AHLA Foundation taps Sarah Cozewith to lead workforce programs

Sarah Cozewith has joined the AHLA Foundation as VP of career development to address an ongoing and urgent focus to recruit, groom and retain talent in the hotel industry. In this position, she will lead a dedicated team to enhance and grow the foundation’s national workforce initiatives.

With more than 20 years of experience in the workforce arena, Cozewith comes to the AHLA Foundation after driving programs for the multi-family housing and retail industries. She most recently served as the director of workforce development at the National Apartment Association, where she oversaw national efforts and fostered strategic partnerships with educational and community-based organizations. She also spent more than a decade at the National Retail Federation managing curriculum development and motivating members to participate in workforce programs.

“Sarah joins our industry at a critical time, when the emphasis on grooming individuals for a lifelong career in the hotel industry has never been more important,” said Rosanna Maietta, president/CEO, AHLA Foundation. “From growing our apprenticeship program to showcasing the more than 200 pathways in the industry, her vast expertise strengthens our team and will help expand key program offerings and initiatives.”

According to the foundation, Cozewith will play a crucial role in working with the rest of the team to build on the success of the apprenticeship program; expand on diversity, equity & inclusion efforts; and scale the Empowering Youth program.