About Us
Founded by Clark Kotula in 2012, Clark Kotula Representation & Sales Support exists to help travel advisors, tour operators, and media share some of the most iconic and unique destinations in Latin America with travelers from around the world.
While we are not the only representation company available, we are the only one founded by Clark—a man of legendary status to those who knew him. With a decade of experience living in Cusco, Peru followed by five years as the Latin America Managing Director for award-winning Geographic Expeditions, Clark continued on with all of the knowledge that he had soaked in over the years to create CK Representation and Sales Support. As the CEO/Founder for over a decade, Clark left an irreplaceable mark on the travel industry and all those who were lucky enough to know him along the way.
We encourage you to read Clark’s full background in Latin America and enjoy his extensive collection of educational webinars and travel videos featuring many of our properties and his insatiable, joyful pursuit of new experiences.
After Clark’s passing in 2024, our hope is to carry his vision and passion for these exceptional destinations forward into the exciting future of travel. We are working closely with the Kotula family to determine the best way to honor his legacy, and we all agree that continuing to share the most unique travel experiences that Latin America has to offer is what feels most appropriate.
Turney Maurer will be taking over as the Portfolio Director, while Whitney will be our Assistant Portfolio Director. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or memories of Clark.
We look forward to connecting with you soon.
Turney Maurer
PORTFOLIO DIRECTOR
I’m a proud fifth generation Texan and have lived in the Austin area my entire life.
Growing up in Austin, my life revolved around football. I won two State Championships as running back for Lake Travis High School and earned a scholarship to play at Texas Lutheran University. After quitting football, I transferred to TSU in beautiful San Marcos and returned to my passion of travel and outdoor exploration.
My career in travel began in 2015 when I started working for Paragon Expeditions, a tour operator specializing in Latin America. My time with Paragon had me both developing and leading trips. I then went on to become the North American Sales and Marketing Director for Latin Excursions, a specialized tour operator also focusing exclusively on Latin America. This role had me out networking with advisors to promote their services and products.
During my time working for both tour operators, Clark Kotula Representation was an invaluable asset in helping me discover new and unique experiences to offer my clients and teaching me how to sell them. I was fortunate to be a participant on FAM trips to Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos and Panama, all organized by Clark Kotula Representation
When I’m not traveling or helping my clients, you can find me every morning, at sunrise, swimming in Barton Springs Pool in Austin. This is usually followed by a mountain bike ride in the Hill Country, wakeboarding on Lake Travis, or floating the San Marcos river. In the evening, you might find me at Gruene Hall enjoying live music while washing down a mouth full of queso with a cold Shiner Bock.
Fun Fact: People love to give me nicknames, in the US my nickname is “Turndogg” but my name is impossible to pronounce for most Spanish speakers. The closest English word to Turney is Turkey, and for that people call me “Pavo Loco” (Crazy Turkey)
Instagram: @turneys_journeys
Email: turney@clarkkotula.com
Phone/Whatsapp: +1 512 264-4094
Whitney James
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
My introduction to the world of travel began in 2014 when I took on a role as the Marketing Manager at Outside GO, Outside Magazine’s then travel partner (now operating independently as Uncharted). After visiting us in Santa Fe for a sales call, Clark took the initiative to invite me to experience Ecuador as a part of his 2018 FAM trip which included Hacienda Zuleta and Galapagos Safari Camp. I have had the wonderful fortune to be a part of the Clark Kotula family in some capacity ever since.
Over the years, I have assisted many of the properties in Clark’s portfolio with their marketing materials and communications, including managing the Clark Kotula Representation social media platforms since 2019. And like everyone in the travel industry, I am hardly picky when it comes to my next destination—but there is no doubt that my love for (attempting to speak) the Spanish language makes Latin America my forever-next place. So far my stamps include: Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, and I am eagerly awaiting the next trip south. But it’s not just my carryon anymore! My husband and I welcomed our daughter, Juniper, in the summer of 2023 and we look forward to sharing these incredible travel experiences with her as she grows.
During my six years working adjacent to and alongside Clark, one thing became abundantly clear. Relationships were at the root of it all. Clark was incredibly discerning, and the requirements for his representation went far beyond beautiful architecture and sustainability to a true connection to the people behind the place. As I now begin my work with Clark Kotula Representation in a much bigger capacity, this thought is on my heart and mind. I look forward to upholding this level of quality and consideration that Clark so carefully calibrated as we carry on, anew.
Fun Fact: Whitney beat both Clark and Turney to Rancho Santana, traveling there in 2014 when she invited herself on her then-friend’s solo surf trip. Married to said friend with a daughter 10 years later, they are hoping to return very soon.
Instagram: @whitwithgrit
Email: whitney@clarkkotula.com
Phone/Whatsapp: +1 425 652 8547