ARDA TEAM

Whether the issue originates in Congress, a federal agency, a state legislature, or within the rapidly changing business environment, ARDA’s team is working behind the scenes to represent and support the interests of the vacation ownership industry and the millions of families who own timeshare.

Together, these professionals combine experience in law, government relations, consumer protection, public policy, regulatory affairs, finance, technology, communications, membership, and the vacation ownership business. Their work ranges from monitoring legislation and regulations and educating lawmakers to strengthening member services, managing the association’s finances and technology, and communicating the industry’s story.

Jason Gamel, J.D. President & CEO, ARDA

At the helm of ARDA is President and CEO Jason Gamel, who directs the association’s legislative, regulatory, communications, research, and strategic initiatives. Having first joined ARDA in 2004 as Vice President of State Government Affairs, Gamel returned to lead the association in 2019 after serving as Senior Vice President, Legal for Wyndham Destinations (now Travel + Leisure Co.).

With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality and vacation ownership, Gamel oversees ARDA, the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), and the ARDA-Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). A licensed attorney in Arizona, California, and Florida, he also serves on numerous national travel and real estate boards, helping ensure vacation ownership has a respected voice within the broader travel industry.

Sandra “Sam” DePoy, RRP ARDA Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy

Reporting directly to Gamel is Sandra “Sam” DePoy, who leads ARDA’s federal advocacy efforts from Washington, D.C.

Since joining ARDA in 1999, DePoy has advanced the association’s legislative agenda on Capitol Hill while overseeing ARDA-ROC, ARDA-PAC, and federal government relations. Her responsibilities include monitoring federal agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Labor, and the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Before joining ARDA, she held senior government affairs positions with both the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors, bringing decades of Washington advocacy experience to the vacation ownership industry.

Justin Vermuth, J.D. ARDA Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs & ARDA-ROC

Leading ARDA’s state legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts nationwide, Justin Vermuth oversees lobbying activities across the country while also serving as in-house counsel for the association. His team reviews thousands of bills and regulatory proposals annually, educating lawmakers about vacation ownership while helping shape balanced public policy.

Related Video – ARDA’s Justin Vermuth on Advocacy, Timeshare Law & the 2026 Legal Symposium

Robert Clements, J.D. ARDA Vice President, Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel

Robert Clements oversees ARDA’s regulatory affairs efforts while serving as General Counsel. A former Senior Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, he brings extensive experience in consumer protection, enforcement actions, and regulatory compliance, helping the industry navigate an increasingly complex legal environment.

Elizabeth A. Baker ARDA Vice President, State Legislative/Regulatory Official Outreach & ARDA-ROC

Elizabeth Baker contributes more than 20 years of vacation ownership legal and regulatory experience. Having worked for both Wyndham Destinations and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, she understands government regulation from both the industry and regulatory perspectives, making her especially effective in legislative outreach.

Chris Stewart, RRP ARDA Vice President, State Government Affairs

Since joining ARDA in 2007, Chris Stewart has coordinated legislative efforts through ARDA’s state and regional committees while maintaining relationships with policymakers nationwide. His background includes senior legislative positions within both chambers of the Florida Legislature and higher education government affairs.

Beyond Government Affairs

David J. Axel JD, MBA, MSCIS ARDA Senior Vice President, Public Relations, Marketing & Communications

David J. Axel leads ARDA’s public relations, marketing, and communications efforts, bringing a multidisciplinary background that combines law, technology, regulatory compliance, and marketing. He joined ARDA after more than 15 years operating a business growth agency, where he counseled clients and managed campaigns for organizations ranging from global brands such as NASA and MTV to local businesses and startups.

Axel’s career took an unexpected turn into marketing after working in regulatory compliance and legal affairs and negotiating a complex FCC matter on behalf of clients. His education includes a J.D. from Rutgers University, an MBA and master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix, and a digital marketing certification from the Wharton School of Business. He also holds a U.S. patent related to digital signature verification.

Rob Dunn, RRP ARDA Chief Financial Officer

As ARDA’s Chief Financial Officer, Rob Dunn oversees the association’s accounting and finances and manages its day-to-day administrative functions. He also serves as the staff liaison to ARDA’s Audit and Investment Committees.

Dunn joined ARDA in 2000 after four years as an independent auditor with Ernst & Young and a decade working in the association industry. A University of Maryland graduate, he focused on accounting and economics and earned his CPA in 1987.

Catherine Lacey, RRP ARDA Senior Vice President, Member Experience and Events

Catherine Lacey oversees ARDA’s membership, meetings, events, and member experience while also serving as Executive Director of the ARDA International Foundation. She is the lead contact for ARDA Beacon stakeholder partnerships and leads business development and strategy for membership, sponsorships, and organizational alliances.

Lacey also oversees ARDA’s meetings and awards program, with an emphasis on creating valuable content and experiences for members and partners. As Executive Director of the AIF, she is responsible for oversight of the timeshare industry research and market intelligence produced each year.

Brian Kaltenbaugh ARDA Vice President, Technology & Innovation

Brian Kaltenbaugh leads ARDA’s Technology & Innovation function, with a focus on modernizing the association’s technology infrastructure and improving reliability, security, and operational efficiency. Since joining ARDA in 2014, he has led initiatives that moved the organization to a cloud-based environment and strengthened its cybersecurity framework.

Kaltenbaugh has also overseen implementation of a new association management system designed to improve member engagement and organizational workflows. His role reflects the growing importance of technology in how ARDA serves its members and manages its operations.

Meredith Richman, CPA ARDA Vice President, Finance & Accounting

Meredith Richman leads ARDA’s accounting team and oversees the organization’s financial accounting and administrative functions. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Audit and Investment Committees and is a CPA licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Richman joined ARDA in 2023 after 12 years in public accounting with Tate & Tryon, CPAs and Consultants, and RSM US LLP, where she specialized in auditing nonprofit organizations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, summa cum laude, from The George Washington University and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Virginia.

Justin Bassett ARDA Staff Accountant

Justin Bassett serves as a Staff Accountant at ARDA, supporting the organization’s finance and accounting operations. He joined ARDA as a junior staff accountant and was introduced to the association’s broader mission through its industry conferences and member relationships.

In a 2025 ARDA staff outlook, Bassett described his interest in building relationships within the organization and learning more about the vacation ownership industry and ARDA’s goals. His role adds another layer of support to the financial team that keeps the association’s day-to-day operations moving.

One Mission, Many Fronts

Together, ARDA’s advocacy team works on issues ranging from HOA governance and consumer protection to taxation, financing, licensing, regulatory compliance, labor policy, and resort operations.

While much of their work takes place quietly behind the scenes, its impact is significant. Every year, the team helps lawmakers better understand the unique nature of vacation ownership, advocates for fair and balanced legislation, and works to prevent unintended regulations that could negatively affect resort companies, homeowners associations, and owners alike.

For an industry operating in all 50 states—and increasingly influenced by both state and federal policy—this coordinated advocacy is one of ARDA’s most valuable member services