Jim Friedlander, President, oversees all aspects of the company’s operations. His over 30 years of global business experience as an international banker and management consultant have been vital to Arrangements Abroad’s growing diversity of clients and programs. A graduate of Philips Exeter Academy, Wesleyan University, and Columbia Business School, Jim travels frequently to explore new cultural opportunities, and serves on the Emeritus Council of The Educational Travel Conference and the US Advisory Board of the Taj Hotel Group.

Elizabeth Irwin, Secretary and General Counsel, is a member of the International Foundation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) and a representative on the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Liz traces her interest in travel to childhood years spent in Brussels. As a medieval studies major at Wesleyan University, she spent her junior year in Paris. While attending Cardozo School of Law, she interned at a Japanese law firm in Tokyo and, as a practicing attorney, served as a New Jersey Assistant Prosecutor. She is an accomplished printmaker, avid gardener, and certified yoga therapist.

James Cox, Chief Financial Officer, has more than 20 years of experience as a financial professional. Born and raised in New York City, he received his B.A. in Economics from Fairfield University and his M.B.A. in Finance from NYU. His work has taken him far afield: he helped launch Metro newspapers in several major cities across the U.S. While living in Europe for a decade, he made history by contributing to the launch of the first private TV stations in the former Eastern bloc. In his leisure travels, he’s explored every continent except Antarctica (and there’s still time). He now makes his home in Westchester County, New York with his wife and two daughters.

Greg Fraher, Vice President, Business Development, developed a passion for the travel industry after a six-week tour of Europe nearly 30 years ago. Since then, appointments in sales, marketing, operations, and senior-level management for some of the industry's most respected tour operators and specialty cruise lines have resulted in great career satisfaction and a continued wanderlust. With nearly 50 countries on all seven continents under his belt, Greg’s “bucket list” of places to explore remains lengthy nevertheless. When not planning his next adventure, he enjoys photography, good food and wine, shared experiences with friends and family, and discovering all of the great things New York City has to offer.

Kate Beveridge, Vice President, Business Development, was born and bred in the idyllic Welsh countryside, yet always yearned for a big-city life: “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to come to New York,” she says. After earning a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management with Travel and Tourism, Kate worked various jobs in hospitality and event planning until she finally landed a plum post at the Manhattan office of the British Tourist Authority, her most recent employer before joining AA. Proud mother to a “beautiful daughter,” Amy, Kate is an avid British rugby and soccer fan who also enjoys tennis, hiking, and painting in acrylics. She’s traveled to many destinations, but her favorite place is still Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, her hometown.

Ethan Long, Manager, Guest Relations, was raised in sunny South Florida and earned a BA in history from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He went on to teach English at a high school in Paris, where he spent his free time following in the footsteps of Hemingway through the historic hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre. “Every day there was like a festival, with vendors and performers,” Ethan says. Nowadays he spends his spare time inventing dishes that fuse the Latin American recipes he learned growing up in Miami with the fiery phos and curries of Southeast Asia, his dream destination.

Meg Orr, Associate, Business Development, hails from La’ie on Oahu’s North Shore. Surrounded by Hawaii’s vibrant fusion of cultures and languages, she grew up with a deep respect for cultures and a longing to experience more of the world. During undergrad, Meg assisted with a six-week, eight-country study-abroad trip across Europe, cementing her interest in cultural and educational travel. She holds both a B.A. and an M.A. in Art History, with an emphasis in museum studies and research on global modern and contemporary art, from Brigham Young University and Oklahoma State University, respectively. She has been to 18 countries thus far and brings professional experience at art museums and galleries to her role at AA. Outside of travel, Meg can be found trying new recipes, visiting museums, enjoying sunny days outdoors, and mastering the art of rock climbing.

