Paula Twidale, the current Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, will retire at the end of December 2024, concluding a notable 40-year career in the travel industry. Twidale's career began in the airline sector at Boston’s Logan International Airport before she transitioned to tour and leisure travel. She has achieved several milestones, including serving as the first woman board chair of the United States Tour Operators Association and being nominated five times by Travel Agent Magazine as one of the most powerful women in travel.
Twidale has been recognized for her ability to manage large-scale operations by integrating innovation, technology, and community to drive organizational growth. She has also built strong relationships with tourism and media outlets through public speaking and media appearances.
“Travelers know they have a trusted advocate and advisor in AAA when it comes to planning their dream vacations,” said Gene Boehm, president and CEO designate for AAA. “Paula has played an integral role in transforming AAA Travel. Bringing new and exciting offerings, expert advice, and excellent benefits to our members and beyond.”
During her tenure at AAA, Twidale led critical negotiations, systems design, and implemented initiatives that increased awareness and utilization of travel services. In 2022 and 2023, Morning Consult named AAA Travel the second most trusted travel and hospitality brand. Twidale also engaged with legislators on Capitol Hill about consumer protection issues.
Her leadership was particularly noted during the COVID-19 pandemic when she helped AAA pivot to provide reliable advice to travelers while advocating for their interests.
In addition to her professional achievements, Twidale served as a board trustee of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council and chaired the Rhode Island Chapter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She continues to promote cancer awareness as a stakeholder for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides for Breast Cancer.
Stacey Barber will succeed Twidale as Vice President of Travel Services at AAA Travel. Barber has led several strategic projects at AAA Travel, including launching Trip Canvas and reimagining the AAA Diamond program.
“Stacey is an integral part of the AAA Travel team and is well-prepared to take on this new role,” said Paula Twidale. “Since joining AAA, she has demonstrated exemplary leadership over AAA Travel’s editorial content, travel technology, and Diamond Inspection program.”
Barber brings diverse experience from her previous roles at companies such as TravelClick, LightMaker, Darden Restaurants, RG Crown Bank, and Hannover Life RE. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information from the University of Central Florida.
AAA was founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads in America. Today it provides roadside assistance, travel services, discounts, financial services, and insurance to over 64 million members across North America.
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