Meet Our Advisory Board

In 1982, Mike Freed built one of California's first off-the-grid solar homes—an early reflection of his commitment to sustainability. Today he is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Passport Resorts and Post Ranch Inn. He remains deeply engaged in the marketing and operations of Passport Resorts and is a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism. He holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley and a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara.

Undraa grew up on the Mongolian steppe, herding animals with her nomadic grandparents—and never expecting that one day she'd lead a world-renowned eco-lodge just hours from their home. As leader of Nomadic Expeditions and Three Camel Lodge, she remains deeply rooted in her Mongolian heritage while steering the organizations towards innovative and sustainable tourism practices. She holds a graduate degree in International Relations from California State University, Sacramento.

Jalsa Urubshurow is the founder of Nomadic Expeditions and a lifelong advocate for Mongolia's cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. The son of Mongolian refugees who fled Stalinist persecution, Jalsa was raised in the U.S., learning the Mongolian language and legends from his father. He founded Nomadic Expeditions in collaboration with the country's first democratically elected Prime Minister, helping to open the country's remote wilderness to travelers while championing conservation and community engagement.

Kurt Bjorkman has devoted more than 30 years to creating exceptional hospitality experiences with a deep commitment to sustainability and service. He launched his career as a PADI Scuba Instructor aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines in the late 1980s, splitting his time between dive tours and entertaining as part of the onboard cruise staff. Kurt is the founder of over5 Hospitality, a consultancy focused on independent hotel development, and is a respected voice in regenerative resort operations and luxury travel.

Hans Pfister is a pioneer in sustainable tourism with more than 30 years of hospitality experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. As Co-Founder and President of the Cayuga Collection—a portfolio of sustainable luxury hotels in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Nicaragua—Hans leads with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and community-driven hospitality. He serves as President of Costa Rica's Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Chamber, Regional Vice President of the Cornell Hotel Society for Mexico, Central and South America, and is a member of the Cornell Hotel Society Hall of Fame.