A MESSAGE FROM YOUR ISPA CHAIR

2026 ISPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AT THE RECENT ISPA CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS, I had the privilege of stepping onto the main stage for the first time as Chair. It’ s a moment I’ ve thought about over the years, but standing there, looking out at our community, it felt entirely new— a true“ fresh eyes” experience.

To share that stage with Diana Kander, Jon Acuff and Jay Shetty was an honor. Jay’ s work has been part of my daily rhythm for years, so presenting him with the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award was a full-circle moment.

But what stayed with me most wasn’ t the stage— it was perspective.

I invited several senior development leaders to attend for the first time— seasoned professionals who have seen and built it all— and asked them to simply experience ISPA. No agenda, just engage. The feedback was immediate and powerful. They spoke about how welcoming the community felt. How quickly conversations turned into real connections. How rare it is to find people genuinely committed to elevating the industry— and each other.

This year also carried deeper meaning for me. I had the opportunity to share part of my own journey— from folding towels at the Spa at Camelback Inn nearly 30 years ago to standing on that stage. What I didn’ t expect was how many of you would stop me throughout the Conference to share your own stories— your paths, your growth, your reinvention. Those moments meant everything.

I left Las Vegas with my heart full— of gratitude, pride and optimism for what’ s ahead.

In 27 years, this was my most meaningful ISPA Conference. Not because of the role or the stage, but because of the people and our shared commitment to something bigger.

To everyone who showed up and brought your best— thank you. You are the best in the world.

With all my love,

PULSE n MAY 2026 2

AND THEN THERE WAS KIRA.

My daughter is 21, and this was her first ISPA Conference. Watching her take it all in— the scale, the energy, the depth of the conversations— was something I won’ t forget. She was genuinely inspired by the openness of this community and the personal development woven throughout the experience. She felt welcomed, included and energized.

Seeing ISPA through her eyes reminded me of something simple but important: This community meets people where they are and elevates them from there. That’ s not easy to build— or sustain— but it’ s exactly what makes ISPA so special.

OFFICERS

Chair • Kenneth Ryan The Estate

Vice Chair • Charlotte Prescott Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel

Secretary / Treasurer • Taylor Fields PCH Hotels and Resorts

ISPA Research Foundation Chair and Immediate Past ISPA Chair Kelleye Martin Trellis Spa, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

DIRECTORS

Christian Davies Mii amo / Enchantment Resort

CG Funk Funk Consulting

Jennifer Holzworth Montage International

ISPA Research Foundation Vice Chair Ella Kent The Spa at Sea Island