Company: Leisure Associative Collective

Job title: CEO

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 2

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Accommodation

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 25

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role:
I have been a board member several advisory boards in Education, Accommodation Industry and Education.
See below:
Director and board member – Leisure accommodation collective
Member – Study Gold Coast Advisorty Board
Member – Bond University business and tourism advisory board
Member – Accommodation Assoc of Australia state advisory board
Member – Tourism Transport Forum advisory board

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application:
I am currently the Chief Executive Officer of Leisure Accommodation Collective, the largest owner and operator of hybrid hostel/hotel accommodation in Australia and New Zealand, with a portfolio of 11 properties and over 3,000 beds across the region. Our business is deeply embedded in the youth and experiential travel sector, and we maintain strong partnerships with key industry bodies, national tourism organisations, and leading operators throughout Australasia.

Prior to this role, I served as Chief Operating Officer of a boutique accommodation group with a focus on luxury regional properties, managing a portfolio of seven unique assets across various market segments in Australia.

Before that, I was Head of Commercial Operations for the publicly listed Mantra Group, headquartered on the Gold Coast. Over a 10-year tenure, I played a key role in the group’s evolution through various ownership models — from private equity to public listing — and was instrumental in the commercial performance of a portfolio spanning 130 properties across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Hawaii. During this period, I served on several advisory boards and was actively engaged in strategic discussions shaping travel and hospitality sectors across these markets.

Earlier in my career, I held senior leadership roles with globally recognised hospitality brands including Langham Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Accor, and Hayman Island, with experience across both Australia and Asia.

With a background spanning luxury hotels, large-scale commercial operations, and innovative hybrid accommodation models, I bring a deep understanding of how to build and scale brands that connect with the evolving needs of today’s travellers — while maintaining strong community, government, and industry relationships.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position:
30 Years experience in the accommodation sector, I believe I can bring a fresh commercial perspective to both WYSE Travel Confederation and the youth travel sector.

Kathleen Murphy

Company: Saintlo Hostels

Job title: Director of Marketing

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 20+(former HI Canada/ Eastern region)

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Accommodation

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 10+

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role:
As a creative and passionate Director of Marketing for a youth hostel collective, I bring a strong track record in hospitality and tourism, with a particular focus on the needs and interests of young travelers. Bilingual in French and English, I offer international perspective and cross-cultural communication skills. My expertise spans market research, KPI analysis and insights, digital marketing, branding, and account management. I’ve worked closely with both business development and marketing teams to design and implement content strategies that are engaging, relevant, and aligned with organizational goals. My hands-on experience in the sector and data-driven approach to storytelling position me to contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of WYSE Travel Confederation.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position:
Passionate leader in youth travel, combining hospitality marketing, destination strategy, and social impact to help shape a vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused travel sector.

Scott Heptonstall

Company: The Learning Adventure

Job title: Head of Global Operations

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 7

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Study Abroad

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 10

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role:
Head of Global Operations for educational tour brand, The Learning Adventure.
Regional Coordinator for EF Educational Tours, one of the world’s largest educational tour providers.
Highly rated Tour Director for educational tours.
Study abroad experience via Erasmus program.
Language Coordinator for Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Bristol.
Multi-lingual – English / French / Italian.
Experience living and working in global setting

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position:
Study abroad changed my life. I have the skills, experience and passion to now help others access life changing
educational travel around the world.

Jason Nusser

Company: Greenheart International

Job title:Vice President of International Business Development & Operations

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 20+

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Study Abroad

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 12

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
Avid networker
Strong written and oral communication skills
Proficient user of technology

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
Employment History
• Vice President of International Business Development & Operations, Greenheart International (May 2022 – Present) • Director of International Business Development, Greenheart International (October 2015 – May 2022)
• International Relations Manager, Greenheart International (October 2010 – September 2015)
• Youth Development Volunteer, United States Peace Corps (Lubny, Ukraine) March 2007 – May 2009

Education
• School for International Training, Program in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management (2009-2010)
• B.S. Developmental Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (May 2006)
• B.A. Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (May 2006)

Professional Highlights
Have worked in the field of cultural exchange and international education for 12+ years. Have traveled extensively internationally and have developed a deep interest in other cultures.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
I will strive to bring enthusiasm to the Sector Panel and focus on trying to attract additional WYSE members.