Management Team
Ralph A. Kaiser Tom Cunningham Prior to joining UATP as Treasurer & Controller in June 2008, Jason was a Senior Manager with Marriott International’s Accounting Policy Group where his responsibility was focused on ensuring the Company’s compliance with SEC Reporting requirements. Prior to joining the Accounting Policy Group, Jason had experience with Marriott International’s Internal Audit Department where he was responsible for both International Property audits as well as corporate compliance testing including certain Sarbanes Oxley responsibilities. Prior to joining Marriott, he was a Manager with KPMG LLP where he focused on the audits of Federal Government clients. Jason started his career with Ernst & Young LLP where he focused on audits of Public Corporations, family owned businesses, healthcare organizations, and emerging technology companies. Jason holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is a CPA (DC). Patricia Vercelli
President, CEO and Chairman of the Board
In October 2003 the UATP Board of Directors unanimously elected Ralph Kaiser President & Chairman of the Board of Universal Air Travel Plan, Inc. (UATP). Since that time he has launched and led UATP on several important growth initiatives resulting in network growth from US$ 6.9 billion in charge volume in 2003 to over US$ 8.3 billion charge volume forecasted for 2006. Previous to his appointment as CEO, Kaiser played an instrumental role in numerous UATP business initiatives while serving as UATP Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.
Before joining UATP, Kaiser developed his international legal and business portfolio at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. as an advisor to the senior management and Board for both organizations. Before that time Kaiser was Counsel to the US Base Closure & Realignment Commission (a Presidential Commission) and served as a legal advisor as an officer in the US Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He received his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Johns Hopkins University School of Business & Management in 1999 and a Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law in 1989. Kaiser graduated from Millsaps College with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science in 1986. He also attended Regent’s College, University of London in the fall of 1988 and London School of Economics (SCUU) in the summer of 1985.
Scot Bealer
Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing
As vice president worldwide sales, Scot Bealer is responsible for developing partnerships and programs with UATP Issuers, Merchants and subscribers worldwide. Bealer joins UATP from Continental Airlines where he was the National Sales Manager – UATP. During his tenure, Bealer was instrumental in the development and growth of the Continental UATP program – now one of the fastest growing and most successful UATP programs in the network. Bealer worked for Continental since 1998. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Business Development from the University of Texas.
Vice President, Business Development
As vice president of Business Development, Tom Cunningham manages the research and development of new business opportunities as well as industry risk analysis for UATP member airlines. These projects require the Business Development team to work and coordinate closely with all UATP departments, member airlines and outside vendor parties. Cunningham received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Banking and Finance) and a Juris Doctor degree, both from the University of Arkansas. He has held previous positions as a Legislative Assistant to a United States Representative, an associate attorney and as a vice president of an internet-based sales company.
Treasurer & Controller
General Counsel
Patricia Vercelli serves as General Counsel to UATP, and represents the company on commercial and legal affairs, international issues, and corporate governance matters relating to the organization’s board and shareholders. Prior to joining UATP, Vercelli worked as a lawyer in the Washington, DC offices of the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLP. She received an LLM (Master of Laws) in International Law from Georgetown University Law Center, and a JD (Juris Doctor) from the American University.
Gary Zannotti
Vice President, Operations & Services
As vice president of Operations, Gary Zannotti is responsible for managing the Operations division which includes an infrastructure team, a regional operations team, and training & compliance as well as UATP’s Settlement Service, ATCAN and the authorization system. In the airline industry since 1997, Zannotti has held various positions at American Airlines including Senior Financial Analyst and Marketing Development Manager. He received both an undergraduate degree and MBA from Oklahoma State University.