Martha Johnson to Address Travel Industry Leadership Conference

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. March 10, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC - March 10, 2010 - Martha Johnson, recently confirmed as Administrator, GSA, will make one of her first public addresses April 6th at the Transformational Woman seminar. The seminar, presented by iFIVE, a leadership network for the travel industry, is being held in partnership with the Society of Government Travel Professionals annual AnCon conference, April 6 -8, 2010 at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC. It is open to professionals from all sectors of the travel industry, public and private.

Ms. Johnson, will be the featured speaker, addressing women from across the travel industry who are gathering for an afternoon devoted to professional development. Other top leaders on hand for the event include Kelly Kuhn, President - Government and Military Markets, CWTSatoTravel, Susan Gurley, Private Sector Officer, U.S. Agency for International Development and Becky Rhodes, Deputy Associate Administrator, GSA Travel, Transportation and Asset Management. These leading women in the industry will share their experiences and advice regarding leading change in the workplace.

“Both the speed and scale of change are increasing,” says Vickie Singer, co-founder of iFIVE, “and each of us differs in what we need to effectively navigate change.” Adds Margaret Murphy, Singer's partner and co-founder, “Many of the rules for success today are going to give way soon to skills that organizations don't even have names for now, much less teach. Knowing how to manage change on a personal level and how to influence others to change should be at the top of everyone's list of critical skills.”

According to iFIVE, the workplace of the near future will be much older and more diverse than any in history. It will include more women in leadership, and be more reliant than ever on technology. These are only a few of the characteristics of the workplace we will have in a few short years, says the organization, which focuses on developing leaders for the travel industry. And, according to iFIVE, success in this workplace will require that some fundamental assumptions about leadership change. Understanding the personal implications of these changes, and how to be prepared for future success, are the focus of the seminar. Becky Rhodes, Deputy Associate Administrator, GSA Travel, Transportation and Asset Management, commented, “We are very excited about the exceptional leadership Ms. Johnson is bringing to GSA. And, I am thrilled that she will be sharing her leadership vision at this event with women from government and industry.”

The Transformational Woman will be held from 1:00PM - 4:30PM on April 6th at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington D.C. It is open to professionals from all sectors of the travel industry, public and private. Space is limited, and a registration fee of $129 for non-members and $99 for iFIVE members is required. Those interested in attending can find out more and register in advance at www.theifive.com or call 443.629.9013. Says Singer, “this is a really innovative opportunity for women to invest in themselves and their future success.”

About GSA:
Since 1949, GSA has housed federal workers and provided products and services to support the important work of government throughout the country. GSA affects almost $66 billion in financial transactions throughout the government. GSA's acquisition solutions offer private sector professional services, equipment, supplies, telecommunications, and information technology to government organizations and the military. GSA policies promote management best practices and efficient government operations. GSA is headed by an Administrator who is appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress.

About iFIVE
iFIVE began in early 2009, based on co-founders Vickie Singer and Margaret Murphy's long-standing dream for a new type of organization in the travel industry. Founding board members validated the need for iFIVE within the industry and helped shape the organization's mission and focus. iFIVE is a membership-based organization, committed to being a leading force in the positive transformation of the travel industry. The organization accomplishes this through community building, innovative professional development, and events. iFIVE provides services for leaders, professionals, emerging leaders and future leaders.

The name iFIVE refers to the organization's core values: include, inspire, innovate, influence and impact. Membership is open to all travel professionals. iFIVE is a limited liability corporation. You can learn more about the organization, its founders and board members at the company's website: theifive.com.

About The Society of Government Travel Professionals (SGTP)
The Society is dedicated to collaboration between Government Travel Managers and travel industry suppliers to address their combined needs as the travel environment evolves. It creates an environment that allows for collaboration within the travel community and focuses on current travel solutions that are being implemented and further developed.