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.
Abby Sparks
Front Office Coordinator with a strong background in customer service, marketing, and office operations, and a growing passion for travel, natural beauty, discovery, and birding.
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.
Debi Evans
Customer Success Manager whose creativity, leadership, and lifelong passion for nature and travel help VENT deliver meaningful, conservation-minded experiences around the world.
Erik Lindqvist
Tour Operations Manager with over 30 years of experience in travel operations, training, and marketing.
Mike Ard
Corporate Controller with two decades of finance experience, dedicated to strengthening VENT’s operations and supporting its mission through sound financial management.
Patrick Swaggerty
Tour Operations Manager with a lifelong career in travel and a deep connection to his home island of Hawaii.
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.
Peter English
Director of Operations and lifelong naturalist with decades of field, teaching, and conservation experience. Dedicated to advancing VENT’s mission of excellence in birding and nature travel.
Sarah Evans
Tour Operations Manager with a strong background in travel, business, and operations, and a lifelong love of exploration, natural beauty, culture, and adventure.
Sean Bibby
Customer Success Manager whose global travel experience and passion for people and nature help deliver exceptional adventures for VENT travelers worldwide.
TäV Garvin
Director of Marketing and Publications whose three decades with VENT reflect a lifelong dedication to connecting people with nature through communication, organization, and passion.