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.

> Read More About Our Services

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.

Lisa Caruso - lisa@jgblackbook.com
Vice President, Public and Media Relations 
Lisa Caruso, a seasoned PR professional with experience in the luxury lifestyle arena including travel, spa, destination, tourism and hospitality industries, serves as JG Black Book of Travel's Vice President of Public Relations. Lisa was most recently Vice President and Management Supervisor for Laura Davidson Public Relations where she managed all aspects of client services and strategic PR program development for a wide range of lifestyle and travel clients. In her new role, Lisa will manage the media relations needs for JG Black Book of Travel’s current PR clients, as well as develop a more robust PR division within JG Black Book of Travel.

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.

Jennifer Virgilio - jennifer@jgblackbook.com
Director, European Operations
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.

Pamela Feick - pamela@jgblackbook.com
Regional Director of Industry Relations, Northeast
Pamela M. Feick has worked closely with agents in the Northeast region for more than 15 years on behalf of luxury powerhouses including Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel New York, Loews, Shutters on the Beach, Hotel Casa Del Mar and Canary Hotel. Most recently she served as the Director of Sales & Marketing for The Pierre New York, leading the hotel's successful reopening following a $100 million renovation.

Pamela brings extensive sales and marketing experience, a proven track record of driving growth and strong industry relationships to her new role serving as the representative for the entire Black Book Collection within the Northeast region.

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.

Michelle Ostroff - michelle@jgblackbook.com
Business Manager
Michelle joined JG Black Book of Travel with a varied background in finance, administration and operations, having worked for ROI Research, TrialGraphix, Sheraton and the daytime drama “As the World Turns.” She is a graduate from Boston University and is currently pursuing her MBA in Accounting. Michelle is also very involved in the philanthropic sector, having worked with the JCC Center Women, JCC Film Festival and Kesington Chelsea Women’s Club among others.

Michelle will be responsible for running all of the company’s accounting and business operations functions.

Katie Nodland - katie@jgblackbook.com
Destinations Manager 
Katie Nodland brings a varied background in tourism and extensive travel experience to her role as Destinations 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.

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.

Lianne Zackler - lianne@jgblackbook.com
Communications & Branding Associate
Lianne joined JG Black Book of Travel upon her graduation from the University of California, Berkeley where she received a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications. Before coming to JG Black Book of Travel, Lianne held a number of marketing and promotions positions, including time spent at The Idea Factory Production Company, CBS Radio, and Sha Boutique.

In her position as Communications and Branding Associate, Lianne coordinates email and web-marketing efforts for the members of our Collection. Lianne’s passion for the travel lifestyle, sparked by a semester abroad in Barcelona, makes her a natural fit for our team.

Tyler LaMont - tyler@jgblackbook.com
Sales Coordinator
Tyler holds degrees in International Business and Management from the University of Montana, and has volunteered in community-focused projects worldwide through organizations including English Opens Doors and the International Deaf Association. He joined JG Black Book of Travel in 2010 as Sales Coordinator, providing sales and marketing support to the JG Black Book of Travel sales team, as well as assisting the travel advisor community by managing JG Black Book of Travel’s VIP Help Desk and the Agent Rewards Program.

Support Staff

• James Saleh, Chief Operating Officer – james@jgblackbook.com
• James Ballantine, Systems and E-Marketing Associate – jamesb@jgblackbook.com
• Philip Churchill, Communications and Branding Assistant – marketing@jgblackbook.com