2016
ISPA BOARD
FROM YOUR
OF DIRECTORS
ELECTED OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Michael Tompkins
PALM Health
VICE CHAIRMAN
Todd Shaw
La Quinta Resort & Club
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Laura Parsons
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
(Spa Division)
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Ella Stimpson
The Spa at Sea Island
e all have been under their wings at one point: women leaders who embody
both nurturing qualities and fortitude in character. These women who
modelled the very first idea of leadership in our heads may be our grandmothers, who wouldn’t let age get in the way of discovering new things, or our
mothers who, often putting themselves last, teach us the value of leadership
with servitude. It could also be our favorite aunt or niece, who first taught us to sprinkle fun
while we take on creative adventures, or our first-grade teachers who inspire us to excel because
they see our potential.
Some of us are even lucky to look up to women leaders at work, particularly those who are
not afraid to show us the ropes and allow us to spread our wings so we can soar even higher
than them. In our industry, Deborah Szekely embodies the idea of a woman leader who
continues to push the industry to become a forerunner in health and wellness.
Personally, there are many women who made an impact in my life through their example,
character and leadership. Among them are Canyon Ranch founder Enid Zuckerman and this
year’s ISPA Dedicated Contributor Jean Kolb. Enid was the epitome of spa lady, teaching me
about the beauty of space, art, leadership presence and what spa-goers want when they come
to a spa. Jean had a firm grasp on continuing to move ISPA forward during the downturn of the
economy, setting a roadmap for former ISPA Chairmen Deborah Waldvogel and Ella Stimpson,
and me, to continue in getting ISPA back to strength. I admire these women immensely.
As we celebrate “Women and Mother Earth” in this Pulse issue, I encourage you to look back
with gratitude to all the women leaders who inspired you and helped you become who you are
DIRECTORS
Sharilyn Abbajay
ISPA Foundation Vice Chairman
Noel Asmar
Noel Asmar Group, Inc.
Blake Feeney
Feeney & Co.
Michael Harmsworth
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
Todd Hewitt
Shangri-La International
Kristine Huffman
Huffman Hospitality Concepts
Garrett Mersberger
Kohler Co.
Julie Oliff
St. Regis Aspen Resort
Frank Pitsikalis
ISPA Foundation Chairman
Eric Stephenson
Well World Group
Dawn Tardif
BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa
Todd Walter
Red Door Spas
Lynne McNees
International SPA Association
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Brent A. Bauer, MD
Mayo Clinic
today. One of my favorite quotes from a female leader and entrepreneur is by Mary Kay Ash,
founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. who once said: “Aerodynamically, the bumblebee
CHAIRMEN’S COUNCIL
shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know that so it goes on flying anyway.” I’d
Past ISPA Chairmen who
are current members:
like to think that’s what great women leaders do—they make the impossible possible.
Gayle Brady • Brady Spa Consulting
Jeff Kohl • Spa & Club Ideations
Jean Kolb • Well By Choice
John Korpi • Korpi & Korpi
Kate Mearns • 5 Spa Consulting LLC
Jim Root • Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Jane Segerberg • Segerberg Spa
Consulting, LLC
Deborah Waldvogel • Sedona Resorts
—MICHAEL TOMPKINS, CHAIRMAN
2 PULSE
■
March/April 2016