Nicholas Pompa's Profile

Director of Operations

Nicholas Pompa

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Professional Journey

Over the past two years at Rustic Pathways, I’ve taken on diverse roles including Director of Client Service, Italy Country Director and Director of our Greek Turtle Conservation Programs.

Each of these roles has allowed me to deeply understand how our programs have an impact on students, parents, and local communities from different angles. Now as the Director of Operations, I can tailor my support for parents, design programs for kids, and integrate with local service partners in ways that truly make a difference and elevate Rustic Pathways.

Roles and Responsibilities

My main focus is delivering top-notch client service and managing ground operations in select locations. I ensure our clients have the best possible experience, grounded in safety and enriched by cultural immersion.

For example, our new Northern Italy Adventure program ran for the first time in 2023 and received some of the highest satisfaction ratings for any new program! For client service, our parents and students are consistently impressed by our round the clock service, quick responses and always going that extra mile to make travel easy and fun.

Partnerships and Accomplishments

I’m honored to have received the Arthur M. Blank Entrepreneurship Award and to have spoken at the Simon-Kucher & Partners Pricing Power Conference in Silicon Valley. These milestones highlight my commitment to excellence and innovation in Rustic Pathways’s operations.

As a leader in client service and program management, my passion for detail and focus on cultural immersion have taken Rustic Pathways to a new level. My dedication and innovative approach have made me an integral part of our team.

Personal Background

I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship from Babson College. I’ve found many students are intrigued by discussing business ideas or understanding the economics of local communities. My educational background has primed me to deeply engage with kids on these topics and add a whole new dimension to their travel experience.

Language Skills and Certifications

I am fluent in English and have basic proficiency in Italian. I’ve found learning Italian is a great way to connect with the kids in our programs who primarily speak English. We can learn small words or phrases together and it makes learning Italian very approachable for the kids because we are doing it together.

Community Involvement

I’ve led impactful programs in the U.S., Italy and France, fostering community engagement and environmental conservation.

Travel Experience

I’ve lived in various parts of the U.S., including Massachusetts, California, and Colorado, as well as New Zealand. I’ve also traveled extensively to places like New Zealand, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, Greece, France, Slovenia, South Korea and Spain. 

I’ve led Rustic Pathways programs in the U.S., Italy and France.

Nicholas (or Nick) is incredibly organized, and I’m always impressed by his ability to track details that others, including myself, might forget. Even when we think certain program details are no longer needed or have simply forgotten them, Nick always remembers. His exceptional organization skills demonstrate how much he truly cares about our work at Rustic Pathways. He consistently strives for the best and approaches his role with excitement and energy. As a fellow team member, the combination of his technical skills and enthusiasm makes him unique. Usually, you are lucky to get one or the other, but with Nick, we are especially fortunate to have both.

Quote by: Patrick Ziemnik Training and Development Manager