The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has appointed Rosanna Maietta as its next president/CEO, effective Nov. 14.
Having previously served as president/CEO of the AHLA Foundation and the AHLA’s EVP, communications and public relations, Maietta brings a deep understanding of AHLA’s mission, operations, financials and people, and has solid relationships with AHLA’s key stakeholder groups, including members of the AHLA board and the AHLA Foundation board of trustees, according to the organization.
“I am excited to be returning to AHLA and reconnecting with the brilliant team and colleagues I had the privilege of working with,” she said. “This organization and industry hold a special place in my heart, and I am eager for the opportunity to lead it into a new chapter of growth and engagement. Working alongside the officers and board, I am confident that together we will build on our past successes and accelerate this thriving industry on behalf of our members.”
Kevin Jacobs, chair, AHLA and CFO/president, global development, Hilton, added, “We are delighted to be welcoming Rosanna back to AHLA to lead this dynamic organization. AHLA is in a strong position of stability and strength, with an engaged membership, successful advocacy program and a talented and dedicated team. With Rosanna’s reputation as an astute leader and strategist and her proven track record of advancing core missions, evolving organizations, and achieving strong financial outcomes, I am confident that she is the right leader to build on AHLA’s momentum.”
Mitch Patel, vice chair, AHLA and founder/CEO, Vision Hospitality Group, added, “Rosanna is well known as a creative and inspiring leader and a persuasive communicator with the capacity to build lasting relationships and alliances across all levels and constituencies—qualities essential in our next CEO. Rosanna will bring a fresh, strategic approach that will be instrumental in advancing AHLA’s mission. Simply put, we are thrilled to welcome Rosanna back to AHLA as our president and CEO.”
Maietta was selected after a thorough and comprehensive search conducted over the last several months under the oversight of the AHLA Search Committee, chaired by Patel and comprising leading CEOs and executives of the major brands, owners and management companies representing a cross-section of AHLA’s members. Maietta’s appointment was unanimously approved by AHLA’s Executive Committee and board of directors.
Kevin Carey has been serving as interim president/CEO of AHLA since March 5. According to the organization, his steady leadership was instrumental in maintaining focus within AHLA during a period of transition, elevating employee morale and achieving new heights in member satisfaction. Carey will continue serving at AHLA in his role as COO/senior EVP.
Maietta most recently served as the chief communications officer/senior counselor to the CEO at the American Clean Power Association (ACP), the voice of the multi-tech clean energy industry. During her time at ACP, she tripled the size of her team across communications, marketing, events and business development, significantly grew event revenue, and led numerous multimillion-dollar public affairs campaigns to drive support for the clean energy industry, according to AHLA.