Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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MALISA GERVASIO

Global Corporate Travel Director
New Hope,PA

Summary

Dynamic global travel operations leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in corporate travel management, vendor negotiations, policy development, and multinational team leadership. Expertise in designing and implementing innovative travel strategies that drive cost savings while enhancing compliance, traveler safety, and employee satisfaction. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with C-suite executives, finance, procurement, HR, and legal teams to align global travel programs with overarching corporate objectives. Recognized for delivering actionable, data-driven insights, optimizing contracts, and achieving operational excellence in fast-paced, continually evolving environments.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Travel Coordinator & US Manager

Semrush
06.2020 - Current
  • Built and launched Semrush’s first global travel and reporting program in its 13-year history (pre-IPO), aligning policies and reporting across international markets to support scale.
  • Implemented new technology systems to modernize operations, automate workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce cost across Finance, Sales, and global business units.
  • Authored Standard Operating Procedures and global/executive travel policies, securing approval from cross-functional stakeholders (Finance, Legal, HR, and Executive teams).
  • Delivered cost savings and margin improvements through strategic budget oversight, vendor negotiations, and policy-driven expense controls.
  • Provided operational leadership during organizational change, ensuring staff engagement and productivity remained high through transitions.
  • Established KPIs and performance dashboards to track operational success, providing leadership with actionable insights to guide decision-making, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Operations Director

Kepich & Associates
01.2016 - 06.2020
  • Directed P&L, vendor and supplier negotiations, and strategic planning for a 35-acre farm venture.
  • Oversaw daily, day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
  • Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines to improve processes, efficiency, and profitability.
  • Established and monitored quality assurance standards to achieve operational excellence.
  • Reduced costs through effective resource allocation and strategic vendor negotiations.

Marketing Coordinator/Lodging Analyst

American Express Travel (Black Card)
01.2015 - 12.2015
  • Led a team of lodging analysts managing 1,100+ premier properties within flagship programs, overseeing multi-year contracts and performance optimization to drive revenue and customer value.
  • Directed cross-functional initiatives with Sales, Finance, Product, and Vendor Relations teams, ensuring alignment of strategy, operational efficiency, and seamless execution.
  • Owned day-to-day operational governance, including data analysis, partner performance audits, and compliance tracking, delivering insights that informed quota planning and margin optimization.
  • Recognized as a top performer and promoted from a highly competitive talent pool, demonstrating a consistent ability to exceed expectations, build trust, and deliver measurable impact.

Quality Mentor/New Hire Onboarding

American Express Travel (Black Card)
01.2014 - 12.2015
  • Achieved 100% positive feedback from new hire cohorts during onboarding, and was recognized for constructive coaching that accelerated ramp-up time and improved productivity.
  • Facilitated clear communication across all organizational levels, collaborating with executives, sales teams, and cross-functional partners to align strategy and execution.
  • Designed and delivered adaptable training materials (print and digital), ensuring sales teams and stakeholders had the resources and knowledge to perform at peak levels.

Travel Consultant/Sales

American Express Travel (Black Card)
01.2012 - 12.2015
  • Consistently ranked in the top 5% out of 700+ consultants, exceeding KPIs, and demonstrating a strong ability to deliver measurable performance outcomes.
  • Selected for pilot initiatives to test and implement efficiency improvements, contributing feedback, and data-driven insights that informed broader operational strategy.
  • Excelled under pressure in high-volume environments, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining strong client relationships, and professional rapport.

Sales Supervisor/Caribbean Consultant

CheapCaribbean.com
02.2007 - 01.2012
  • Trained, mentored, and coached 15–20 sales agents during a period of rapid company growth, ensuring consistent quota attainment, and operational excellence.
  • Managed hybrid call center teams (sales and service) across in-person and virtual environments, optimizing workflows, and ensuring high performance at scale.
  • Supported full employee lifecycle activities, including recruiting, interviewing, payroll, and employee engagement initiatives (focus groups, training deliverables).

Education

Bachelor of Arts -

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Skills

Global Travel Program Management

Timeline

Senior Travel Coordinator & US Manager

Semrush
06.2020 - Current

Strategic Operations Director

Kepich & Associates
01.2016 - 06.2020

Marketing Coordinator/Lodging Analyst

American Express Travel (Black Card)
01.2015 - 12.2015

Quality Mentor/New Hire Onboarding

American Express Travel (Black Card)
01.2014 - 12.2015

Travel Consultant/Sales

American Express Travel (Black Card)
01.2012 - 12.2015

Sales Supervisor/Caribbean Consultant

CheapCaribbean.com
02.2007 - 01.2012

Bachelor of Arts -

Arizona State University

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MALISA GERVASIOGlobal Corporate Travel Director