Chad Lyons

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer

Chad Lyons has been a part of the Global Connections, Inc. team since 2005, serving in a variety of executive roles while leading and supporting the information technology and software engineering divisions. As the Chief Executive Officer in 2024 and the Chief Information Officer since 2020, Chad brings over two decades of computer engineering and programming expertise to Global Connections on a daily basis.

Chad’s focus lies in product development, research, and marketing while helping to achieve goals through technology. He continues to push the team in thinking outside the box with in-house capabilities and innovative solutions that advance the organization as a whole. Under his guidance, the technology department has built numerous programs to efficiently service evolving clientele with creatively effective design, improved user experience and overall efficiency in each product. Through team development, organizational guidance and utilizing key industry partnerships, Chad is on the forefront of helping Global Connections consistently improve and implement technologies.

Cathy Wunder

President, Chief Operating Officer

Catherine Wunder has been with Global Connections since its inception in 1996. Helping to launch GCI with founder Tom Lyons, Cathy has led GCI in a variety of executive roles including Vice President of Operations since 2017.

Cathy's seasoned portfolio combines her lifelong passion for travel and a deep commitment to improving the vacation club experience for all. With a dedicated focus on product evolution and business development, Cathy accepted the combined role of President and Chief Operating Officer in 2024. Cathy is responsible for ensuring projects, people and departmental objectives align with Global Connections’ strategic goals and overall mission. Excelling at developing relationships with key vendors and developing leaders within the organization, Cathy's impact on Global Connections is lasting and provides limitless opportunities for growth and success under her vision and leadership.

Cathy’s many accomplishments include: earning the Bill Sowers Award for outstanding accomplishments in the vacation industry; playing an integral role in opening all of the offices and resorts that have fueled the growth of Global Connections; lecturing at Travel and Tourism college; and serving on the World Conference/Portugal panel for The American Society of Travel Agents.

Dave Dawson

Vice President Resort Acquisitions & Development

David M. Dawson is Vice President, Acquisitions and Development, responsible for overseeing the management, acquisition, development, and disposition of Global Connections’ owned inventory of condominium resorts and individual units located throughout the U.S.

David’s real estate career spans more than 30 years in commercial, residential, and resort property management, leasing, and sales. Prior to joining Global Connections he served as Director of Property Management and Acquisitions for Travel Advantage Network.

He is an active member of the ARDA Resort Management and Membership Committees. He also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers.

Michelle Zimmerman

Vice President Human Resources

Michelle Zimmerman joined Global Connections, Inc. in 2002 and has been a part of the human resources team ever since. Her goal is to work side-by-side with executive management to help the organization by both acquiring and developing engaged talent devoted to the well-being of Global Connections. Her role is to help bring organizational change that aligns with our company’s mission and goals.

Michelle earned her masters’ degree in science for industrial/organizational psychology as well as obtaining her certification as a senior level human resources person (SPHR). She has been a teacher, instructing on Human Resources and Organizational Change classes for an online degree program and has the opportunity at GCI to do what she loves. That means working as an organizational development expert and working with the leadership of our company to ensure clear reciprocal communication, being a champion for our company’s mission and building programs designed to support company commitment to corporate social responsibility and community involvement.