Shuki Hasson, Senior Vice President, Development & Operations, has a diverse background in experiential and exclusive travel. Born and raised atop Mount Carmel in Northern Israel, he spent his early career as Head of the Foreign Relations Office for the IDF J1. Shuki relocated to NY in 2011 to work for El Al Airlines, and following a 7 years career in various media relations and customer service positions with the airline, he transitioned to developing and managing large scale events production and bespoke corporate retreats. Outside of work he enjoys architecture, interior design and baking, and has traveled to over 40 countries in pursuit of cultural enrichment, food and design-forward properties. Shuki holds a Bachelors of Science in International Business and Marketing Design through the CUNYBA program at Baruch College, and is fluent in Arabic, Hebrew and English.

Haley Goldsmith, Director, Operations & Charters, grew up on Long Island, where annual Caribbean vacations with her family failed to inoculate her against the travel bug. During high school and college, she studied in Spain, graduating from Indiana University with a major in communications and a minor in tourism. After various positions developing travel programs to Africa, Europe, Israel, and elsewhere, Haley moved to Miami to take a job with Celebrity Cruise Lines. But as much as she loved the Florida sun and surf, homesickness eventually pulled her back to New York. When Haley’s not traveling, she enjoys cooking, meditating, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends and family.

Alexandra Ingram, Director, Operations, is a native of our nation’s capital. A global citizen from a young age, she explored Europe and Ecuador in her youth. Those early glimpses into intriguing cultures sparked a lifelong mission. She holds a B.A. in International Affairs from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, studying abroad in Rome, Paris, London, and Berlin; and she landed a job right out of school in the educational and cultural exchange field. When she’s not globetrotting or working in the Arrangements Abroad office, you might find her whipping up international dishes in the kitchen or asking to pet someone’s dog.

Jimena Gereda, Associate Director, Development & Operations, is a native of El Paso, Texas, who developed an early passion for travel and cultural exploration. With a Swedish-Scottish-Mexican-Guatemalan heritage, Jimena was surrounded by a vibrant mix of cultures growing up. She studied classics and archaeology as an undergrad in Rome, where her love of travel deepened. Jimena has helped build travel startups in Austin, Bogotá, Guatemala, and New York. She brings her diverse background and experiences to her role at Arrangements Abroad. Outside of work, you can find Jimena cooking, frequenting farmers markets, practicing archery, playing board games, and spending time with her dog Alfie.

Suman Shetty, Manager, Operations, joins the Arrangements Abroad team after an already prolific career in the travel industry spanning more than 40 years. At 21, she began her career as a travel agent in Bangalore, India, where she got to escort groups to Far East Asia. Born and raised in India, she moved to America after getting married and starting her family. She has found working in New York City for 30 years to be a true highlight. Of course, while travel is a major passion for Suman, she also thoroughly enjoys the hustle and bustle of New York. When Suman is not traveling, she enjoys cooking and watching sports with her family, mainly cricket, tennis, and NBA basketball (Go Warriors!)

Mickey Iacono-Walsh, Manager, Development, grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, where he spoke Neapolitan Italian at home. He discovered his passion for geography in first grade, memorizing world capitals and poring over maps. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a double major in International Relations and Italian, where he studied abroad in Rome, and launched his travel career with an internship at the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce. For nearly a decade, Mickey developed, operated, and guided tours across Europe, splitting his time between Philadelphia and Rome before settling near New York City. When not crafting exceptional travel experiences, Mickey pursues his quest for the world’s finest sandwiches, devotes hours to preparing Sunday dinners, tends to his tomato plants, listens to Springsteen like a proper Jerseyite, and roots for the Mets and the Napoli soccer team.

Randi Greenberg, Manager, Development, is an Ohio native with a background in design and architecture writing and many years experience in conference production. When not exploring the culinary and cultural treasures across the boroughs of NYC, she's often on the road seeking out Roadside America oddities. After a solo, three-month stint exploring Southeast Asia with a backpack and a couple of guidebooks, her love for adventure and finding the road less traveled was ignited. She lives in the Bronx with her husband and two cats, Munch and Connie.

Meagan Payne, Senior Associate, Operations, comes to us from Salt Lake City, Utah. She discovered a passion for travel during a study abroad program in Europe while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University. In 2019, a life-changing visit to Kenya confirmed that she wanted to make a career out of helping others experience the joys of travel. She is now completing a Master’s program in Travel and Tourism Management at NYU. In her free time, you can find Meagan sharpening up her skills on the tennis court or diving into a good book, whether it’s a travelogue or a classic novel.

