JG Black Book of Travel provides expert sales, marketing, public relations and distribution services to the world’s most exclusive travel experiences. We handpick properties and excursions that offer discerning travelers the opportunity to intimately connect with the most coveted destinations in the world.

Welcome to the ultimate traveler’s black book.

 
Uncommon Journeys
A lavish hotel set high above the rocky cliffs of Capri. A wilderness lodge perched on the edge of the Serengeti. A ship that cruises the Amazon in five-star comfort. The Black Book Collection by JG delivers a completely captivating and authentic experience no matter the destination.

Extraordinary Experiences
JG Black Book of Travel’s experts handpick travel companies that give travelers a true sense and experience of their destinations. And unlike other organizations, we look beyond hotels and resorts to include villas, tour operators, safaris, cruises and yachts, ensuring the collection offers the most meaningful and life-enhancing travel experiences from every corner of the globe.

Distinctive Style
While diverse in location and style, the members of the Black Book Collection by JG share a distinctive character and refined elegance. Each invitation-only member is stringently vetted to ensure travelers will always experience the collection’s hallmarks - authentic style, superior amenities, impeccable service and a dedication to philanthropic initiatives that better the world.

Exceptional Service
No matter the destination, JG Black Book of Travel is here to help make the journey an unforgettable one. Let us use our first-hand knowledge of the collection to help find the perfect setting, chose the right room and craft a dream vacation. Contact us at 888.241.9763 ext.1 or 815.313.5606 Monday-Friday from 9am – 6:30pm or email vip@jgblackbook.com for assistance.

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Our Staff

Jena Gardner - jena@jgblackbook.com
President and CEO
Entrepreneur, travel industry icon and marketing expert Jena Gardner turned a lifelong passion for travel into a thriving enterprise. She founded JG Black Book of Travel in 2002, and has built it into a highly successful consulting firm that provides expert marketing, promotion and sales services to the world’s finest travel providers.

Jena credits her own life-changing journeys as the inspiration for her company as well as her altruistic efforts. She sponsors eight children globally and has co-founded the The Bodhi Tree Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting environmental and humanitarian efforts related to travel and tourism sustainability.

Her innovative approach to business has garnered her several accolades and awards, including a 2009 Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s Adrian Award for being one of the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing”, 2009 Enterprising Women of the Year Award and Diversity Business’ “Top 100 Women Owned Businesses in the State of New York.”

She is also a sought-after industry consultant and speaker at prestigious conferences and events and a member of numerous associations including the Global Business Coalition, Women Presidents' Organization, National Association of Women Business Owners, Enterprising Women Advisory Board, Virtuoso Hotel Committee, Women Impacting Public Policy (Energy and Environmental Committee), National Center for Policy Analysis (Family Policy Center Advisory Board), Luxury Marketing Council, Cambridge Who’s Who and HSMAI.

A licensed CPA with an extensive background in luxury hotel management, Ms. Gardner spearheaded sales and marketing efforts for Ritz-Carlton and Montana’s Triple Creek Ranch before founding JG Black Book of Travel. She graduated with honors from the University of Montana's School of Business Administration.

Cathy Courtney - cathy@jgblackbook.com
Vice President, Communications and Branding
Cathy Courtney brought years of marketing and branding experience from a successful career in magazine publishing to JG Black Book of Travel. Most recently, Cathy served as the Promotion Director at American Express Publishing’s Travel + Leisure magazine where she was responsible for the publication’s brand messaging and key marketing initiatives. Prior to American Express, Cathy worked for G+J USA Publishing in the marketing and promotions departments of several national publications including Inc., Fast Company, and Family Circle magazines.

Cathy is responsible for all communications and branding for the JG Black Book of Travel Collection including the award-winning Annual Directory, extensive email blast program, website and all collateral, presentations and advertising.

Dolores Simonds - dolores@jgblackbook.com
Vice President, Industry Relations and Corporate Sales
Dolores Simonds is a travel veteran who brings extensive industry insight and sales experience to her role as the Vice President of Industry Relations and Corporate Sales. She joined JG Black Book of Travel following a long career at American Airlines. Dolores worked in a multitude of departments during her tenure including reservations, training, AA Vacations, passenger sales and global sales, where she was responsible for account development for large companies including Citigroup, Deloitte and KPMG.

