Chief Executive Officer

Mike co-founded Chai Travel after a decade of public service representing victims of domestic violence at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.

He grew up in the travel industry and knows that there is no business as exciting or rewarding.

He feels tremendously privileged to work alongside his sisters and David Buda to build the premiere home for independent travel advisors.

In addition to Chai, Mike dedicates himself to various political and charitable causes as well as to his beloved New York Giants.

He resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife Lindsay and their three daughters.

President

A respected industry veteran, Monty brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Chai Travel. His belief in being forward-thinking while maintaining a strong connection to the past is the company’s guiding ethos.

Prior to joining Chai, Monty served as Co-President of Tzell Travel and Chief Business Officer of Global Travel Collection.

As in his previous roles, Monty is responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations with a focus on its wonderful group of independent travel advisors. He also oversees strategic planning and new initiatives.

He and his husband Dan split their time between Manhattan and New York’s Hudson Valley.

Chief Operating Officer

Becca also co-founded Chai Travel after a long stint in the service of others.

In her previous career as a social worker and manager, she helped run a large NYC-based social services agency.

Becca strongly believes in the human side of management and operations. She was blessed to work closely with her father Barry Liben on his endeavors in the final years of his life.

In addition to her professional pursuits, she enjoys being with her family, spending time with her friends, and listening to Bruce Springsteen.

She resides in Westchester, NY with her husband Matt, their children and dog.

Chief Brand Officer

Daniella brings to Chai Travel a unique style and a track record of success in all of her personal and professional endeavors.

An entrepreneur at heart, after graduating from the School of Visual Arts, she owned and operated a successful retail clothing store in Montclair, New Jersey for close to a decade.

As a lover of luxury travel, she is thrilled to work with the industry’s best independent advisors and to provide her unique eye for style and design to Chai Travel’s burgeoning brand.

She resides in Manhattan with her husband Adam and their three children.

Director of Advisor Services

Krissie brings over 25 years of experience both booking travel and supporting Advisors with every aspect of their clients’ bookings.

Chai Travel was founded on the belief that the Advisors are our greatest resource - Kristine exemplifies this attitude and brings it with her to work every day.

Krissie is responsible for ensuring that all Advisor-facing systems are best in class. She also ensures that they have the support they need to provide exemplary service to their clients.

Director of Accounting Operations

With over 30 years of experience in travel industry accounting, Sonya leads the finance operations at Chai Travel with a sharp eye for detail.

Based in New York City, Sonya oversees all accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable, commission tracking, vendor reconciliation, and financial reporting. She ensures that our processes run efficiently and that our team members always have the support they need.

Sonya is known for her leadership, problem-solving skills, and deep industry knowledge. She plays a key role in guiding the accounting team and contributing to Chai Travel’s overall success.

Outside of the office, Sonya is a proud grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren, and she brings the same dedication to her family life as she does to her work.

Director of Leisure

As Chai’s Director of Leisure, Shay brings decades of experience in luxury travel - offering both strategic vision and a passion for deeply personalized journeys. Shay has dedicated her career to curating immersive, emotionally resonant escapes that reflect each traveler’s unique story.  

Prior to Chai, she held senior roles at multiple agencies where she developed her unique ability to work side-by-side with advisors - both new and experienced – to create luxury itineraries marked by authenticity and seamless execution.  When leisure travel advisors need advice, they look to Shay.

Based in Orlando, Shay enjoys traveling the world with her husband, David, volunteering with various charitable organizations, and spending time with her dogs, Phoebe and Fiona.

Senior Consultant

David launched Chai Travel in partnership with the Liben family and served as its founding President from 2022 to 2024.

In his current role of Senior Consultant, David provides invaluable guidance and experience to both the leadership team and the world-class travel advisors whom we work with.