Do you ever wonder about the voice on the other end of the telephone line when you call Group Sales? We thought so, and decided it was time for an introduction. Below, you’ll learn about members of our Affinity Group Sales Team, who are ready to help you plan your group’s next trip.
Sam Rosenberg, Senior Vice President, Traveler Relations
I recently rejoined OAT as the Senior Vice President of Traveler Relations after a short retirement, assisting in expanding the sales and marketing of our group trips to affinity organizations. Having been in the business for over 35 years, it was difficult for me to stay away! I’ve traveled extensively throughout Europe, cruised from Amsterdam to the Black Sea, and vacationed in Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. In my spare time, I enjoy a spirited game of tennis and spending time with my teenage daughter.
John James Vavrina, Director of Group Affinity Sales
I began my career on Wall Street and worked there for more than a decade building and developing sales teams. Although new to OAT, I am not new to working in the travel industry. I have walked the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, explored the mysteries of Machu Picchu, hiked the rock-cut architecture of Petra, swam in the Dead Sea, climbed the stairs at the Great Wall of China, stood on the stage of the Passion Play in Oberammergau, and drank the Glühwein from most of the Christmas markets in Europe ... (and yet I still can’t get the light to stop blinking on my DVD player!). I am a registered leader with the Boy Scouts of America and the father of three young children. My free time is spent with my family—scattered between scouting, volunteering, and sports. I look forward to providing you with a team of highly skilled, professional travel experts who assist in making your travel program the best in your area.
Jeffrey Alves, Territory Sales Manager
Traveling is a passion of mine, and I have been to six continents and over 70 countries. I consider myself fortunate to work for the leader in the travel industry and utilize my 20 years of experience in group travel. I find that the most rewarding part of group travel is building relationships through friendship and trust. I am fortunate to count many Group Leaders that I have worked with as close friends. My son Jeffrey (or Jeff as he likes to be called now that he’s 12!) is the inspiration in my life. It’s a wonderful thing to see the world through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy. I enjoy volunteering, serving on the board of local clubs and organizations, including the local Little League. My son and I love all the local sports teams—Pats, BoSox, Celts and B’s. Now let’s get started planning your next adventure!
Anthony Iozzia, Territory Sales Manager
I’ve worked in the travel industry for 17 years, focusing specifically on international group travel for the mature market. I’ve been lucky enough to take my wife and three daughters on many exotic vacations around the world, including trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Italy, France, Greece, and Croatia. I love experiencing new cultures, and have been to 35 countries on six continents— although I haven’t been to Antarctica, it’s certainly on my list. I particularly enjoy traveling to Europe because of the amazing culture, history, architecture, people, and cuisine. I’ve lived in New Jersey my whole life, and in my free time I enjoy watching my daughters play basketball, softball, and volleyball.
Lanny Landis, Territory Sales Manager
I joined OAT’s Group Affinity Sales Department after 14 years in the travel industry. I've been fortunate to visit 36 countries—some of my favorite experiences have been scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, a safari in Africa, a sunset in Mykonos, and a pub visit in Ireland. I’m always thinking about where my travels will take me next, and enjoy sharing experiences with fellow world travelers. One of the greatest benefits of travel has been to see the world through the eyes of my two teenage daughters. In my spare time, I'm an avid runner and am currently training for my first marathon.
Joan Thornton, Territory Sales Manager
Although new to OAT, I have worked in the travel industry for 30 years with a focus on group travel. I’ve been blessed to have traveled the world to experience unforgettable moments like riding a camel in Jordan, tasting wine in Provence, walking the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, touring the Sydney Opera House, and cruising along the Danube River. I’ve also vacationed in Alaska, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. I love meeting with fellow world travelers to discuss future travel plans. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, bicycling, and bowling in a competitive league with my husband.
Brady Ryan, Account Executive
I joined OAT’s Sales department in 2009, and most recently became part of the Group Sales Department in 2010. I enjoy sharing my love and enthusiasm for travel with our Group Leaders and building relationships and providing world-class service to them. I love to travel and have already visited the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and have spent a month traveling throughout Italy. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, watching sports, and savoring new wines.
Rudy King, Account Executive
My first adventure outside the U.S. was a trip to Germany in 1987. This journey sparked a passion, and since then I have traveled to 21 countries and 13 islands. I came to OAT in 2007, where I worked in Traveler Support and assisted periodically in the Group Sales Department. I really enjoyed developing relationships with our Group Leaders and began full-time in Group Sales in August 2011. Since then, I’ve strived to ensure that my customers receive world-class service before and during their trip – there’s nothing better than knowing someone is working hard to make your trip the very best it can be. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, swimming, racquetball, and spending time with my wife. We love to explore new countries and little hole-in-the-wall gems.