AH&LA President & CEO's Contract Extended Through 2011

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. November 19, 2008

NOVEMBER 19, 2008. Joseph A. McInerney, CHA, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), has extended his contract an additional two years, ending October 2011. The announcement was made at the association's board of directors meeting on Sunday, November 9, in New York City.

As the head executive of the largest trade association representing the U.S. lodging industry, McInerney has reorganized the association to streamline efficiency and strengthen its core operations, including consolidating its two affiliates to form the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation - the only educational dollar-dispensing, not-for-profit premier organization for scholarships, professional certification, and instructional material as well as funding for key industry research. Additionally, McInerney spearheaded the changing of the membership structure from a federation to a dual membership format, streamlined the board of directors, and clarified the organization's mission.

'The officers were unified in our belief that Joe is particularly well-suited to guide the association through the uncertain economic time our industry faces.' said AH&LA Chairman Tom Corcoran, chairman of FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated. 'And, we're excited that he'll be at the helm to see some of our bigger projects he has launched to completion, including finalizing plans for our 100th anniversary and assisting AH&LA Educational Institute President/COO Robert Steele as he transitions into his new role.'

McInerney has 47 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is well versed in the various skills needed to operate in association, corporate, and lodging environments. Prior to AH&LA, he was president and CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association and has held top level executive positions with Forte Hotels, Inc., Hawthorn Suites, and ITT's Sheraton franchise division.

Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.