Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group, just completed two years as chair of the organization’s Board of Directors

IRVING, TX (May 29, 2025) – Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group, has been honored with this year’s Paul M. Ruden Industry Ambassador Award from the American Society of Travel Advisors. Friedman is immediate past Chair of ASTA’s Board of Directors and a longtime board member.

The award, one of ASTA’s highest honors, was presented during a black-tie dinner at the organization’s annual Travel Advisor Conference, held last week in Salt Lake City. The Paul M. Ruden Industry Ambassador Award is given annually to the ASTA member who best represents the industry as an ambassador to multiple audiences – the government, the broader travel industry and the traveling public. Named after longtime ASTA staff member and industry titan Paul Ruden, the award is inspired by Paul’s decades-long record of service in support of the travel agency industry.

Friedman, who just completed her two-year term as ASTA board chair, and also served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 10 of the past 13 years, has played a vital role during a time of growth and reinvention for the organization.

During her time on the Board of Directors, ASTA strengthened its Verified Travel Advisor Certification program, launched an advertising campaign to introduce VeriVacation, a lead-generation platform connecting consumers with a Verified Travel Advisor, inaugurated a River Cruise Expo and significantly boosted the visibility and advocacy of the corporate travel section.

“Jackie Friedman has worked tirelessly to help ASTA meet the needs of our travel advisor members,” said President and CEO Zane Kerby. “Everyone at ASTA is gratified by her dedication to this organization.”

“This award means a great deal to me,” Friedman said. I’m proud to have played a role in ASTA’s success and its transformation into an even stronger partner for the travel advisor community. I’m committed to ASTA’s role as an influential voice for our industry.”

About Nexion Travel Group

Nexion Travel Group is a fully accredited host agency, offering membership to independent travel professionals since 1995. As part of Internova Travel Group, Nexion Travel Group provides ticketing, operations and fulfillment support to independent travel professionals coupled with best-in-class tools, technology, marketing, education and support. Nexion Travel Group is the complete host agency for multi-agent agencies, corporate agencies, experienced agents and those new to the industry.