Joseph Vinci, Associate, Development, grew up in New Jersey, where he spent his youth exploring nearby New York City. His passion for travel blossomed during his first college semester abroad in Italy. After graduating with a degree in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, Joe spent six months in Brazil volunteering at a non-profit teaching English. His professional background spans philanthropy, grantmaking organizations, hospitality, and event planning. Joe’s linguistic talents include fluency in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, plus conversational Arabic. In his free time, he practices yoga, experiments in the kitchen, dines at new restaurants, and appreciates diverse genres of music.

Juliette Tourneau, Associate, Operations, was born and raised in France, where she spent her childhood summers exploring the countryside from Normandy's chalk cliffs. School excursions to Spain and Italy further deepened her love for travel. She earned her master's degree in tourism development and completed a study abroad in Montreal. Her professional experience spans practical and analytical tourism roles—from guiding visitors through French landmarks to analyzing visitor patterns at a tourism consultancy and greeting international guests at a tourist office. In her free time, Juliette documents New York City’s urban and natural landscapes as a photographer, capturing hidden gems and the bustle of its public spaces.

Brynn Hyland-French, Director, Communications & Project Management, is a native New Yorker who discovered her love of travel on a trip to Ireland, the country her grandparents emigrated from. After majoring in business and art history at Fairfield University, Brynn worked for several art fairs and galleries before landing her position at Arrangements Abroad. In her spare time, she enjoys reading historical novels, trying new restaurants, and obsessing over her Siberian cat, Miso. Her personal goal is to visit all 50 states by the age of 50, which leaves her with 19 more to go.

Kevin Wicks, Director, Editorial and Content, hails from St. Louis, Missouri and discovered international travel as a pop culture editor at BBC America in New York, flying back and forth to London, interviewing celebrities on the red carpet and covering “Doctor Who." Ironically for an American Studies major from Yale University, his tastes are global: he loves Brazilian music, Pet Shop Boys, Novak Djokovic, Thai cuisine, and the Japanese reality series “Terrace House.” His personal goal is to chart his family’s history through the countries of West Africa.

Jocelyn Visnov, Associate, Communications & Marketing, a Pennsylvania native, grew up traveling to National Parks from coast to coast on hiking trips with her family. She earned a B.A. from Manhattan College, where she studied advertising and journalism, enriching her college experience with educational travel excursions to Portugal and Italy. After graduating, Jocelyn worked as an au pair in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, practicing French, camping with her host family, going on bike rides, and writing her travel blog. In her free time, Jocelyn enjoys visiting local parks, attending comedy shows, and trying to pet as many dogs as possible.

Kate Otter, Manager, Guest Services, a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Kate has thrived in the travel industry for 10 years. She studied German at the College of Charleston, South Carolina. After graduation, she lived in Germany for three years. Kate is an avid community volunteer and serves as a member of the New York Junior League. In her free time, you might find her pursuing culinary excellence or elevating her heart race in a spin class.

Katherine Charleton, Assistant Manager, Guest Services, brings an adventurous spirit to our team. Born in New York City and raised in Connecticut, Katherine comes from a long legacy of avid explorers: Her maternal grandmother often shares stories about fearless traveling throughout her native Cuba in her youth. Her late paternal grandmother collected postcards from her many journeys, inspiring Katherine to create art focusing on postage stamp collage. A lover of solo travel, Katherine enjoys exploring both bustling cities and serene hiking trails, meeting up with friends all over the globe. When not journeying, Katherine relishes time with her husband and dogs, corresponding with pen pals, attending concerts and theatrical productions, brushing up on her Spanish, appreciating public art, and indulging in K-dramas, which has inspired her to learn Korean.

