MEET THE FOUNDERS
Our goal is to help you grow your business and become a stronger competitor within your target market. We have decades of experience in creating unforgettable and top-notch
travel and event experiences.
JoAnn Bell Co-Founder
Throughout her 30+ year career in the travel industry, JoAnn has created and spearheaded product development and growth strategies at numerous leading tour operators, most recently as Sr. Vice President at Road Scholar. There she created and developed many innovative product types including Get Togethers, Living & Learning, Intergenerational, and micro groups. JoAnn has extensive expertise in developing cruise products from river to small ships to large charter programs. Known as a resourceful and gifted problem solver, JoAnn thrives on challenges and always comes up with creative, out-of-the-box solutions to maximize growth efficiencies and quality. JoAnn has also served in leadership positions at Vantage Deluxe Travel; Saga Holidays and International Weekends.
​
TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY: "My career and driving force has been around making travel as accessible, affordable and enjoyable as possible by creating hands-on, unique, people-to-people experiences that resonate in hearts and minds long after the guests have returned home."
Christine Garcia Co-Founder
Christine has over 25 years of travel sector leadership including product development, contracting and operating experience. Prior to co-founding North Star, Christine held the VP Program Development, Contracting & Group Leader Services role at Road Scholar where she created, and built from the ground up, high-performing contracting and group leader teams that made significant contributions, simultaneously and substantively improving both the overall profit and quality results. Previously, Christine held various senior leadership positions at Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel where she delivered savings of millions of dollars in cost of goods and led high-performing operating teams across the globe. Christine is a highly driven and motivational travel industry leader who brings great energy, plus a wealth of global resources and relationships to her clients.
​
TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY: "There's nothing in the world like travel to change your life and perspective. Don't be afraid to go off the beaten path, to take the road less traveled, and to experience the joy of where it leads you."
EXPERTS IN CREATING STELLAR EXPERIENCES
