President’s Newsletter
November 2025
Hello members!
As the year winds down and the holiday season begins, we pause to celebrate the extraordinary San Diego travel community. This Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for you—our members and supporters.
You may have noticed that I did not send a newsletter in October. That’s because October was an exceptionally busy month for ASTA nationally—with Legislative Day keeping us engaged in important advocacy work—and here in San Diego, our chapter was equally active with board elections and planning for the final two events of the year.
Thank you to Toni Casselberry for spearheading the Friendsgiving event last week. Laura Vogel VP of ASTA Advocacy, flew all the way from DC to be there and discuss Advocacy items. We raised over $600 for ASTAPAC! Updates attached.
#1 Election Results – Congratulations to the 2026 ASTA Board on your election or re-election.
Anne Rodriguez
Toni Casselberry
Drew Santiago
Karen Olson
Monique Kiefner
Jackie Day
Jeanine Mak
Katie Hunter
Tracy Anderson
Tricia Halsema
A heartfelt thank you to Angelle Morley, Christy Scannell, and Susan Rutan for their service to the board. We also thank Debra Westbrooks for your interest in serving. We are happy to have volunteers assist with events.
New Board Position: Young Professional Advisor (YPA)
We are excited to announce that Alana O’Neal has been appointed to this role.
#2 Membership drive – We hope you were able to take advantage of our membership discount
(Nov 5–20), which offered $50 off new or renewed memberships.
Missed it? Don’t worry—we’ll run another discount in the spring of 2026.
#3 Upcoming events Holiday Gala!!! San Diego Travel Industry Holiday Party
Rancho Bernardo Inn
December 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM
This is the Gala Event of the Year, co‑hosted with San Diego PATA.
Theme: White Winter Wonderland
Gourmet dinner with wine
Reception & photo opportunities
Live string quartet playing festive music
You don’t want to miss this magical evening!
From all of us at San Diego ASTA, thank you for the passion you bring to your craft and the joy you bring to travelers everywhere. May this season be filled with gratitude, connection, and the promise of new adventures ahead.
Happy Thanksgiving!