FROM YOUR CHAIRMAN
2018
ISPA BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
FIRST THINGS FIRST, A LITTLE
ABOUT ME: Family is very important to
ELECTED OFFICERS
me and I try to spend as much free time as
CHAIRMAN
Garrett Mersberger
Kohler Co.
possible with my beautiful wife Heather,
who I’ve been married to for 18 years this
VICE CHAIRMAN
Todd Hewitt
Shangri-La International
June, and our three wonderful children—
Haley (14), Carson (11) and Taylor (8).
ACTING SECRETARY/TREASURER
Todd Shaw
Technogym
I started my career in marketing at Kohler
Co. in 2001 before moving into operations
DIRECTORS
Sharilyn Abbajay
ISPA Foundation Vice Chairman
managing Kohler’s 100,000-square-
foot fitness facility. After a
Noel Asmar
Noel Asmar Group, Inc.
two-year stint, I picked up my
Damien Craft
Four Seasons Westlake Village
family and moved to Texas to
become the general manager
Scott Duncan
Spa Gregorie’s
of a private golf country club.
Everything I learned along this Brennan Evans
Trilogy Spa Holdings
journey was ultimately preparing Blake Feeney
Living Earth Crafts
me for my next endeavor: managing
Kelleye Heydan
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
Kohler’s Forbes Five Star-rated spa in Kohler,
Wisconsin. Currently, I am the Director of Wellness Patrick Huey
Montage Hotels & Resorts
and Kohler Waters Spas. Kristine Huffman
Hutchinson Consulting
And now, I could not be more honored to have the
Laura Parsons
ESPA International (US) Ltd. (Spa Division)
opportunity to serve as your chairman. Not to
mention looking back on the incredible work of past Frank Pitsikalis
ISPA Foundation Chairman
chairs that are both friends and mentors of mine, I can see I am certainly in humbling company! Eric Stephenson
Elements Massage
In preparing for this role, I took the time to interview the last four ISPA chairmen—Jean Kolb,
Ella Kent, Michael Tompkins and Todd Shaw. Each of them brought a different perspective to
the role. Jean was a fighter and brought the association through a tough recession. Ella was all
about growth and was able to bring ISPA back in the black. From there, Michael focused on
outreach, using his skills as a people person to expand the association around the world. And
Todd was our cheerleader. He has a unique way of bringing people together and getting them
Michael Tompkins
Immediate Past Chair
Robert Vance
Sensei Retreats Lana'i
Lynne McNees
International SPA Association
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Brent A. Bauer, MD
Mayo Clinic
excited, and he focused on the love and community of our organization.
As your new chairman, I don’t intend to start from scratch. I want to use the strength,
growth and momentum established by these four incredible leaders and the amazing ISPA staff
to help guide the spa industry through a booming, yet challenging time. I want to listen to what
you have to say, and make sure every member of ISPA has a voice. As chair, I’m here to serve
you, our members, so please feel free to reach out, get involved and use your voice, because as
your chair, I’m here to listen.
CHAIRMEN’S COUNCIL
Past ISPA Chairmen who are
current members:
Gayle Brady • Brady Spa Consulting
Ella Kent • The Spa at Sea Island
Jeff Kohl • Spa & Club Ideations
Jean Kolb • Well By Choice
John Korpi • Korpi & Korpi
Kate Mearns • LIVunLtd
Jim Root • Mii amo
—GARRETT MERSBERGER, CHAIRMAN
2
PULSE
■
March/April 2018
Jane Segerberg • Segerberg
Spa Consulting, LLC
Deborah Waldvogel • ResortSuite