americanspa.com –
Julie Pankey, spa director at The Spa at the Wentworth at Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa (New Castle, NH) and managing partner of JMPankey Partners, has been selected to join the Global Mentorship Program (GMP). As a part of the international program, Pankey and other seasoned spa directors will give their time and share their expertise as mentors to inspire spa managers. Launched by a committee of spa professionals at the 2014 Global Spa & Wellness Summit in Marrakesh, the GMP is based on the International Spa Association’s list of core competencies for spa management professionals. It is currently the only formal mentorship program serving the worldwide spa industry as a peer-to-peer initiative that provides spa professionals with mentor-mentee relationships. By pairing experienced spa directors with spa managers, the program offers aspiring leaders valuable lessons on how others have successfully navigated the world of spa management. Pankey is currently mentoring Cristin Ertel, who is the spa manager at Heavenly Spa at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa (Lahaina, HI).

Together, they discuss a range of topics including leadership and management, marketing, strategic business planning, front desk and client management, financial management, and workplace wellness programs via video chat. “I’m honored to be selected as a global mentor,” says Pankey. “Sharing my love of the industry with colleagues is the most rewarding aspect of my career. I’m delighted to take part in this international endeavor. Collaboration and conversations amongst spa professionals will only further enhance the spa industry. Working with my mentee Cristin Ertel has been a rewarding and educational process for both of us.”