2025 AYCA Seminar - June 26, 2025

Updated April 28, 2025

MEET OUR SPEAKERS & ROUNDTABLE LEADERS (detailed biographies)

Moderator: Neil Harrell Jr
Neal Harrell is the founder and president of Brooks Marine Group, a Newport-based management search firm specializing in recruiting key personnel for recreational boat and yacht builders, boatyards, marinas, boat dealerships and marine industry suppliers. This is the 6th time he's moderated the ACYA Seminar Series.

Felicia Aav, Client Success Manager of Charter Itinerary. Charter Itinerary (CI) is redefining luxury yachting, earning the trust of the industry's most influential names. Our groundbreaking B2B software, built exclusively for luxury charter professionals, is transforming the sector by integrating cutting-edge technology and AI-driven solutions.

From seamless itinerary planning and yacht brochures to booking management and curated experiences, Charter Itinerary streamlines every aspect of charter operations—enhancing efficiency, personalisation, and luxury for brokers and their clients.

Plan with precision, present with style.

Gunes Aysun, the founder of Galeo Yachting, a boutique yacht charter and brokerage company based in Turkey, celebrating its 25th year in 2025. Gunes is a strong advocate for high standards in charter operations and actively promotes Turkey as a unique and culturally rich destination for yachting. Gunes currently serves as Chair of the MYBA Charter Show Panel and is one of the founders and the former President of TYBA Yachting & Brokers Association. Through his roles, he has contributed to the development of international collaborations and is a member of AYCA since 2022.

Nisham Batta  Nish, CEO of GrayCyan LLC, is a Cybersecurity first tech entrepreneur who helps non-technical business owners secure their web assets and build tech products. With many years of experience across the US and Canadian markets, Nish has worked with more than 450 clients to address their cybersecurity and development challenges.

Stephen Fallon, Captain of 123’ M/Y Temptation. 200/500 Ton USCG Masters, 500 Ton Cayman Islands and Marshall Island endorsements. Stephen’s first encounter with yachts was 26 years ago. The opportunity to deliver a 100-foot yacht from Chicago to Antigua, with a family friend who is also a yacht Captain. This trip encompassed the Great Lakes, Welland and Erie Canals, Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean. The ever-changing scenery and diverse workload, was an immediate attraction. After a few years as Deckhand, Mate, it was clear this could become a career. Stephen has cruised extensively all along the East Coast of the United States, from Halifax Canada to the Florida Keys, including 3 visits to Bermuda. A good portion of Stephen’s experience is doing charter work in the Caribbean, BVI USVI, and the Bahamas. An opportunity to build a 142’ Christensen over 2 years, has afforded Stephen cruising experience from Washington State through California and beyond into the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.

Lauren M. Tundis, VP of Business Banking Relationship Manager, Citizens Bank. Lauren brings over 12 years of experience in banking and payments, specializing in foreign exchange services. With six years as a Vice President Business Banking Relationship Manager, she excels as a trusted advisor, guiding clients through their daily business operations. Her commitment to building long-term relationships is evident in her approach—she takes the time to understand each client’s unique goals and challenges, positioning herself as a reliable partner for their financial journey. Supported by a team of specialists, Lauren delivers tailored solutions that enhance cash flow and mitigate risk. Her expertise extends to international and domestic payments, fraud protection, and comprehensive business banking services. In addition, she serves as a commercial lender, helping clients access the capital necessary for growth. With a deep understanding of foreign exchange and cash management, Lauren is dedicated to empowering her clients to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Jennifer Holland, an accomplished foreign exchange marketer, with over 15 years of experience in the dynamic world of currency markets. A dedicated professional with a strong emphasis on a client focused approach and reputation for understanding and addressing the unique needs of each client on a global scale. With a deep understanding of global economic trends and geopolitical events Jennifer provides solutions to assist clients in effectively engaging in cross boarder payments while minimizing currency risk. Jennifer is passionate about fostering long-term relationships and is dedicated to helping clients achieve their objectives through innovative and customized approaches.Aside from global markets, Jennifer enjoys traveling, interior design and spending time with family.

Ryan Kur, Foreign Exchange Specialist, Citizens Bank. With nearly two decades of experience in the banking industry, Ryan Kur is a seasoned FX specialist at Citizens Bank. His deep expertise in foreign exchange services allows him to partner with businesses to unlock opportunities through comprehensive FX solutions. Ryan seamlessly integrates FX strategies into financial plans, empowering clients to confidently navigate international markets, optimize currency transactions, and mitigate risks associated with foreign exchange fluctuations. Ryan has a proven track record of tailoring FX solutions to meet the unique needs of the maritime industry, particularly yacht charter businesses. His approach not only enhances client value but also positions him as a trusted advisor, fostering deeper relationships and driving growth.

Clayton Swart, Lead Travel Insurance Broker, MHG Insurance. MHG Insurance is a reputable brokerage with more than 30 years of experience in the yachting industry. We specialize in travel insurance tailored for yacht charters. We collaborate with charter brokers to offer coverage options that protect a client’s financial investment if a covered emergency disrupts or cancels their charter. 

Our Travel Insurance team, led by Clayton Swart, offers experienced and dependable support. We are always ready to assist with coverage inquiries or claims to ensure a seamless experience for brokers and their clients.