National Timeshare Owners Association Announces Additions To Advisory Board

Largest Timeshare Owners Association Adds Industry and Community Leaders to Board and Forms Internal Working Committees

The National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA), North America’s premier association dedicated to educating and preserving the rights of timeshare owners, today announced the appointment of six new Advisory Board members.

The new members are: John Farrow, president and CEO, FARROW COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION; Fermin Cruz, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Americas, weholi; David DeShaw, CEO, Owners Exchange; Bruce Griffith, timeshare owner; Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO, Perspective Group; and Joe Nahman, CEO, RMC Management. They join an already experienced and diverse Board comprised of Wes Sattenfield, CEO, Resort Capital Management; Dennis DiTinno, CEO, Liberte Management; Michelle Donato, CEO, Concierge Realty; Suzanne Harris, CEO, Timeshare Advisor; Wes Kogelman, CEO, Buyatimeshare.com; and Robert A. Kobek, president, CustomerCount.

“These new appointments will allow the NTOA to be a more proactive and far-reaching organization that is able to deal with the ever-changing landscape of vacation ownership in the U.S and Canada,” explained Gregory Crist, CEO, NTOA.

The NTOA also announced today the formation of new committees designed to foster a greater understanding of the benefits of timeshare ownership. These committees are: HOA Outreach, Industry Relations, Member Services, Owner Advocacy, Owner Education and Secondary Market Solutions.

Depth of Experience

The new Advisory Board members bring to NTOA a great depth of experience. While Griffith is a longstanding Canadian timeshare owner and a non-industry executive, Farrow, DeShaw, Mattimoe, Nahman and Cruz are well-known and respected industry veterans.

“I’m excited to join the NTOA and work on consumer-centric issues,” Cruz said. “Today’s evolving timeshare industry depends on the consumer, and the NTOA is a great conduit between the industry and consumers, who are looking for transparency and easy access to the information they need to get the maximum value from their timeshare investment.”

“I couldn’t be more pleased to join this group of industry professionals in their quest to provide a unified voice for timeshare owners,” Nahman commented. “At no time has it been as important for owners, developers and managers to work together to continue our great industry’s success.”

“I am honored to join the NTOA Advisory Board,” Mattimoe remarked. “The work the association is doing is of upmost importance to both consumers and the resort community. I look forward to participating and supporting the NTOA in an official capacity and assisting the association in achieving its objectives.”

“Our goal is for the NTOA to be the one place where consumers can feel at ease talking with industry professionals about the key issues they are facing,” Crist noted. “We intend for this to be a win/win proposition, as we bridge the divide between the owner community and the industry.”

Far-Reaching Scope

Among the NTOA’s many initiatives, the association directly supports a helpline (844-ASK-NTOA) for timeshare owners who may not know where to turn to for assistance on a variety of vacation ownership-related issues. “Through the helpline, many resorts have already begun working with the association, and this collaboration is leading to greater owner satisfaction,” Crist observed.

The NTOA maintains an active presence throughout the industry. The association regularly sponsors owner educational events and industry conferences, where Crist is a frequent guest speaker. Additionally, the NTOA supports the industry through ongoing research that provides valuable insights on changing attitudes, challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving world of vacation ownership.

About NTOA

For nearly 20 years, the National Timeshare Owners Association has worked to foster a better understanding of the benefits, value and usage of timeshare ownership through information and educational programs. We are dedicated to working with consumers and the timeshare community to encourage timeshare usage, educate the public on the benefits and responsibilities of timeshare ownership and insure a better timeshare experience for everyone. For more information visit http://www.ntoassoc.com or on twitter @ntoassoc