The American Hotel & Lodging Association promoted Brian Crawford to SVP and department head of governmental affairs.
Crawford, who has served as VP of governmental and political affairs at the AH&LA since 2014, will oversee the association’s advocacy efforts and 10-person team with policymakers on Capitol Hill and within the Administration, and will be responsible for directing the development and execution of strategies to address issues facing the lodging industry. Crawford will also oversee the continued expansion of the association’s political action committee, HotelPAC, which reached a record $1 million in donations in 2017.
“I am thrilled to announce Brian’s well-deserved promotion,” Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of the AH&LA, said in a statement. “Brian has been core to our advocacy wins on key federal and local issues such as joint employer and hotel-only workforce ordinances, while also spearheading a number of employer coalitions here in Washington. I am excited and confident that Brian will build on the momentum we’ve created in the last several years and lead our advocacy program to new heights.”
“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary team,” Crawford said in a statement. “We have a deep bench of professionals who have the talent, experience, and the passion necessary to drive our agenda forward, and I look forward to building on our successes and serving this great industry.”
Crawford joined the AH&LA after eight years on Capitol Hill, where he served as chief of staff for Congressman Tom Rooney (FL-17) and deputy chief of staff for Congressman Ric Keller (FL-8). Prior to serving on Capitol Hill, Crawford held a legislative affairs position with Associated Builders and Contractors, where he implemented the association’s workforce, labor and healthcare agenda. He also worked for the National Small Business Association.