retail, and consulting. She is a partner in Alaska Port Innovations, actively redeveloping the Port of Ward Cove, and her portfolio includes Newtown Wharf & Mercantile, Fireside Feast, O&M Holdings, Ketchikan Candle Company, Palmer Consulting, and Lewis & Palmer Consulting. Most recently, Jaimie expanded her work internationally as the owner of Global Shore Partners. Jaimie also serves as Vice Mayor of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly and is passionate about building projects and partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for communities, businesses, and the visitor industry.
Tasha Shields, US Wildland Fire Service
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Avoiding the Disaster Zone: Managing Environmental Threats in Alaska's Tourism Industry
Tasha Shields began her fire career in 2001 with BLM in her home state of Nevada, working in dispatch and on a helicopter crew. She moved to Alaska in 2006, working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection as an engine and helitack firefighter before joining BLM Alaska Fire Service in 2016. Since then, she has held various roles in firefighting, fuels, and fire management. Tasha holds a Type 3 Incident Commander qualification along with other operational firefighting credentials.
Stacey Simmons, Vice Predident, Koniag Region Investments
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Sustainability: Do Solar Energy Systems Make Sense for your Business?
Stacey “Imaq” Simmons is an Alutiiq leader with deep roots in the Kodiak Archipelago and a strong commitment to serving her region and community. As Vice President of Koniag Region Investments, Simmons leads initiatives that support sustainable economic opportunities while balancing corporate priorities with community values. She oversees the Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge, Kodiak Granite Quarry, and Koniag’s Shareholder Services department. Previously, Simmons served as Koniag’s Senior Director of In‑Region & Shareholder Services and as Development Director for the Native Village of Afognak.
Born and raised in Old Harbor, Alaska, Simmons was shaped by a close connection to the land and a strong sense of responsibility to her people. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a certificate in Alaska Native executive leadership from Alaska Pacific University, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. Simmons serves on the boards of the Alaska Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska Travel Industry Association, and the Alutiiq Heritage Foundation. She is a shareholder of Koniag, Old Harbor Native Corporation, and Afognak Native Corporation, and a tribal citizen of the Native Village of Afognak and the Native Village of Port Lions. She lives in Kodiak, Alaska.
Kailee Stickler, Senior Vice President, Thompson & Co.
SESSION: Concurrent Session - What’s Working on Social Media in 2026 (and What’s Not)
As Senior Vice President at Thompson & Co., Kailee Stickler blends digital strategy, media planning, and creative storytelling to help clients connect with their audiences. As the founder of the agency's digital department, she leads integrated social media and digital advertising campaigns for clients across Alaska. Kailee provides strategic communications counsel to organizations including Travel Alaska, Visit Anchorage, Stan Stephens Cruises, GCI, Usibelli Coal Mine, Donlin Gold, and ANSEP, with a passion for using authentic storytelling to inspire audiences and drive results.
Jason Toole, Founder & Manager, Long Spring LLC
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Sustainability: Do Solar Energy Systems Make Sense for your Business?
Jason Toole is the Founder and Manager of Long Spring Solar and is an avid outdoorsman, father, husband, and Alaskan. As a retired Army Corps of Engineers officer, he applies a lifetime of experience in remote logistics and construction in providing power solutions for businesses across Alaska and the West Coast. The Team at Long Spring Solar provides unparalleled renewables expertise and electrical services solving complex problems, improving infrastructure, and reducing long-term operating costs.
Thursday, October 15
Kelly Bender
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Small Business Peer Roundtable: Experience Gathered While Starting, Operating, & Selling a Small Business
Growing up in Anchorage, Kelly Bender started working in tourism right out of high school s as a customer service rep with Holland America/Westours, with the goal of getting on the “boats.” The next summer she began her maritime career working for Brad Phillips on the Glacier Queen and starting up the 26 Glacier Cruise on the Klondike. In 1989 Kelly went to work for Chuck West and Alaska Sightseeing/Cruise West on their new overnight boat operation cruising between Seattle and Southeast. Prince William Sound and southcentral Alaska drew her back where she began working for Tom Tougass at Kenai Fjords Tours / Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises. Kelly proclaims that one of her greatest sources of pride was the opportunity to work and learn from the tourism legends, Brad Phillips, Chuck West, Tom Tougas and Dennis Brandon.
