Sustainability-focused trade association GSN Planet (Green Spa Network) has announced the formation of a strategic advisory board of industry leaders and innovators, to provide sustainability guidance to the wellness and hospitality sectors.

The strategic advisory board will support the GSN Planet board of directors in strengthening partnerships, shaping impactful programming and offering thought leadership to advance the organisation’s mission to improve environmental and social sustainability in the wellness industry.

This new board includes the following members:

• Noel Asmar, president and CEO, Noel Asmar Group Inc.• Kirsten Bergstrom, assistant director of spa, Montage Laguna Beach

• Wendy Nierel-Bosalavage, president, Being Well Collective• Sallie Fraenkel, president and founder, Mind Body Spirit Network

• Emma McGrady, group general manager of wellness and luxury, Gurner Group• Rachael McCrory, director, spa and wellness, US and Canada, Hilton

• Patty Neumeier, senior corporate director of spa for the US and Canada, Marriott International• Karen Short, CEO, Universal Companies

• Daniel Spencer, director of spa at Agua Caliente The Spa at Sec-he and Sunstone Spa• Catherine Strange Warren, vice president of strategic partnerships, Arch Amenities Group

Dara Mayhew, executive director of GSN, told Spa Business, “Over the next few years, the advisory board will aim to strengthen the alignment between GSN Planet’s mission and industry-wide sustainability efforts. Specific goals include expanding the adoption of sustainable practices, increasing member and partner engagement, supporting innovation and education and helping shape the future of GSN programming – such as the GSN Sustainability Summit, Green Spa Calculator and new initiatives that are yet to be announced.”

Advisors may also serve as ambassadors for GSN Planet, speaking at events, participating in working groups and helping to expand the network’s reach within the broader wellness and hospitality communities.

“Ultimately, the board’s focus is on creating measurable, meaningful impact across the wellness and hospitality sectors,” Dara continued. “Their insight will help to ensure GSN's programmes and partnerships are both visionary, practical and grounded in real-world experience across diverse parts of the industry.”

Mike Bruggeman, GSN Planet board director and head of the strategic advisory board, said, “This Advisory Board is an extension of our commitment to collaboration and inclusivity in shaping the future of sustainability and wellness in hospitality.”

GSN Sustainability Summit 2025

The GSN’s Sustainability Summit is taking place in October at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort and Spa in the Coachella Valley in the US, between 19-22 October.

The summit will be an opportunity for attendees to hold meetings, attend sustainability education sessions and learn how to make lasting change.

The agenda is being developed but confirmed speakers so far are from Oceanic Global, Charity Water and ProduceGood.