Dan the CEO
Website | http://www.collettevacations.travel
Bio | Dan Sullivan, President and CEO of Collette Vacations, has over 35 years in the travel industry. Sullivan's travel experience includes tour guiding, product development, sales, and marketing; as well as managing the corporate team and providing the strategic vision for the company. As CEO, Sullivan has brought Collette from a regional tour operator to one of the most respected tour companies worldwide. He was responsible for such innovative first-to-market initiatives as launching a worldwide sales team and driving new product development to non-traditional destinations. Sullivan is a member of the United States Tour Operator’s Association (USTOA); the prestigious World Travel and Tourism Council; and the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy. He chairs the Collette Foundation board, Collette’s global initiative to improve the quality of life of children worldwide. He is an active supporter of non-profit causes including the Cystic Fibrosis Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Boston Red Sox Foundation, Hospice and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In 1999, Sullivan established the Kosovo Relief Fund to benefit the victims of the War. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tourism Cares, an organization fostering awareness that travel offers a wealth of cultural experiences that need to be protected and enhanced for future generations. In 1999, Sullivan established the he Kosovo Relief Fund to benefit the victims of the War. In 2007, he (along with his late father, Daniel Sullivan, Sr.) was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame for his contributions to the community, through philanthropic endeavors and significant contributions to the advancement of responsible tourism. Locally, Sullivan has been a staunch supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rhode Island and also serves as Co-Chairman of the Pawtucket Foundation, an organization committed to the continued economic development of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Collette's home city. He serves on the board of Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation. A graduate of Fairfield University in 1973 with a degree in marketing, Sullivan graduated in 2003 from the Harvard Business School’s Executive Owner/President Management Program. He serves on the Fairfield University Faith and Public Life Advisory Board as well as Providence College Council of Advisors. All-Time Favorite Destination: That is a tough question; I love them all! I love the turn of the century charm of the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island. I love the scenic train journey through the Alps of Switzerland and the Southern Alps of New Zealand and I love the rugged coast of Newfoundland where you can see icebergs from shore and whales breeching. Favorite Pastime: Baseball, basketball, football… any sport really. And of course music, all kinds… but Springsteen is my favorite. I’ve seen the boss in concert as far away as Barcelona! Favorite food experience while traveling? Food is such a big part of travel. I guess I’d say the pasta in Italy is always a favorite. I’ve also enjoyed the great cuisine of Southern France. Best adventure? In February 2008, my wife Kathy and I embarked on a trip to Antarctica that marked our 7th continent! The sights on the White Continent are unimaginable—snow covered mountains, glacial bays, massive icebergs and seeing wildlife like penguins, seals and breeching whales was an adventure I won’t soon forget. Best View? There are so many it is tough to decide but standing in front of the Kremlin in Moscow has to be right up there along with sipping tea at the Chateau Lake Louise while overlooking the lake and Victoria Glacier. What’s on your bucket list? Right now, Cambodia and Vietnam are on my bucket list as well as spending a week in Napa Valley to enjoy the wine country. Why do I love my job? When you find a job you love, you never have to work the rest of your life. My job is the best job in the world and I get to work with some truly amazing people which I love! I consider our partners and customers as friends; each one part of Collette’s extended family.
