The American Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors has appointed Kevin Carey as AHLA’s interim president & CEO. Carey also will continue in his role as senior executive vice president & COO. Former AHLA President & CEO William "Chip" Rogers has resigned to “pursue other professional interests,” the company’s leadership announced in a statement.
Carey, who has served as AHLA’s COO since 2017, will report directly to the Board of Directors until a permanent president & CEO is selected and onboarded. AHLA’s Board of Directors is in the process of forming a committee to identify and evaluate potential president & CEO candidates and will be retaining an executive search firm.
Carey has led numerous key AHLA initiatives, including the association’s strategic plan development, dues model changes and a nearly 60 percent increase in revenue through membership growth, mergers and strategic partnerships. Before joining AHLA, Carey spent more than 25 years with American Express, where he led key global business groups across the company.
“I want to thank the Board for the opportunity to serve AHLA during this important time,” Carey said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue doing what AHLA does best: serving members and achieving responsible public policy outcomes for hoteliers that advance this outstanding industry.”
“We have been able to build one of America’s most effective associations over the last five years. As I move on to my next chapter, I am truly thankful for the opportunity I had to lead this incredible team and work alongside the industry's best leaders,” Rogers said.
“As we begin our search for a permanent AHLA president & CEO, the association is in capable hands,” said AHLA Board Chair Kevin Jacobs. “Kevin’s deep knowledge of AHLA’s operations and his relationships with hospitality stakeholders throughout the industry make him the right leader for AHLA during this transition. The Board of Directors and I look forward to working with Kevin as AHLA continues to deliver highly effective advocacy, communications and member services for the industry.”