Father and daughter team Stephanie Smith and Steve Dick go to the ends of the Earth (literally) to ensure their clients have a positive travel experience. Photo by Backstory Creative

Fresno-based Inspiration Travel, a family-owned company that is a leading faith-based travel provider, announced last week a key leadership transition.

Stephanie Dueck Smith has been appointed CEO, bringing nearly two decades of experience to the role. She succeeds her father, Steve Dick, who will transition into the role of chairman and owner.

 

“I’m deeply honored to continue building on the incredible legacy my father and our leadership team have established,” said Smith in a statement. “I’m passionate about expanding our mission, offering transformative experiences that foster spiritual growth and connection. This next chapter of our business will focus on both honoring our roots and embracing the future.”

Founded in 1981 as Christian Cruise Conferences, Inspiration Travel was acquired by Steve and wife Ruth Dick in 1994. It has since grown its client base to more than 1,500 different organizations and nearly 240,000 travelers.

 

In 2024, Inspiration Travel was named a winner of The Business Journal’s Family Owned Business Awards (FOBA).

In addition to Smith’s promotion, Joel James, who has been with Inspiration Travel for more than a decade, has been named president. In his previous role as vice president of global client services, James played a crucial role in overseeing the company’s global operations, business development and top-quality service, according to a news release.

“Our executive team is uniquely positioned to lead the company into an exciting new era,” said Chairman Steve Dick. “Stephanie’s vision as CEO and Joel’s relational and operational expertise will drive us forward as we continue to provide unparalleled faith-based travel experiences to believers around the world. Together, they embody the values and forward-thinking approach that have been central to our business for decades.”