Ruecking Charts New Course for Industry’s Education Leader; Names Guida Botelho Vice President
FRAMINGHAM, MA, January 5, 2026 – The Travel Institute Board of Directors announces the appointment of Taylor Ahlsmith Ruecking as president for The Travel Institute, effective January 1. Ruecking, an 11+ year-insider at The Travel Institute and senior leader since 2023, assumes the role after the retirement of its former president, Diane Petras, CTIE.
“Taylor has a proven ability to straddle strategic thinking and technical know-how to advance education for this industry,” emphasized Gary Pollard, CTC, chair for The Travel Institute Board of Directors and president and CEO, Ambassador Tours. “We took the time to get this right and the board is 100% aligned. We are incredibly enthusiastic and energized about what’s next for The Travel Institute knowing Taylor has the demonstrated results and drive to lead this incredible team and achieve a new level of relevance with our stakeholders,” Pollard asserted.
Pollard emphasized that while Ruecking had been primarily “behind the scenes” previously, he has played a significant role in The Travel Institute’s industry-wide successes, including implementing an online learning management system, streamlining disparate content platforms, launching digital credentials, and broadening e-commerce capabilities to better serve students and organizations. Most recently, Ruecking also led the technological specs for the new Education Hub, the back-end automation of thousands of once-manual tasks, and other improvements for the student experience. He has also leveraged strategy, tools and analytics to elevate brand visibility, boost online engagement, and increase enrollment in support of industry success.
For Ruecking, the opportunity comes at a pivotal moment in the education leader’s storied, 60+-year history.
“We have an enormous opportunity now to transform how we serve, and I am deeply committed to doing that by leaning into technology to expand our reach and strengthen our partnerships in new and exciting ways while remaining agile and mission-driven,” he pledged.
The transition between Ruecking and Petras has been underway since early December and Ruecking is grateful. “Without Diane’s visionary leadership and guidance, neither myself nor the organization would be where we are today,” he reflected. Ruecking’s early focus includes:
- Maximized Education Capabilities: Utilization of innovative content delivery capabilities enabling content sharing and access across industry platforms, including in proprietary environments.
- Increased Visibility. Both “listening and sharing” directly with stakeholders via meetings and industry events to ensure understanding of nuanced partner and student needs and share solutions.
- Optimized Organizational Structure: Strengthened operations and resources to ensure continued momentum in implementing new capabilities while maintaining content and service levels.
An early and critical decision, Ruecking named Guida Botelho, CTIE, as vice president for The Travel Institute. Already teaming with Ruecking on day-to-day operations for many years, Botelho’s elevated role keeps the two in lockstep.
“My continued collaboration and synergy with Guida fortifies our efforts. She has been an incredible team player and leader, driving excellence and relentlessly advocating for partners and students. In this new role, she will further elevate The Travel Institute and the community of travel professionals we serve,” Ruecking said.
A strong voice for quality industry education, Botelho finds Ruecking’s vision inspiring as she has long emphasized the importance of aligning organizational strategy with ever-evolving partner and student needs.
“We’re rolling out smarter content, deeper partnerships, and programs that meet advisors and organizations where they are today. Focused on our mission to bring quality education to every travel professional, The Travel Institute’s leadership in the education space is clearly recognized and our momentum is palpable. Host agencies, consortia, and suppliers alike share our commitment and our focus; combined with Taylor’s vision, I expect our next chapter will be our best yet,” she enthused.
Jackie Friedman, CTIE, VTA, president for Nexion Travel Group and board member for The Travel Institute, agreed. “Taylor has played such a meaningful role in The Travel Institute’s success, and his passion for developing travel professionals shines through in everything he does. He is uniquely suited to build on the extraordinary foundation Diane Petras created, and I’m excited to see the Institute continue to thrive under his leadership,” she shared.
For Petras, now an advisor for The Travel Institute, she could not be more pleased. “The future of this organization is in good hands with Taylor and Guida and, indeed, very bright for industry professionalism.”
About Ruecking
Formerly senior director of marketing and technology for The Travel Institute, Ruecking has led back-office technology, the ecommerce website and marketing efforts since 2014, driving technology transformation and innovation for e-learning while also managing features, benefits and speed-to-market across new products. His travel industry roots date back to working as a travel agency as a teenager, supporting his father, the late Scott Ahlsmith, CTC, an industry leader and advisor advocate; longtime board member and supporter of The Travel Institute, and a “thought leader amongst thought leaders.” Ruecking also owned a full-service media and marketing production business for 17+ years and supported an industry-leading consortium’s education efforts. His experience spans various industries, including education and travel.
About Botelho
Formerly senior director of education, Botelho has led content development and education along with trade partnerships and more. Botelho first joined The Travel Institute in 1999, moving to Atlas Travel in 2007 to lead in-house training. Returning in 2015, she is credited with developing The Travel Institute’s award-winning course content for new agents and seasoned leaders, niche courses, and various scholarship programs, as well as white label efforts to deliver The Travel Institute’s content via in-house training programs. Most recently, Botelho also led development of The Travel Institute’s all-new Travel Career Development, TCD, 12th edition and expanded alumni outreach efforts.
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ABOUT THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE
A collaborative industry effort created in 1964, The Travel Institute has continuously evolved to maintain its role as the global leader and industry’s recognized gold standard in travel industry education and certification. Dedicated solely to advancing the professionalism of both agents and industry leaders in support of individual and industry success, The Travel Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, independent organization operating exclusively for educational purposes to meet the ever-changing needs of travel agents. Working with leaders throughout the industry to create and deliver relevant and rigorous coursework and proctored, closed-book testing to ensure graduates demonstrate the highest standards of expertise and service, The Travel Institute has more than 31,000 Certified Travel Associate, CTA©; Certified Travel Counselor, CTC©; and Certified Travel Industry Executive, CTIE© graduates. It also administers the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP©, exam to confirm students new to the industry demonstrate a mastery of travel industry basics. Countless individuals, agency owners and managers, and educational institutions utilize The Travel Institute’s award-winning TRIPKITSM introductory program and CTA© as their learning tools of choice. A trusted partner to industry suppliers and educational institutions, The Travel Institute is also the approved provider of travel industry civilian occupation training for U.S. military and has trained hundreds of thousands through various courses, webinars, and other online content through its Education Hub. Throughout North America, many successful agents and high-profile leaders credit their success to The Travel Institute’s affordable and accessible educational resources. Learn more.