Margaret began her career in the travel business as a corporate agent right here at Poe Travel. She quickly rose through the ranks working as (among other things) our GSA and Army account administrator to ultimately become our inimitable CEO and co-owner with Ellison. Margaret reinvented the way we do business on the operations side. Over the years she has made Poe one of the most IT savvy travel consultancies in the world. (And you should see our generator!) She is a deft leader and is frequently quoted in travel trade magazines and has been a speaker at numerous conferences, including Sabre World. Among her favorite places are East Africa, Australia, Western Europe and the Galapagos Islands.

Other points of interest about Margaret: she has a Masters in exercise physiology and used to teach ballroom dancing. Asked why she retired those dancing shoes, she says, “Who has the time?” Another stat: Margaret is an avid, amazing golfer who has played all over the world on courses in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Africa.

Perhaps even more impressive, she can fix anything and has a well-stocked toolbox that would be the envy of any handyman. This was a needed skill when growing up in a large family, in which everyone was expected to contribute. Margaret, who has a twin brother among other siblings, comes from a tight-knit clan that includes 29 first cousins. “Irish Catholic,” she says by way of explanation. Her love of travel was born early on during family road trips. The family was so large, however that they had to divide into two cars, a station wagon and Cadillac.

Travels of late, not via station wagon, include Istanbul and the Greek isles on Oceana, as well as the French Riviera. A highlight was being in Monte Carlo during the Tour de France. She’s looking forward to leading an upcoming trip to Israel.

Of her job at Poe, Margaret says she “wears many hats.” We’re just guessing here, but is one of those a tam o’shanter?
mkemp@poetravel.com

Beth started her distinguished travel career at Poe Travel in 1980. Her experience includes working in international corporate and leisure travel, luxury cruises, affinity groups, corporate oversight and operations. In early 2008 after a hiatus she returned to her roots at Poe Travel. Beth brings incredible depth of knowledge and is well versed at designing upscale, personalized travel in North America, East Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. Beth also has long-standing relationships with cruise lines Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America Line and Yachts of Seabourn. Apropos: She is a certified Virtuoso Voyager Club Host. Beth is designated by the Travel Institute as a Certified Travel Counselor and is a Virtuoso Accredited Agent.

Beth recently traveled to Spain and France on a river cruise and believes passionately that river cruises are “the up and coming way to travel.” She says, “It’s just a marvelous experience without having to spend a great deal of money.” Next on the horizon? Istanbul, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. In the future she hopes to guide church trips to Spanish religious sites.

At home, Beth stays busy with church activities and has been to Honduras seven times on mission trips. She also volunteers at Our House. Even Beth’s dog is committed to helping those in need. Her Wheaten Terrier mix, Lucky, is a certified therapy dog who can sometimes be found at Poe Travel spreading good cheer.
bwalter@poetravel.com

Teresa 
is one rare find in the leisure business. She has a knack for seeking out the deals of the century and delivers them day in and day out. Her inimitable expertise and contacts in cruising and resorts throughout North America, Mexico and the Caribbean make her indispensable. She is also an integral part of the team in the International Department, working closely with Ellison Poe on a daily basis.

After leading a group to Africa, Teresa fell in love with that part of the world and can’t wait to return. Teresa has a daughter at the Savannah School of Art and Design who is fluent in Mandarin, so a trip to China is also in the works.

Ellison says of Teresa, “She works behind-the-scenes to make things happen and keeps me on task.” This includes invoicing and maintaining the client database. She also holds the title of master calendar keeper. Sometimes she operates on cruise control, meaning that she leads the Nursing Cruise. She also makes stained glass in her back-yard shop and finds serenity and a respite from the hectic world of travel by her koi pond.
tgrace@poetravel.com


Kim comes to us with over 23 years of travel experience. She has achieved great success and developed a large following with customized group travel. “Cruising will always be my passion,” says Kim. Having sailed with over a half dozen different cruise lines on close to a dozen various ships, she has the knowledge to make your cruise vacation smooth sailing.” Maybe it is because I enjoy being pampered and made to feel like a queen, that I apply that same philosophy when working with my clients and their vacations.” Contact Kim directly at: 501-268-1778 or toll free: 866-546-4267
khammons@poetravel.com

Lacey James has been in the travel business since 1994. She started out in leisure travel and has dedicated the last 6 years to our corporate and air services. Lacey enjoys building client relationships and meeting all of their diverse needs. She has a strong work ethic, thrives on challenges and loves the fast pace that corporate travel brings. Lacey is our “go to” resource for all things technical! To unwind, Lacey loves to camp and hike around Arkansas with her husband, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, and their Boston Terrier, Bella. Her dream trip would be Bora Bora, or anywhere in the South Pacific—and, some enchanted evening, she’ll make it there.
ljames@poetravel.com

Sally has been our Chairman’s assistant since time immemorial. As such, she has come to rival even him as a source for detailed destination information. A constant sounding-board and trusted resource to our front line consultants, Sally has been with Poe a quarter of a century and in the travel business since the ’60s. She began her career in the swinging days of 1967 when she worked for Eastern Airlines and Texas International and sported black go-go boots and a minidress.

“Sally never forgets” or “Mind like a steel trap” are refrains often heard around here- qualities that are invaluable in this business. Sally also complements and tempers Fred, another invaluable quality to have in this business. She is also responsible for preparing the gorgeous customized final documents and travel kits we give to our travelers.

Sally has recently traveled to the Baltic, St. Petersburg, and Sicily and rented a villa in Tuscany with family. On the horizon: a Seabourn trip to the South of France, Corsica and Elba and a January 2011 Regent Panama Canal cruise with friends. Sally is an avid cruiser and, along with husband, Tim, is a certified Virtuoso Voyager Club Host!

When not working, traveling or complementing and tempering Fred, Sally collects silver and vintage linens. She loves cats and grandchildren (specifically her own) and just celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary.
sblewett@poetravel.com

Admired for her bird-dog tenacity and border collie herding instinct, Marliisa was formerly half of our documents and reference department—which is to say that she knows this business from the inside out. Ellison enthuses, “I couldn’t exist without her!”
Marliisa also has a wealth of knowledge about all things Disney. She grew up going to Disneyworld every year and even recently spent her honeymoon there. Now that’s love!

Another love? Scandinavia, where she recently had a wild and wonderful time visiting long-lost relatives. She would like to return there and travel to Iceland and Estonia and continues to feel the pull of the Mayan Riviera and off-the-beaten-track Mexico.
Passions include: travel, rescuing needy dogs, her Bassett-corgi mix Vegas, vegetarian cooking, yoga, foreign and independent films, and, naturally, new husband Chris.
mmaitland@poetravel.com