Meet the PES Staff
Joann in Morocco
Joann Chaney - Executive Director
Joann is co-owner of the Professional Education Society (PES) and Global Tracks, which coordinates all travel for all PES courses. She built her career in travel by developing and managing Purdue University's Educational Travel Programs for thirteen years. Also while at Purdue she worked with the School of Pharmacy to develop continuing education travel experiences. Joann worked with over thirty professors sending 150 groups to 47 different countries. While at Purdue, she was awarded seven major grants to create customized educational travel programs and she published five books and articles about educational travel. Joann's working style of "knowing her clients" provides added value and a personal touch to all PES services.
Carey at sunset in Tahiti
Carey Kopetas - Director of Operations
Carey, co-owner of the Professional Education Society (PES) and Global Tracks, spent ten years planning group travel for leading international travel companies such as Abercrombie & Kent and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company. As a result, she has a robust industry network of top quality travel partners she utilizes to plan customized travel itineraries that are very cost effective. Carey's business degrees in international studies and marketing, plus her extensive travel to over 60+ countries allows her to assist clients in creating and managing any type of travel program. Carey's exceptional attention to detail and planning ensures the highest standard of quality for all our PES operations.
Bill at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
William Chaney, PH.D – Business Development
Bill brings 35 years of academic experience as a professor at Purdue University to our PES travel credit programs. He is an accomplished teacher, researcher, and author, having received national awards for his achievements. During his tenure at Purdue University, Bill was extensively involved in international development and research projects and designed and led travel courses to Europe, South America, Africa, and China. He has either worked or traveled in more than 65 countries. His many talents enhance the educational components of PES travel programs. You may meet him on one of the travel seminars as a co-host.
Jim catching a big one in Alaska
James H. McCray, D.D.S., M.A.G.D., M.B.A. – Seminar Coordinator
James is a general dentist with a Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry. He established the Professional Education Society in 1980 and managed all programs through 2009. Many of you may have enjoyed traveling with James on past PES programs. Presently he serves as our seminar coordinator and consultant for program planning and development. He uses skills from his Masters degree in Business Administration to juggle the many tasks required in planning the group tours. He loves to explore foreign countries and discover the intriguing cultures and medical/dental challenges of the countries visited. He is an avid sailor, ballroom dancer and member of the Traveler's Century Club.
Stella in Copenhagen
Stella Spalding – Travel Coordinator
Stella is a graduate of Metropolitan State College of Denver with a BS Degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management. She has recently traveled to Germany, Denmark and Namibia and has a deep passion for experiencing the world first-hand and learning about new cultures and environments. Stella loves to discuss travel and enjoys planning trips according to people's needs and interests. She has also been a massage therapist for the past twelve years and has a great love for cooking and photography. Her extensive knowledge of the travel industry make her an asset to the PES team.
Christy in her Colorado garden
Christy Albo – Travel Coordinator
Christy graduated from the Fort Collins Travel Trade School and has over twenty years of corporate travel experience with several Fortune 500 companies. She has also worked as a private Travel Consultant and prides herself on her excellent customer service. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and some of her other favorite destinations are Mexico and the Caribbean. Christy enjoys gardening and being outdoors with her husband and three children. She is anxious to assist with all your travel needs.
Sara relaxing at Anna Maria Island
Sara Pattemore – Designer
Sara is a graduate of Colorado State University with a BA in International Studies. She also attended the Boulder Travel School and has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and Europe. She enjoys helping others experience new cultures and destinations and is always ready to share her extensive travel industry knowledge. Her vast knowledge of the travel industry combined with her computer skills and creativity make her a great asset with promotional materials.
Jill in Guilin, China
Jill Nickels – Planning and Promotion
Jill is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a BS Degree in Travel & Tourism Management. For the past 15 years she has planned and promoted group travel programs to all seven continents. Jill has worked as district sales manager for Collette Vacations networking with travel agencies and clients in five southwestern states. She has traveled in 37 countries serving as a tour guide when needed. Her talent, dedication, and enthusiasm make her a significant asset to the PES team.
