MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Dr. Lisa Kelley, top expert in polar operations, named IAATO's Operations Manager

Lisa has worked in the polar tourism industry for over 15 years, successfully leading expeditions since 2007 for IAATO member operator, Lindblad Expeditions.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) announced the appointment of Lisa Kelley as Operations Manager. IAATO Executive Director Dr. Kim Crosbie said, “Lisa has a strong background in polar operations and has actively contributed to IAATO for many years.

 She is well placed to both deliver on IAATO’s long established objectives of safe and environmentally responsible Antarctic travel and work effectively with our membership to continue strengthening the association. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Lisa has worked in the polar tourism industry for over 15 years, successfully leading expeditions since 2007 for IAATO member operator, Lindblad Expeditions. She is an accomplished Dive Master, underwater filmmaker and writer. Lisa was also Station Manager for the United States Antarctic Program at Palmer Station in 2010, a position that earned her the Raytheon Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Before taking the role of IAATO Operations Manager, Lisa was an active member on the association’s Field Operations Committee and Education and Outreach Working Group. She also jointly established the Sea-Leopard Project, a citizen science research initiative that uses images and data supplied through the Antarctic tourism industry to advance our understanding of leopard seal behavior and distribution.

Lisa takes over from Tudor Morgan who is pursuing other polar opportunities. IAATO wishes Tudor all the best in his new role and thanks him for his contributions over the past 18 months.