Staff

From your first inquiry to final preparations, our staff is here to help. This team handles planning, coordination, and day-to-day support, providing knowledgeable assistance every step of the way.
Penny Saydah
Tour Operations Manager with over 30 years of travel industry experience and a lifelong passion for exploration, adventure, and connecting people to the world.
Sean Bibby
Assistant Operations Manager whose global travel experience and passion for people and nature help deliver exceptional adventures for VENT travelers worldwide.
Barry Lyon
Chief Executive Officer and longtime VENT leader whose global travel experience and lifelong passion for birding and conservation continue to guide the company’s vision and values.
Patrick Swaggerty
Tour Operations Manager with a lifelong career in travel and a deep connection to his home island of Hawaii.
Erik Lindqvist
Tour Operations Manager with over 30 years of experience in travel operations, training, and marketing.
TäV Garvin
Director of Marketing and Publications whose 33 years with VENT reflect a lifelong dedication to connecting people with nature through communication, organization, and passion.
Debi Evans
Assistant Operations Manager whose creativity, leadership, and lifelong passion for nature and travel help VENT deliver meaningful, conservation-minded experiences around the world.
Peter English
Executive Director and lifelong naturalist with decades of field, teaching, and conservation experience dedicated to advancing VENT’s mission of excellence in birding and nature travel.
Celeste Dillon
Tour Operations Manager whose international background and love of travel bring creativity, precision, and warmth to every VENT journey she helps design.
Mike Ard
Corporate Controller with two decades of finance experience, dedicated to strengthening VENT’s operations and supporting its mission through sound financial management.