Mike Rea

Leading U.S. philanthropy group Tourism Cares, which is supported by the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, has selected Mike Rea as its next Executive Director as of July 8, 2013.

Rea was selected following an extensive six month search, according to Brad Finkle, Chairman. Rea will assume the position held by Bruce Beckham since 2000. Beckham announced his intended retirement in September of 2012.

Mr. Rea, currently a Senior Program Officer with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington, comes to the position with significant expertise in the world of nonprofit management that is combined with a keen interest in travel and tourism.

“These are exciting times for Tourism Cares,” said Beckham, “There are so many programs that are underway and so much more to do. I’m thrilled that Tourism Cares has chosen someone with Mike’s background and ability to take the organization to the next level.”

The leadership transition officially occurs on July 8, 2013, and Beckham will remain a champion and thought partner for the organization he has grown, assuming the role of Executive Advisor.

Tourism Cares is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its signature volunteer program, Tourism Cares for America May 30 & 31 in New York City. On May 29th, three travel and tourism industry leaders, Phillip Gordon, Chairman of Globus; Steven Gorga, CEO of Travel Impressions and Bob Sullivan, EVP of Northstar Travel Media will be inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame at a gala reception and dinner at the Crowne Plaza Times Square. On May 31 more than 600 travel, tourism & hospitality industry professionals will gather at Brooklyn’s Coney Island and Jamaica Bay in Queens to help clean up and restore areas affected by Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012.

Tourism Cares, www.tourismcares.org