Dolores’ extensive knowledge of corporate negotiations, account development and customer service as well as extensive management experience make her the ideal individual to head up JG Black Book of Travel's global Industry Relations team.

Sue Dorn - sue@jgblackbook.com
Vice President, Public Relations
Sue Dorn is a veteran public relations practitioner with more than 18 years’ experience spearheading successful public relations campaigns. Her extensive knowledge includes development and implementation of strategic positioning, marketing communications, promotional partnerships, special events and media relations for clients ranging from destinations and resort properties to high-end restaurants and luxury goods and services. She has worked at various large and small New York-based public relations agencies where she oversaw highly publicized grand openings of resorts on the East Coast such as Mohegan Sun and MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

In addition, she has helped rebrand hotel companies such as KSL Resorts and individual properties, including the Boca Raton Resort & Club, La Costa Resort & Spa, The Westin Resort St. John and El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico. Sue has secured coverage for her clients in national outlets, including NBC-TV’s “The Today Show,” CBS-TV’s “Early Show,” Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” CW11 Morning News, WNBC-TV’s “1st Look NY,” The New York Times, Food + Wine, Travel + Leisure, New York Post and Boston Globe.

Jennifer Virgilio - jennifer@jgblackbook.com
Managing Director, International
A highly-regarded travel industry professional, Jennifer brings a wealth of hospitality and international sales experience to her position as Director of European Operations. Jennifer began her career in travel with American Airlines, where she worked in the New York sales department for ten years. Jennifer moved into hotel sales as Sales Manager, then later Associate Director of Sales, for La Samanna where she was responsible for the U.S. market as well as U.K., France and Russia. Impressed by her success at La Samanna, Orient Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises tapped her to be their Director of National Sales.

Most recently, Jennifer was with Pineapple Marketing in London, managing the opening of their U.S. office while working closely with Campbell Gray Hotels. In her current role, Jennifer continues to develop the European market for JG Black Book of Travel and promote the JG Black Book Collection to an international audience.

Debbie Dirker - debbie@jgblackbook.com
Northeast Director of Industry Relations
With over 25 years of experience in executive leadership and travel services in various travel agencies, Debbie Dirker brings unparalleled knowledge and passion to JG Black Book in her role as Northeast Director of Industry Relations.

Prior to joining JGBB, Debbie proved her capabilities to be valuable in the areas of business development, membership and revenue growth, VIP services, with a focus on preferred partners at major agencies like American Express Consumer Travel and Falcon Travel. Her commitment to business development and creative partnerships allows her to find success in all aspects of her professional career and she has proven love for all things travel.

Maureen Kim - maureen@jgblackbook.com
Director of Industry Relations
Maureen Kim brings strong industry experience and insights, enthusiasm, and dedication to her new role as Director of Industry Relations responsible for the GHM collection.

Maureen is based in San Francisco where she built her career serving with several top luxury brands. Her first role following completion of her degree from Michigan State University’s The School of Hospitality Business was with the Park Hyatt, San Francisco, where she rose to the level of Group Sales Manager. She then joined the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, serving first as the Leisure and Corporate Sales Manager before being promoted to Director of Leisure Sales, The Americas for MOHG’s flagship property, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, as well as The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

Eva Perry - eva@jgblackbook.com
Director of Industry Relations
Eva Perry serves as Directory of Industry Relations and Account Specialist for the Black Book Collection's North American and European Partners. Eva is based in Southern California where she built a career in Leisure Sales with several top luxury brands including the Mandarin Oriental New York and the Peninsula Beverly Hills.

In her most recent role with The Resort at Pelican Hill she was responsible for sustained sales growth through innovative marketing and close collaboration with agency and entertainment partners.

Tania Popovic - tania@jgblackbook.com
Director of Industry Relations, Latin America 

Tania Popovic serves as Director of Industry Relations for Latin America. With over 14 years in the tourism industry, Tania brings a varied background and extensive travel experience to her position.

