Meet the Executive Team
Rick Zimmerman, President & CEO
Rick joined the travel industry fresh out of college where he worked as a travel agent for a small agency in Cleveland, Ohio. He left the travel industry to follow his brother into the residential construction industry where he spent the next twenty-five years. In early 2005, his passion for travel drew him back to the industry. Led by Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision for success, KHM Travel Group was founded. Following Rick’s guidance, the company continues to thrive as a leader in innovation with an unwavering commitment to its Core Values.
Geoff Cox, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Geoff’s commitment to growing KHM Travel Group’s sales has helped the company soar to new heights. He has played a significant role in increasing the host agency’s production with several key Preferred Suppliers including ALG Vacations, Delta Vacations, and Carnival Cruise Line. When Geoff joined KHM Travel Group in 2011, he was no stranger to the travel industry. From 1993-2002, he worked as Business Development Manager and Key Account Manager at Royal Caribbean International. After his time with Royal Caribbean International, Geoff served as a Business Development Manager with Carnival Cruise Line for 8 years.
Karen Siburt, Vice President of Finance and Administration
Karen brings a diverse background in regulatory, corporate, and employment law to the KHM Travel Group team. She received her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Myers University in Cleveland, Ohio. After receiving her degree, she spent several years building her business experience with several Northeast Ohio companies. Throughout her career, Karen has increased her knowledge in a variety of areas including corporate law, franchise work, and trademarking. Since she joined KHM Travel Group in 2010, her role has expanded to fit the growing needs of the company. She is also dedicated to ensuring that the host agency remains compliant with the dynamic travel industry and all regulatory laws.
Anita Pagliasso, Vice President of Industry Relations
Anita Pagliasso joined the KHM Travel Group team in early 2020, having previously held the position as Founder and President of Ticket To Travel. After starting her own home-based travel agency in 1992, Anita’s one-person business quickly evolved with agents looking to her for mentoring and guidance. By sharing her success tactics, Anita has become a renowned industry speaker, home-based travel agent advocate, author, and a mentor to thousands. In addition to her role as KHM Travel Group’s Vice President of Industry Relations, she is also President of the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH), American Society of Travel Advisors Board Director-at-Large (ASTA), Cruise Line Industry Association STARBoard and Trade Relations Co-Chair (CLIA), and Vice President California Coalition of Travel Organizations (CCTO).
Bill Coyle, Vice President of Agent Engagement
Bill Coyle has become an essential travel industry resource with over 30 years of experience leading his own brick and mortar travel agency, serving on several agent advisory boards, and advocating for travel advisors on a national level with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). As KHM Travel Group’s first-ever Limelight Award recipient for going above and beyond, Bill oversees the Agency Program, top-producing Pinnacle & Basecamp Programs, and KHM Travel Group’s Advisory Board. He brings a spirited passion for travel in all his professional endeavors and continues to book travel for his longtime clients.
The KHM Travel Group Family
The 70+ team members that make up KHM Travel Group’s Corporate staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. This means that we are able to support our agents in all areas of running their businesses including education, commissions, marketing, groups, sales, technology, and compliance.
We are a growing team that loves what we do! To learn more about careers at KHM Travel Group, visit our Careers page.
If you are ready to become a travel agent with us, you can get started here or give our team a call 888-611-1220.