Tourism Cares names Mike Rea as next Executive Director
Tourism Cares, the leading U.S. philanthropy 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 6 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. He has supported innovative philanthropy and impact as part of Bank of America’s Philanthropic Management unit and as part of the US education program at Gates.
Most importantly, as founder of the successful social enterprise Give2Asia founded in 2001, he has experience connecting a variety of donors to personalized, high-impact philanthropic activities. Rea has travelled the US and globe extensively and, prior to his career in philanthropy, studied and published on the anthropology of tourism.
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, Inc. is a nonprofit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by awarding grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; by focusing on workforce development through student programs which provide support from classroom to career; and by organizing volunteer efforts to restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. – tourismcares.org.