Tania is based out of JG Black Book of Travel’s Buenos Aires office. In her previous role as Tour & Travel Sales Manager with Faena Hotel + Universe, Tania was responsible for managing sales and marketing activities with a focus on the leisure segment.

Greg Wilshire - greg@jgblackbook.com
Director of Industry Relations
Greg brings extensive industry experience and a proven track record of consultative and strategic selling to his role as Director of Industry Relations. Before joining the firm he served as the North American Regional Sales Manager for The Rocco Forte Collection, where he worked to increase national account sales. At Intercontinental’s The Barclay, he worked closely with the agent community to increase both leisure and corporate business. And in his time as a Development Executive with Small Luxury Hotels, Greg brought in a record number of new hotels to the collection. He graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a BA in International Hotel Management.

Greg serves as the Account Specialist for the Black Book Collection by JG’s Adventure portfolio. A true adventure fan, he’s eager to share the portfolio’s diverse and exciting offerings with the travel professional community.

Katie Nodland - katie@jgblackbook.com
Senior Sales Manager 
Katie Nodland brings a varied background in tourism and extensive travel experience to her role as Sales Manager for JG Black Book of Travel. Katie has worked in the hospitality industry on multiple continents, from the luxury resort Bunker Bay in Western Australia to leading eco tours in Nicaragua. From Greece to New Zealand to Uruguay, she has been responsible for building customer relationships, leading marketing initiatives and increasing sales.

Kathrine Reed - kathrine@jgblackbook.com
Senior Sales Manager 

With over 15 years of experience derived as an executive of the corporate sales airline industry as well as the luxury Motorsports arena, Kathrine Reed is a welcome addition to the consulting services JGBB offers its clients.

Prior to joining JGBB, Kathrine established her abilities in the areas of business development, sales and revenue growth, and client retention while working with top level travel executives of Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, and CBS. By combining her passion for relationship development with her extensive travel experience throughout Europe, the Caribbean and North American, she brings forth strong industry insights and enthusiasm.

Erin McKeon - erin@jgblackbook.com
Senior Account Director
Erin is an experienced and highly strategic public relations professional with a deep understanding of the travel and tourism industries’ unique promotional needs. Prior to joining JG Black Book’s PR division, Erin focused on travel and tourism public relations in New York and directed a variety of accounts including The May Fair, Radisson Edwardian Hotels, Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau, Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts (EMEA), Travel Guard North America and The Hyatt Regency Tamaya. Erin has developed traditional and emerging media programs, as well as specialized projects for her wide range of clients.

Her dedicated and forward-thinking account work has led to HSMAI Adrian Awards and has been featured in leading publications as well as online and broadcast outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, CNN.com, CBS Early Show, The TODAY Show and others. Erin’s strengths are derived from her diverse experience within the travel industry – while living in Vail, CO, Erin created and implemented specialized marketing programs at The Sebastian-Vail hotel.

Alexandra Spang - alexandra@jgblackbook.com
Senior Account Director
Alexandra Spang has an extensive background in the luxury hotel industry, taking the helm of PR programs from in-house positions at Mandarin Oriental in Miami and Four Seasons properties in Miami and Scottsdale, Arizona. At Mandarin Oriental, Miami she held a dual role for almost three years and not only handled PR for the hotel but also implemented a group sales program for the property’s two restaurants, increasing sales by almost a quarter million dollars in the first year.

Prior to that she spent time working for a luxury travel PR agency in Miami, representing several resorts and hotels throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Originally from the Boston, Massachusetts area, Alexandra has spent a lengthy amount of time studying in Buenos Aires, the Dominican Republic and Spain.

Dave Heinzinger - dave@jgblackbook.com
Senior Media Strategist
Dave Heinzinger is a veteran publicist who joined JG Black Book’s PR division after successfully leading numerous public relations efforts for clients in both the travel and tourism and technology sectors. His experience includes destinations, airlines, hotels and travel insurance. Prior to joining JG Black Book, Dave led integrated media strategies for clients including Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau and Renaissance Resorts in Aruba and Curacao and conceptualized and executed successful social media initiatives for the Colorado Tourism Office.