Mike and Kelly met in Whittier. They like to say their mutual love of Prince William Sound was what led them to the love of their lives. Kelly loves to joke that she joined the “Whittier Wives Club,” being one of a few who have met their husbands in this small maritime town. While growing their business, Lazy Otter Charters, hey raised their three kids in Whittier and on Prince William Sound. The Benders loved being a family business with all of the kids helping run the 4 charter boats, café & gift shop and kayak rental and guiding business. In 2021, to add to controlled chaos, they purchased Whittier Fudge -Sound Ideas Gifts. In 2024 Lazy Otter Charters celebrated it’s 30th year anniversary.
January 2026 Mike and Kelly sold Lazy Otter Charters to two of their employees. Keeping the café business and moving the fudge operation into the café building. Rebranding the café to Frisky Mermaid Café and Gifts and Whittier Fudge. They added being operators for AVIS Alaska in Whittier, for the 2026 just to mix it up a bit. Mike and Kelly Bender have continually worked to keep the wilderness values of Prince William Sound top priority. Toward these efforts they are active board members of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Commission, Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation and the Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce.The Bender’s were honored with Visit Anchorage Tourism Advancement Award in 2016, Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Alyeska Award in 2018 and recently received the Life Time Achievement award for 2026 from Visit Anchorage.
Justin Gibbs, Director of Strategy and Insights, Miles Partnership
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Reimagining Web Strategy in an AI-First World
Justin directs the SEO, SEM and Analytics teams at Miles, ensuring that traffic is being driven to our sites through paid and organic channels, and that website activity is properly attributed. He's been at Miles for 11 years with 17 years of experience in web and digital. When he's not working, he can usually be found working on home improvement projects, getting lost in his hobbies (which are scattered all over the house), watching birds splash around in his pond, playing with his dog Miles, and riding his bicycles.
Heather Haugland, Vice President, McKinley Research Group
SESSION: Concurrent Session - Alaska's Air Passenger Market: Report from Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Sitka Airport Surveys
Heather has been studying Alaska's tourism industry since she joined McKinley Research in 1999. She has overseen surveys of tens of thousands of visitors and regularly conducts tourism industry research including economic impact studies, resident surveys, market analysis, and port development planning. Her clients include ports, municipalities, Alaska Native Corporations, tribal organizations, DMOs, and ATIA.
Kris Miller, President, MSI Communications
SESSION: 180 Seconds of Fame!
Kris Miller is the President of MSI Communications, a full-service marketing, advertising and PR firm in Anchorage that serves many tourism clients across Alaska. She is an avid outdoors person, likely to be running, hiking or backpacking in the mountains or enjoying quiet time with her husband & dog at their cabin in Talkeetna. Her background in tourism began as Sales & Marketing director for Alaska Wildland Adventures, and her first ATIA convention was in Whitehorse in 2011. She is a passionate advocate for Alaska tourism, shares her knowledge with visiting friends, relatives and anyone who will listen that sits next to her on a plane. Her hobby-job is teaching cycling class at the local YMCA in Anchorage, so get ready because you might have to do a warm-up before the 180-seconds of Fame begins!
Travis Napper, Director of Destination Partnerships, Tourism Economics
SESSION: The Road Ahead - The Outlook for the Economy and Travel in Alaska
Travis Napper is Director of Destination Partnerships at Tourism Economics; an Oxford Economics company dedicated to understanding the relationship between travel and the economy. Travis uses his experience as both a state tourism director and a DMO President to connect DMO clients to data-centric solutions and has the understanding to provide answers to complex problems.