One of the most recognized names in the business travel management industry has assumed the top position in ACTE's global centre for research and education. Greeley Koch, Vice President Corporate Solutions for TRX and former president of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), is the new "Chair" of the Global Centre for Research and Education. The appointment was announced on the First Anniversary of the Centre's founding and marks a major development in the 20th Anniversary of ACTE.

"This is an honor for me and an opportunity to apply four years of executive experience -- earned in the service of this association -- to direct the Centre's resources toward advance travel management research and industry problem solving," said Koch.

Koch is acknowledged as one of the most widely-quoted and politically active presidents in ACTE history. His was the first voice in the business travel sector to challenge the security of the RFID passport, to demand redress for travelers, and testify before congress on various airborne communications issues. As a result of his efforts, RFID passports are now more secure and travelers have the beginning of a redress program. His predictions regarding advanced airborne communications system have come to pass in trails currently being conducted by various carriers.

Koch is also credited as being the the first travel management executive to call for Green issues as an industry directive and for broaching the subject of industry preparedness in dealing with pandemics.

The Global Centre for Research and Education was launched in February of 2006, and hailed as a new model for providing independent, proactive research -- while reducing the financial burden of this effort, traditionally borne by travel industry suppliers. The Centre's first project was an analysis of green issue impact on the business travel management industry.

"The Center could not have chosen a more significant issue at a better time," said Koch. "What began as a detailed industry report has become a far more comprehensive analysis of traveler behavior, economic impact, and future direction." Koch stated that the extended report will be released just prior to ACTE's Global Education Conference in partnership with Corporate Travel World to be held in Washington, D.C., May 18-20, 2008.

Koch acknowledged the efforts of the Centre's first Chair, Susan Hopley as both a visionary and an administrator.

"The Centre's scope and vision mirror Susan Hopley's expectations for educational excellence and research delivery," said Koch. "We have extended her official role as 'Chair Emeritus' and look forward to her continued contribution to the Centre."

Koch's appointment to the Centre's "Chair" marks an extended tour of duty for former ACTE presidents, who can then maintain stronger continuity between the foundation's objectives and those of the association.

Koch's agenda for the Centre will be released in mid-March. It is anticipated it will include topics such as the industry's economic reaction to various outside influences, projected changes in traveler behavior, and select special projects.