Rob Rachowiecki – Second Vice Chair (Unopposed)
I have been an Active member of SATW since 1997 and now want to give back to the Society. I recently volunteered to help with the 2026 Membership Directory and now I am running for office as the 2nd Vice Chair of the Western Chapter. I look forward to working with the Western Chapter board to help keep the chapter running on an even keel.
Teresa Bitler – Treasurer
I'm excited to submit my name for consideration as Western Chapter treasurer. As a member now for more than 10 years, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to give back to SATW. Over the years, I've also seen how important financial health is to the organization, and I'm looking forward to lending my skills to this position. While I don't have a degree in accounting, I'm detailed oriented and, much to my embarrassment, have always scored better on math assessment tests than the writing counterpart. For the last 30 years, I've managed my family's finances and worked to get us to a point where we've paid off all of our debt except for our mortgage. As treasurer, I'll make sure the chapter's records are up-to-date and accurate, and I'll be available to anyone who has questions. Thank you for your consideration.
Rebecca Rhoades – Treasurer
Jennifer Sweeney – Associate Rep
I am honored and excited to submit my candidacy for the role of Associate Representative for SATW’s Western Chapter. With a long career with a strong foundation in strategic communications and a commitment to destination marketing, I’m eager to continue contributing to the growth and direction of our organization in this new capacity.
Since becoming a member in 2014, I have had the privilege of serving on the National Convention Committee for three consecutive years. This experience has given me firsthand insight into the incredible passion, creativity, and dedication that fuel our membership. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak at past conventions—an experience that has deepened my appreciation for the power of knowledge-sharing and community-building within our field.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked for one of the biggest tourism marketing organizations, Visit California, and now, as an independent publicist, I work with both large and small clients. This balance has allowed me to manage campaigns with a wide spectrum of budgets and resources – and a broad swath of travel media, including many of our members. This has equipped me with a practical, adaptable approach to public relations and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities our members face, whether they’re part of a global team or promoting a small but mighty destination. I believe I can be a bridge between all arms of SATW.
To me, public relations is more than communication – it’s connection. I am committed to helping SATW strengthen those connections through inclusive leadership, innovative programming, and active engagement. I would be proud to represent our members as Associate Representative and help advance the mission and impact of SATW.
Anna Yan – Associate Rep
I’m honored to express my interest in serving as an Associate Representative for the Society of American Travel Writers. I have ten years of public relations and communications under my belt, because the work is fun when my passion is in elevating narratives that matter.
I’ve attributed so much of my work to translating complex ideas into authentic storytelling, a very ENFP career path in hindsight. From facilitating press trips and influencer strategies to developing SEO-, and now also GSO-driven editorial content that brings destinations to life, I’ve had the privilege of working across agencies and DMOs on the West Coast (and beyond), including Visit Bellevue, Visit Pasadena, Sonoma County Tourism, and Diamond PR. I have a deep understanding of how and why DMOs work, as well as what that relationship with creators looks like.
I have great respect for SATW, an organization that holds space for a warm community surrounding a commitment to ethical, impactful journalism. I really do believe in SATW’s mission to support responsible travel storytelling, especially now as our industry faces rapid change, political polarization, and increasing scrutiny over the sustainability and equity of travel itself.
Though the travel industry is a bit behind in modernity (but boy are we catching up), I think our work is incredibly impactful. Associates and actives are people who listen, support, and help shape the future through meaningful content. I’ve seen effective campaigns successfully increase the economic vitality of destinations, transforming and impacting real lives. And I have always said that travel is the solution to big societal issues – there’s nothing like stepping into another person/culture’s world to dissolve fear, expand perspective, and build empathy. That’s the kind of storytelling I want to support.
Here's what I bring to the table: I am a collaborative and future-oriented deep-processing thinker, driven by purpose rooted in diversity, sustainability, and the good of humanity. Also, you should know that my hair color does change quarterly, so apologies for the inaccurate profile photo.