The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has announced the addition of Jessica Klement as vice president, advocacy.
She comes to ASTA from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), where she serves as staff vice president, policy & programs. At NARFE, she is responsible for carrying out the legislative, grassroots and political strategies of one of the nation’s largest federal employee and retiree organizations. Prior to joining NARFE, Klement served as Government and Public Affairs Director at the Federal Managers Association, and before that served three years on the staff of Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI). Her policy analysis on federal employee and retiree issues has been featured in The Washington Post, “CBS Evening News,” NPR, USA Today and the Associated Press. A Wisconsin native and an avid traveler, Klement holds bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Finance from Marquette University.
“We are excited to bring Jessie’s nearly 20 years’ experience in government relations, political action and association management on to help meet ASTA’s advocacy objectives in the coming months and years,” said ASTA President & CEO Zane Kerby, in a press note. “COVID-19 has highlighted how critical ASTA’s advocacy work is to our industry’s future, and now is the perfect time to bring someone with a demonstrated effectiveness as an advocacy leader at the highest levels onto the ASTA team.”
At ASTA, Klement will be responsible for major portions of the Society’s work to advocate for the travel agency community at all levels, including federal lobbying, state lobbying, grassroots campaigns and the Society’s political action committee (ASTAPAC). She will also play a key role in managing ASTA’s annual Congressional fly-in (ASTA Legislative Day) and in providing advocacy-related content for ASTA’s annual events, including the ASTA Global Convention. Reporting to ASTA’s Executive Vice President, Advocacy Eben Peck, her first day of work will be Monday, November 29.
“As a travel enthusiast, I am excited about the opportunity to use my established advocacy skills to advance the interests of the travel advisor community,” said Klement in a press announcement. “I look forward to working with ASTA staff and members to help travel agencies rebuild their businesses in the wake of COVID-19.”
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