Sue Navarrette, Senior Associate, Guest Services, is a native New Yorker who now makes her home in nearby Westchester County. She arrives at Arrangements Abroad with more than a decade of experience in sales and marketing. A family trip to Ecuador at 16 inspired her wanderlust, which was further fueled when she studied abroad in Spain during college. She is fluent in Spanish, and in her free time, you might find her on the road to see a live concert or volunteering at her favorite radio station, New York’s WFUV.

Michael D'Elisa, Associate, Guest Services, grew up in Connecticut but found a heart for travel while studying at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida. As an undergrad, Michael volunteered on school-sponsored trips to Brazil and Portugal. After receiving a B.A. in Communication, Michael moved to Iceland where he spent his free time road-tripping around the island. Following a year in the land of fire and ice, Michael worked on cruise ships around the world. Fifty countries later, Michael finds himself back in New York close to his hometown. You can find Michael playing soccer, attending concerts, and practicing piano in his spare time.

Sean L. McCarthy, Associate, Guest Services, is a Princeton grad with an A.B. in Politics, a Certificate in American Studies, and more than three decades of experience as a journalist working for newspapers and media across North America. His comedy expertise has garnered regular bylines in The New York Times and The Daily Beast, found him judging performers from Broadway to Hollywood and taken him to the world’s biggest festivals, from Edinburgh to Melbourne. His gift for gab has genealogical foundations, too, as his family traces its roots back to the Blarney Stone itself! When he’s not traveling, he loves living in Queens, the most ethnically diverse area on the planet.

Will Smith, Associate, Guest Services, grew up just outside New York City, where he discovered his love for travel early—on a sixth-grade exchange program to France. He studied psychology at the University of Maryland and brings a strong background in project management and digital marketing to Arrangements Abroad. Will has traveled to more than thirty countries and spent a year living in Buenos Aires, where he deepened his interest in regional art, cultural history, and local cuisine. He’s a lifelong fan of New York sports, especially the Mets and the Knicks. In his free time, Will reads science fiction, plays pickup basketball, and seeks out low-key restaurants with memorable dishes.

Zaneta Ramoo, Associate, Guest Services, originally hails from New York, yet she spent much of her childhood on the Isle of Grenada, the southernmost island in the Antilles. She represented Grenada in the International Bridge Competition in China, where students demonstrated their knowledge of Chinese language and culture. During her time abroad, she visited the Stone Forest of Kunming, climbed the Great Wall, and learned traditional Chinese dance. Her early interest in culture and exploration continues to shape her travels today. Zaneta enjoys orchestral music, discovering new restaurants across New York City, and spending quiet afternoons in museums and galleries.

Andrea Cabello, Associate, Guest Services, brings a warm and welcoming approach to her role at Arrangements Abroad. Born and raised in Mollendo, Peru, Andrea has a deep understanding of the importance of hospitality and customer satisfaction. With a passion for travel, food, and mindfulness, she is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for travelers. Outside of work, Andrea loves spending time with her two beautiful children and exploring the rich cultures of South America. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Ron Schoeffler, Associate, Guest Services, is a native of New York and New Jersey. Ron brings extensive experience in marketing, project management, and client relations to his role. His recent work includes coordinating conferences, events, and travel for information media providers across the finance, legal, insurance, and commercial real estate sectors. Ron’s fascination with travel began in childhood as he spun a desktop globe, dreaming of the countries his finger might land on. While studying design and marketing at American University and beyond, he transformed those dreams into reality. His travel tales include spending the night on a farmhouse floor in Japan while experiencing two earthquakes. When at home, Ron practices conversational Spanish, browses art galleries, tests his knowledge at pub trivia, and relaxes at the beach.

Nicole Markley, Director, Technology & Information, has been with Arrangements Abroad for over a decade. She first joined the firm working in Operations, designing customized itineraries for culturally curious travelers. She later transitioned into her current role overseeing the firm’s internal systems, administration, and technology. Raised in the Midwest and deeply rooted in her Swedish heritage, Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Global Studies before moving to New York City to join AmeriCorps’ City Year New York. After a year of service, she spent six more on staff and later worked in freelance event production. Nicole lives in Brooklyn with her family, where weekends often involve home improvement projects. Her interests include travel, ballroom and social dancing, cooking, and nutrition.

