Randy Russell
Board Member - Chairperson

A fortuitous phone call from a college friend, after graduating from the University of Colorado in 1975 initiated Randy Russell into the travel industry.  Randy began his career by working on cruise ships for a small tour operator who specialized in cruises and tours for single people.  What started as a two week gig, lasted over 2 ½ years.

Randy set foot on dry land, becoming the managing director of Singleworld based in NY.  From Singleworld Randy joined the ranks of field sales with Scandinavian World Cruises, covering the mid-atlantic states.  From 1993 to 1998, Randy was Vice President of Sales at SuperClubs and is credited with creating several successful marketing campaigns, including SuperAgency, SuperSurprise, Lido Sampler and Men of Hedonism II.

In 1998, Randy formed a partnership of hospitality executives and purchased what is now Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua.  After spending nearly $10 million to renovate and reopen the resort in January 2001, the partnership sold the resort for a profit.

Randy joined Couples Resorts in November 2001 and has since led the company through two consecutive years of record occupancies and revenues.  Randy has developed a reputation as a fun-loving executive whose signature “Luv n Life” influences both his professional and personal life.

Randy believes that the key to success in business is to create emotional connections with guests and staff so satisfying that loyalty is assured.

Annette Cavanaugh
Board Member - Vice-Chairperson

As a career specialist in marketing for the travel industry, Annette Cavanaugh has created successful campaigns for a variety of tourism brands. From cruise lines and spa retreats to resort collections and tropical destinations, Annette guides her clients in developing unique and sustainable brand positioning platforms.

Her 15-year tenure in the travel industry has included companies such as Avis Rent-A-Car, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, The Florida Keys Visitor’s Bureau and Couples Resorts.

When serving as the Director of Marketing for Royal Caribbean International, Annette worked on the Lust for Life advertising campaign, which was awarded a Gold EFFIE, considered the global benchmark for effective advertising.

Currently, Annette works as the lead strategic planner for Turkel Advertising in Miami. Her client portfolio includes The Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau along with Canyon Ranch Resorts and several boutique brands.
In addition to holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland, College Park, Annette has also completed an executive education curriculum at Harvard University.

Annette and her husband, Peter, travel to Jamaica for both business and leisure at every opportunity.

Diane Pollard
Board Member - Vice-President

Diane Pollard currently works for Principal Financial Group in HR Employment. Diane has served in several positions in IT, Mortgage and administrative roles with in the organization.  She brings with her over 30 years of experience, beginning in the 1970’s in the legal area working for the Attorney General’s Office in Criminal and Special Prosecutions. Her broad experience of directing, overseeing, delegating, and managing various corporate entities has helped her gain success in the non-profit area.

Diane has helped raise money locally for child abuse for the last 25 years, and served in the United Way Loan Executive program in 2004.She has spent the last 9 years focusing her attention internationally helping children in need. Diane has raised nearly one million dollars in her efforts both locally and internationally. She is currently a member of the United Way of Central Iowa's Emerging Leaders Initiative and has received Certificate of Recognition by the State of Iowa for outstanding commitment to philanthropy and public service.

Many years ago while on vacation in Jamaica there was a car accident, and so the bus took a detour. During a stop there was four-year-old boy standing in his underwear.  He was curious and came up to the van and stood close to Diane’s window and stared at her. He had the biggest smile she had ever seen. “It was a moment that I cannot explain.” The smile on her face was overshadowed by the tears in his eyes. She placed her hand on the window and he placed his small little hand near hers. “It was like a sign, a moment, and a turning point in my life. I was forever changed. At that point she knew she wanted to do something for the underprivileged children of Jamaica even though she did not have a lot of monies to contribute herself.

Maya Angelou has been her role model and has given her inspiration, hope and the deep passion to help those less fortunate and help make a better life for children abroad.  Whether you have $5.00 or $50,000 there are hundred’s of ways you can make a difference in the lives of children both locally and with our international partners. When I leave this life, I want to know that I have given more than I have received.

Diane is married, has two married sons and a granddaughter.

Alex Ghisays
Board Member – Public Relations Director

Alex Ghisays has worked in the Jamaican Tourism Industry since 1984. She started her career as Public Relations Manager with SuperClubs. In 1997, Alex joined the Couples Resorts chain as Executive Assistant to the CEO & President, with special emphasis on public relations and events.

Since 2001, Alex has been the Group Public Relations Manager for Couples Resorts and has spearheaded all on-island fund-raising efforts, including the Annual Charity Golf Tournaments in Ocho Rios and Negril, which have been highly successful in raising over US$100,000. She is also responsible for all on-Island administration and planning for the Issa Trust Foundation’s projects.

In recognition of her work with several charities in Jamaica, she was made a Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Mary in 2006.

Alex is married with an eight year old son, Sage, who is her inspiration.