So what does PEAK 15 mean?
PEAK 15 (or PEAK XV to you purists) was the geographic survey name given in the 1850s to the Himalayan peak that later became known to many in the world as Mount Everest. This PEAK 15 dates its origins back to 2001 when development began on a one of a kind system. In 2005, the system had proven its worth and the company was formed to bring it to market.
Like the oxygen-starved climber making the grueling ascent up a difficult peak, travel companies face a difficult path as they attempt to reach new heights. PEAK 15’s mission is to be like the sherpa who knows the route and can take a heavy load off your back as you make the push for the summit. Information technology can be a vital tool made all the more powerful when it is backed by the right people.
How are we different?
- We work exclusively with travel companies, so we know the business and speak your language.
- We view technology as a tool… a means to an end. We don’t do technology for technology’s sake.
- We have the most experienced development team in the business. Our team has, on average, 15 years of hands-on development experience.
We look forward to serving you!
James O’Leonard
Meet the Leadership Team
James O’Leonard
Founder & President
Prior to founding PEAK 15 in 2005, James spent more than 10 years in product strategy and marketing positions with Silicon Valley firms such as Sun Microsystems. He has a passion for travel, born in part by his experiences growing up in Kenya. These days, James calls San Diego, CA home where he enjoys playing soccer, hiking and surfing.
Rich Nicolosi
VP of Operations
Rich brings 25+ years’ experience in the technology industry to PEAK 15. Prior to joining the team, he worked for General Atomics and Allianz AG where he held a variety of positions in IT, Operations, and QA. His passion for travel started at a young age visiting family in Sicily and is always ready to embark on a new adventure. He calls Aledo, Texas home where his family lives the true Friday night lights small town lifestyle in a close knit community. He enjoys serving at his church, giving back to the community, and all things outdoors. Go Bearcats!
Brittany Hurst
Director of Strategic Accounts
Brittany brings nearly two decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry to PEAK 15. Prior to joining the team, she worked with leading adventure and luxury travel brands designing custom itineraries, optimizing systems, enhancing guest experiences, and driving sustainable growth. Based in Ashland, Oregon, she’s passionate about connecting people and ideas that move the industry forward. Outside of work, you’ll find her on a mountain bike trail, cooking over a campfire, or exploring the next great destination.
Stephanie Westcott
Director of Support & Technical Services
Stephanie spent several years in Japan working in hospitality and travel before moving back to Michigan and becoming a member of the PEAK 15 customer service team. Using that experience, she now leads our Support team with the goal of providing world class service to help all our customers succeed. When not working, she enjoys reading, playing board games, and getting outside to see a concert or go hiking.
Nancy Fogarty
Director of Product
Nancy brings 30+ years experience in the travel industry to PEAK 15. Prior to joining the team, she worked for Grand Circle Corporation where she held a variety of positions in Product Planning, Operations, and IT. Her passion for travel started at a young age and she is thrilled to have a career in this exciting and ever changing industry. Nancy calls the shores of Eastern Maryland home where she enjoys boating, gardening, and volunteering in local philanthropic organizations.
Amanda Ford
Director of Customer Success
Amanda brings both personal and professional travel experience to PEAK 15. During her time at Overseas Adventure Travel, she specialized in training, affinity group travel, and the Amadeus GDS, but has spent 20+ years in roles focused on customer service & success. Born & raised in Massachusetts, Amanda is a diehard New Englander who loves the fall and everything that comes with it (apple picking, cider donuts, foliage, you name it). She spends her free time singing with the Choral Arts Society of the South Shore, baking for her family, or hiking with her husband and rescue dog.
Christer Damm
Director of Engineering
Christer began his career launching weather satellites before moving into software for its faster pace and opportunity to iterate. His experience at Nordstrom shaped his focus on improving communication and collaboration across companies—creating stronger teams and better outcomes for customers. He lives in the Seattle area where he enjoys playing basketball, watching the Kraken, and spotting orcas from the ferry.
Alyssa Scales
Sales Development Representative
Alyssa brings nearly a decade of sales experience to PEAK 15, where she focuses on connecting multi-day tour operators with solutions that simplify operations and elevate the guest experience. Before joining PEAK 15, she helped businesses grow through thoughtful outreach and relationship building across multiple industries. Alyssa’s passion for travel and connecting with people led her to a career where she can help operators deliver smoother trips and exceptional guest experiences. Based in Georgia, she enjoys live music, exploring new destinations, and spending time with family and friends.
