Executive & Management Team
Through the experienced leadership of our executive team, Balboa Travel provides customized and highly flexible solutions for every corporate travel need.
Jose (Joe) G. da Rosa, Chairman -- As Chairman since 1971, Joe has guided Balboa Travel through continuous expansion by a steadfast focus on fulfilling the promise we make to those who put their trust in us, the promise of unwavering responsiveness and focused dedication on fulfilling customer needs. As a result, the San Diego Business Journal has for many years ranked Balboa as the Number One travel management company in the region by on the basis of annual sales..
Mary Alice Gonsalves, Vice Chair -- A first generation American, Mary Alice Gonsalves' immigrant parents were members of a pioneering tuna fishing family in San Diego. She has a degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from California Western University and attended USD Law School. She founded Balboa Travel with her brother Joe in 1971. In addition to her responsibilities as Balboa Travel's Vice Chair and Treasurer, Mary Alice volunteers and dedicates tremendous effort towards making the California community a better place to work and live.
Denise Jackson, President -- As President, Denise is responsible for all aspects of company management affecting over a $150 million in annual sales. A veteran of more than 28 years in the travel industry, including 24 with Balboa Travel, Denise has literally worked in the trenches in all aspects of leisure, corporate, meeting, group and incentive travel. She has held leadership positions in operations, business development, account management and consulting and has implemented a flat management structure across the organization preferring a hands-on approach with customers and employees alike.
John Cruse, Vice President, Corporate Travel Solutions -- With 18 years at Balboa Travel, John has strong operational experience having started as a Corporate Agent. After working through various supervisory positions, John is now responsible for the entire network of eighty agents, two reservations centers, the at-home agent program, booking applications on-line and on the agent desktop, quality control systems, security systems, the account management team, reporting, training and Balboa's own 24/7 program. John is an outstanding example of Balboa Travel's ability to advance and promote from within.
Inez Reynolds, Vice President, Finance and Data Solutions -- With more than 20 years of diversified experience in the travel industry in Information Systems and Finance, Inez has consulted for several Fortune 500 corporate clients, trained users on travel accounting systems, and served as the Vice President/Automation and Vice President/Controller for an $800,000,000 travel company. Her current department includes a full-time staff of five people, managing all aspects of finance, human resources and client MIS reporting functions.
Bill Russell, Vice President, Information Technology -- Bill joined Balboa Travel over ten years ago from the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper, where he was Administration Manager, Production. He also spent more than five years at Pacific Southwest Airlines, where he held positions as Regional Manager, Reservations Operations; Manager, Charter Operations; Manager, Quality Assurance and System Development; and Systems Analyst. Bill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and a Masters of Business Administration degree from San Diego State University. He is also a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.
Tina Gilmore, Director of Marketing and Airline Relations, is a seasoned sales and marketing manager with broad experience in all aspects of sales, sales management and strategic marketing. Prior to joining Balboa Travel, Tina spent 10 years at American Airlines where she held positions as City Manager, Account Development Manager and Corporate Sales Manager. With expertise in airline negotiations, policy consultation and strategic analysis, she provides critical leadership and knowledge for our clients. She is responsible for all client communication and strategic marketing. Tina holds a degree in Advertising and Business from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a 2008 San Diego LEAD graduate.
Phyllis Nakano, Director, Vendor Relations, is a veteran of 22 years in the travel industry. She re-joined Balboa Travel in 2000 after gaining extensive account management experience including the management of a multinational client with volume of $50 million. Phyllis supports our Account Management team by providing in-depth analysis of preferred supplier performance.
Kellie Dyer, Director of Implementation and Online Product Solutions, has 22 years experience in the travel industry with Continental Airlines, Navigant International and Balboa Travel. Her expertise includes travel systems automation, training, meetings and conventions and online self-booking tools. She is an expert in online self-booking. Recently, she conducted an in-depth analysis that resulted in numerous recommendations to for improving profile management, facilitating better functionality and enhancing overall end-user experience. She and her team will make proactive recommendations for online product improvements.
