Bill Connors, CTC, executive director and COO of the National Business Travel Association, will be leaving NBTA on June 15 to take over as president and CEO of the Boise Chamber of Commerce and its Economic Development Partnership. He has led the Washington–based association for more than six years.
In a farewell note to his colleagues and friends, Connors wrote, “Thanks to your membership, your support, and your involvement, NBTA has been thrust onto the international stage in business, government, and the media. In my time here, I have been able to represent you on national television, at the White House, in Congress, at international events, and as an industry friend and colleague.“ In reference to missing the association’s upcoming annual convention in San Diego in August, Connors wrote, “I’ll miss being able to stand in front of you to say, as I have for the past six years, ‘I’m here to tell you, your association’s in great shape.’ So I’d like to say that a few months early before I leave.”
During Connors’ tenure the association developed a structure of regional affiliates all over the world and added events in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, and Mexico, according to NBTA President & CEO Kevin Maguire, CCTE. Maguire added that since Connors’ involvement, NBTA has increased its number of professional certification offerings, rolled out a new government travel certification, and is now developing a strategic meetings management certification.