RISE Travel Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Hanisko as Chair of the Board. A respected leader in the global travel industry and a long-time advocate for responsible, ethical, and regenerative travel, Hanisko brings with her a deeply personal and professional connection to RISE’s mission.

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Hanisko first encountered RISE during the early days of the pandemic, a time when the travel world paused and space was created for deeper reflection.

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“At the time, several team members at Adventure Travel Trade Association, where I was serving as President, were helping to develop RISE’s educational content,” said Hanisko. “They were incredibly talented professionals like Milena Nikolova and JoAnna Haugen, whose vision I deeply admire. It caught my attention. Then three of my industry colleagues, Ann Becker, Eva Mossberg, and Tami Fairweather, enrolled in RISE’s Flagship Program and came away with nothing but praise. Their enthusiasm was infectious.”

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That period of reflection extended beyond work. Hanisko and a few close colleagues started an informal one-time book club to stay connected. They chose to read Beyond Guilt Trips by Dr. Anu Taranath. “It led to powerful conversations about privilege, identity, and how we move through the world,” Hanisko shared. “Now, years later, Dr. Taranath is leading RISE’s upcoming Experiential Journey to India. It feels like the arc has come full circle.”

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With decades of experience in travel leadership, brand development, and industry transformation, Hanisko is a passionate advocate for the kind of travel that educates, uplifts, and connects. Her belief is that travel can be a tool for justice, when approached with humility, curiosity, and care. “Travel shouldn’t just change your location,” she said. “It should change your perspective.”

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In her new role as Chair, Hanisko will work closely with RISE’s founder and Executive Director, Vincie Ho, Ph.D., and the rest of the Board to support the organization’s continued growth and impact.

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“Since founding RISE Travel Institute five years ago, I have served in multiple capacities, including Executive Director and Board Chair, to build and strengthen the organization during its formative years,” said Ho. “As we continue to grow, we’ve recognized the importance of establishing a clearer separation of responsibilities, both for the health of our nonprofit and to support long-term sustainability. With that in mind, the Board supported my decision to step down from my role as Board Chair so I can fully dedicate myself to leading the organization as Executive Director.”

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“It’s a significant transition, but one that feels absolutely right, especially because we’ve found the perfect person to take on this leadership role,” Ho continued. “Over the past 2 years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Casey on strategic planning and board development. Her leadership style is thoughtful, collaborative, strategic, visionary, and deeply values-aligned. I’m so excited to continue working with her in this new capacity and have full confidence in her ability to help guide RISE into its next chapter.”

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The current board includes a powerful group of interdisciplinary thinkers, each bringing deep expertise in education, justice, sustainability, and ethical travel:

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• Vincie Ho, Ph.D. – Founder and Executive Director

• Amanda Kendle – Vice President

• Hyungjoon Jin – Secretary & Acting Treasurer

• Mary Pat Champeau – Board Member

• Cathy Ji – Board Member

• Christine Winebrenner Irick – Board Member

• DeVere Kutscher – Board Member

• Inemesit “Ine” Williams – Board Member

• Lesly Aguilar Guzmán – Board Member

• Hazleena Hashim – Board Member

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As the travel industry continues to reckon with its role in global systems, from social, economic, to ecological, Hanisko believes RISE has a critical role to play.

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“RISE is one of the few organizations that is not only educating travelers, but also helping those who design travel experiences, guides, businesses, and changemakers, bring more awareness and responsibility into their work,” Hanisko said. “It’s an honor to support that work and help guide the next chapter.”

 

Explore our website to learn more about RISE Travel Institute’s programs, partnerships, or upcoming initiatives.