Jenn Bell, Manager, Office & Guest Services, is a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Kutztown University with a BFA in Crafts, Jenn is a longtime artist whose passion for creative expression has inspired a love for travel. A study-abroad opportunity led her to England, where she honed her skills in a specialized metalsmithing program. Following graduation, she crisscrossed the U.S. promoting her unique, intricate enamel work over a decade. She later relocated to Brooklyn, fueled by a lifelong ambition to delve into the world of fashion design. When she’s not steering the helm of guest operations, Jenn dedicates her time to her diverse interests including nurturing her plants, exploring textile techniques, and spending quality moments with her cat, Ziti. She hopes to visit Matera, Italy, next.

Nailah Lloyd-Jones, Coordinator, Guest Services, is a born-and-raised New Yorker, and she first caught the travel bug on a high school trip to Italy. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2024, where she also worked in the Center for Global Education, and studied abroad in Rome and Berlin. A proponent of cultural immersion, she continues to seek out meaningful interactions with locals wherever she travels. When not assisting travelers, she’s often dancing, discovering new restaurants with friends, or exploring new cities.

Christine Pagnani, Executive Tour Director, was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Before coming to Arrangements Abroad she worked for Pan American World Airways for three decades, first as an on-campus recruiter at the University of Hawaii, then as a Japanese-speaking flight attendant, and finally in sales and marketing. She leads at least eight AAA trips every year, specializing in India and other Asian destinations as well as Russia. When not on the road, Christine divides her time between homes in Hawaii and Connecticut. Her attention to detail and endearing personality have earned her the highest accolades.

Brian Goyette, Executive Tour Director, has visited 99 countries and all seven continents. An experienced sommelier and student of art and design, Brian especially loves exploring the connections between gastronomy and culture. He received his culinary education at the hands of some of California's greatest chefs and wine experts, including Jeremiah Tower, former chef at Chez Panisse, and Stars and Barbara Tropp, who has been called "the Julia Child of Chinese cuisine.

Clive Porter, Tour Director, began traveling on graduating from Oxford, while he decided what to do when he grew up. That was in 1977 and he is still traveling. Sydney and Venice vie for his favorite city though he has no intention of living anywhere but his leafy suburb in Sheffield in the north of England

Claudia Cumbo, Tour Director and Development, has led programs for Arrangements Abroad since 2006. Born in Milan, Italy, she now resides near Venice after many years living in the Caribbean. A certified nutritionist and life coach with a natural empathy for people, she is also self-described "foodie" who cherishes her family and books as well as traveling the world. Besides English and her native Italian, she is fluent in French and Spanish.

Lynda Murphy, Tour Director, is a Jersey Shore native whose curiosity and love of the outdoors inspired a two-decade career in travel that has taken her to all seven continents while playing nearly every possible industry role: air and logistics coordinator; new destinations scout; onboard services manager; operations and programs manager; cruise and tour director; and marketing and social media expert. Lynda has led ocean and river expeditions to such remote places as Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and the Arctic, as well as land-based cultural adventures to Cuba, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Cape Verde, and more

Antonella Miro, Tour Director, was born and raised in Belgium. A longtime resident of London, she speaks four languages (French, Italian, Spanish, and English) and is deeply involved in all aspects of philanthropy. Antonella travels often to Italy, where she has family, and Colombia, where she founded an educational program in Bogotá and participates in various humanitarian projects. She serves on the board of trustees for a British-based charity and is also quite knowledgeable about antiques, having worked at Sotheby’s for 14 years.

Madeline Diaz, III, Tour Director, has over 15 years of experience in museum education and has worked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Cloisters, the Frick Collection, the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. When she is not traveling with Arrangements Abroad or for fun, she is working on education programs for the Smithsonian and a number of French cultural institutions including the Grand Palais, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie and the Museum of Jewish Art and Culture. She is an adjunct professor on museum education at the University of Versailles. She has traveled extensively through Spain, Italy and France and has a passion for art, history, languages and flamenco. Madeline holds a BA from Brown University and an MA from Columbia University.