AHLA Names 2017-2018 Executive Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. March 2, 2017 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced its Executive Committee for 2017-2018, joining the full Board of Directors in guiding the hotel industry agenda. Led by AHLA's Officers of the Board: Chair Mark Carrier, President of the B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, Vice Chair Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group, Secretary/Treasurer Jon Bortz, Chairman & CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and Immediate Past Chair Jim Abrahamson, Chairman & CEO for Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the 14-person Executive Committee serves as the association's core governance group.
Members of the Executive Committee include:
•Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton
•Dave Grissen, Group President, Marriott International, Inc.
•Dave Johnson, President & CEO, Aimbridge Hospitality
•Doug Dreher, President & CEO, The Hotel Group
•Elie Maalouf, CEO, The Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group
•Justin Knight, President & CEO, Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.
•Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
•Mike Deitemeyer, President, Omni Hotels & Resorts
•Ross Bierkan, President & CEO, RLJ Lodging Trust
•Terri Haack, President, Terranea Resort
The Executive Committee also includes representatives from Partner State Associations. To view the full list, please click here.
Along with the Officers, the Executive Committee guides the association's core policy agenda, which this year focuses on enhancing consumer protections in an evolving distribution landscape, reining in illegal hotels and promoting career development and opportunity among the industry's workforce.
“With 25,000 hotels in membership and a number of key opportunities ahead for our industry, I couldn't be more proud to have such an strong and esteemed group of executives leading our association,” said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of AHLA.
“Serving as an engine to the U.S. economy, the hotel and lodging industry's economic contributions have a powerful and lasting impact on both a local and national scale, supporting 8 million jobs, fostering upward mobility and careers. and contributing nearly $600 billion to U.S. GDP annually. Guided by the strong leadership of our Officers, Board and Executive Committee, I am confident that we will continue to align and advance the industry, speak with one powerful voice and continue to execute on our core industry objectives. We are grateful for their leadership as we move our industry forward.”
About American Hotel and Lodging Association
Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 8 million jobs the U.S. lodging industry supports, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, bed and breakfasts, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry that advances long-term career opportunities for employees, invests in local communities across the country and hosts more than one billion guests' stays in American hotels every year. AHLA proudly represents a dynamic hotel industry of more than 54,000 properties that supports $1.1 trillion in U.S. sales and generates nearly $170 billion in taxes to local, state and federal governments. Learn more at www.AHLA.com.
Contact:
Katie Longo
klongo@ahla.com
202-289-3148




Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at