About Us.

As the Founders of First Travel Alliance, Jeff and his wife Karen, along with Tamra Goad, Ryan Nord and the entire FTA Team, created a Host Travel Company unlike others in the industry.

What makes First Travel Alliance different is that as a travel advisor you are not just a number you are an integral part of the team. We like to call FTA the Cheers of host travel industry where "Everyone knows your name".

We believe success comes from working with the best. Our team is made up of experienced travel industry leaders who are fully dedicated to helping you grow and succeed. From executive leadership to our inside agents, everyone is committed to providing you with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to build a strong and successful travel business.

We support you by offering access to industry expertise, ongoing training, and personalized assistance every step of the way. As an FTA agent, you gain a network of knowledgeable professionals who become your trusted partners, helping guide you toward long-term success in the travel industry.

Purpose Driven

Our Mission

We ignite and empower travel entrepreneurs to build bold, thriving businesses on their own terms. Through innovative, done-for-you solutions—from demand generation and exclusive supplier partnerships to powerful tools, seamless fulfillment, and a connected peer community—we nurture success at every step.

We handle the infrastructure so our Independent Agents can do what they do best: sell with confidence, create unforgettable client experiences, and grow a business they love.

Our Executive Team

The visionaries guiding FTA Vacations and shaping the future of independent travel professionals.

Jeffrey M. Scott

President and CEO

Jeffrey M. Scott has over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, with a broad background across airlines, GDS, agencies, consortia, and hospitality. He has held progressive leadership roles focused on strategy development and driving market share through strong sales performance.

Ryan M. Nord

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

Ryan Nord's law practice focuses primarily on two practice areas-travel law and construction law. In the travel industry, Ryan, represents travel entities with over $500,000,000 in annual sales, including travel agencies and companies involved in travel marketing and management. Mr. Nord also maintains an active general business law practice.

Tami Goad McDaniel

Chief Operating Officer

Tami Goad McDaniel brings more than two decades of experience in the travel industry, combining operational expertise with a passion for empowering travel advisors. She began her career with hands-on training and formal education at ITA Travel Academy, along with specialized certification in Worldspan systems. Early in her career, Tami earned two customer service awards, recognized by both her peers and a nationwide sales team for her dedication and support.

Our Support Team

Dedicated professionals available around the clock to ensure your business runs seamlessly.

Wendy Thomas

With a 35-year background in the consumer goods industry, Wendy Thomas has worked as a logistics analyst, project coordinator, and trainer. Throughout her career, she has developed strong skills in organization, multitasking, and documentation, supporting efficient operations and effective team collaboration. Wendy joined First Travel Alliance in September 2024, bringing a fresh perspective and applying her experience to a dynamic, customer-focused environment. She enjoys streamlining processes, supporting team success, and continuously learning in new settings.

Melanie Berghoff

Commissions Manager

I've been in the travel industry for over 35 years. I started my career with Trans World Airlines where I held several positions, reservation sales agent, Senior and CRC Support Analyst for Revenue Management, and 24 hour technical and automation support to Operational planning. In 2002 I started work for a host agency that provides support, resources, and infrastructure to independent travel advisors. I’m currently with First Travel Alliance's team where I started in 2013 as the Accounts Payable Manager. I manage the financial and administrative responsibilities related to timely processing of invoices and payments to vendors, prepare and analyze accounts payable reports, and maintain strong relationships with vendors. The best part of the travel industry is the diversity of jobs, knowledge you gain, and the people you meet. In my spare time, I'm learning how to golf and enjoying nature.

Renee Virata

Business Development Advisor

Renee Virata is a travel professional with a background rooted in content creation and industry support. She began her career in 2014 as a travel writer, cultivating a deep understanding of destinations, travel trends, and audience engagement. In 2023, she joined First Travel Alliance as a Business Development Advisor, where she supports daily operations and provides virtual assistant services to select travel advisors. Renee is known for her organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to helping travel professionals operate efficiently and grow their businesses.

Michele Yagodich

Manager of Field Development

Michele Yagodich brings more than 30 years of experience in sales, leadership, training, and business development to her role as Manager of Field Development with First Travel Alliance. Dedicated to professional growth throughout her career, Michele developed a passion for coaching, leadership, and helping others achieve success.