Christine Szalay

Director of Marketing and Tourism

NorthPark Center

Over 21 years in the travel industry

How did your career evolve and how did you choose
your career path?
Back in the mid-80's I was working for a small ad agency handling medical accounts. I was at a Kidney Foundation board meeting when a friend asked if I was ready for a change. It took about 90 seconds for me to say yes! However, what really hooked me was seeing the visitors touring the property and realizing how the experience impacted them. It set the stage for the rest of my career - I knew that I wanted to be a part of creating those experiences.

What is the greatest value gained from your TIA membership?
The networking. There are great leaders; there are also those that lead by example. I have met so many people that I admire and have learned from through TIA. Getting to know them, and learning from their experiences, has had a powerful influence on my career.

What is the greatest challenge you have faced in your job?
I tend to reach too far and want to achieve too much too fast.

What has been your greatest success/achievement?
I don't have a greatest single achievement - I have feen fortunate enough to be involved in several notable projects. I served on the board that created the Ohio and Erie Canal Heritage Corridor - one of the first in the nation. I was the marketing director that opened the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and in the first year we had over a million visitors, 70 percent of which were from out of state. In my current position we have expanded by more than 100 percent, growing sales and establishing a dominant market postion.

If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be and why?
Frank Sinatra - because he inspired dreams.
Coco Chanel - not only did Coco free women from the corset, her creations transcend time. My favorite Coco Chanel quote: Fashion is not something that exists in dress only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
Richard Branson - he is the ultimate entrepreneur.

List two things that you absolutely could not live without.
My family and books.

TIA would like to thank Christine for providing us with a fun perspective of one of the travel industry's leaders. She has been a great supporter of TIA in the past and we certainly look forward to sharing many more with her.

If you, or anyone you know, are a TIA member and would like further information on our new TIA Member Profile program, please contact Helen Maplesden at hmaplesden@tia.org.