Dave’s expertise has garnered numerous industry awards, including HSMAI’s Gold Adrian Awards for PR campaign and placements, and has secured coverage in national media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Post and Huffington Post.

Andrew Martell - andrew@jgblackbook.com

Marketing Manager
Andrew Martell joined the JG Black Book of Travel team in 2008. A graduate of Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, Andrew developed a passion for travel following a semester abroad in Milan, Italy. Before joining JG Black Book of Travel, Andrew held a number of successful positions at CBS News, Undertone Networks, Marmillion + Company and the DC Office of Cable and Telecommunications.

As Marketing Manager, Andrew is responsible for the coordination of the firm’s special initiatives, events and marketing opportunities. He also aids with JG Black Book of Travel’s many efforts on the corporate social responsibility front, including its premiere sponsorship of The Bodhi Tree Foundation.

Malcolm Macfarlane - malcolm@jgblackbook.com
UK Sales Manager
Malcolm brings a varied background and extensive travel experience to his role managing the industry relations on behalf of the JG Black Book Collection members in the UK and Europe. In his previous position with Hotel Missoni Edinburgh, Malcolm was responsible for managing client relationships within the luxury market for the hotel prior to its launch.

As Marketing Manager, Andrew is responsible for the coordination of the firm’s special initiatives, events and marketing opportunities. He also aids with JG Black Book of Travel’s many efforts on the corporate social responsibility front, including its premiere sponsorship of The Bodhi Tree Foundation.

Jide Iruka - jide@jgblackbook.com
Marketing Manager
Jide brings a varied communications, marketing and branding background to our team. Most recently she served as an Assistant Account Executive at The Concept Farm, a hybrid advertising, digital and production agency here in NY. Before that she worked in global marketing for National Geographic Learning in Boston, producing and project managing all marketing efforts for a range of their titles. In addition, while acquiring her MS in Advertising from Boston University, Jide did a brand strategy internship with CBX, a branding and consulting firm for packaged goods.

In her position as Marketing Manager, Jide coordinates email and web-marketing efforts for the members of our Collection.

Tyler LaMont - tyler@jgblackbook.com
Destination Specialist
Strong sales and promotional skills, solid industry knowledge and relationships, and an unmatched dedication to customer service are the hallmarks of JGBB’s Destination Specialist Tyler LaMont. Tyler came to JG Black Book of Travel in 2010 from New York-based tour operator Absolute Travel. During his time with JG Black Book of Travel, Tyler has been responsible for a number of key promotional trade initiatives including the VIP Agent Help Desk, Agent Rewards Program, and coordination of all JGBB’s road shows and travel tradeshows. An adventure advocate, Tyler’s passion for travel has taken him to Mexico, Canada, Philippines, Thailand, Nepal, India, Chile and Argentina.

Andrea Viscuso - andrea@jgblackbook.com
Public Relations Associate
Andrea Viscuso brings her outgoing personality and fresh perspective to promoting the travel and hospitality industries. She has designed creative public relations and social media campaigns as well as executed successful partnerships for a range of clients including: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Michelin starred restaurant Rouge Tomate, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, J House Greenwich Hotel, Delamar Hotels and restaurants across Connecticut.

Her work has garnered placements in various regional, trade and national publications including: Boston Globe, The New York Times, Hospitality Design, Luxury Travel Advisor, Condé Nast Traveler and Robb Report, among others.

Greg Santulli - gregs@jgblackbook.com
Sales Manager
Greg joined JG Black Book in 2012 as Sales Manager, providing sales and marketing support to the JG Black Book sales team, as well as assisting the travel advisor community by managing JG Black Book’s VIP Help Desk and Agent Rewards Program. Greg came to JG Black Book from Castle on the Hudson where he served as Guest Services Agent. He holds degrees in Finance and Marketing from Fordham University.

Support Staff

• James Saleh, Chief Operating Officer – james@jgblackbook.com
• Paloma Aelyon, Communications and Branding Assistant – communications@jgblackbook.com