Diane Pollard
President and CEO

Diane was hired February 2010 as Issa Trust Foundation’s first paid employee. She has been working as Issa’s volunteer VP of Operations since its earliest planning stages in 2004, and with children in Jamaica since 1997. Her responsibilities with Issa include program planning and implementation, volunteer recruitment and oversight, outreach to supporters and current and potential partners, evaluation, budgeting, advocacy and meetings with policymakers, and strategic planning. Diane makes at minimum 4 trips per year to Jamaica to ensure policies and project goals are being followed. 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 arena. Prior to her work with Issa, Diane has worked in both the private and nonprofit sectors for two decades, working for the Principal Financial Group as an IT Performance Training Assistant, Retail IS Market-Information Systems Technology Analyst, Systems Support Specialist, and Staffing Specialist; with Principal Residential Mortgage as a Vendor Manager; and with the United Way of Central Iowa as a Loan Executive. Diane holds an Associate degree in Legal Studies from the Des Moines Area Community College.
 
She has spent the last 10 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 Consulate General of Jamaica/New York Medical & Healthcare Council, 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, with honors from State Representative Kevin McCarthy with a State of Iowa Recognition for improving the health conditions in Jamaica through the Issa Trust Foundation.
 
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 money to contribute herself.

Diane is married, has two married sons and two grandchildren.

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 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.

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.

Gail A. Soares
Board Member - Secretary

Gail has worked in the travel industry for nine years.  Her early career started with Air Jamaica Vacations where she moved within the corporate structure to Inside and Group Sales.  She then joined the Carnival Cruise lines team, also in Groups, to broaden her industry knowledge.  Gail returned to the all inclusive industry when Couples Resorts offered her the opportunity to grow her career and contribute to its success.  Five years later she has made her home with Couples Resorts as a Marketing Manager.

Along with her many other tasks, Gail currently handles the daily administration for the Issa Trust foundation and is proud to help out her native country.  Through the work of the foundation, she feels blessed to help those less fortunate.

Gail loves children and recently gave birth to a baby boy named Gabriel.