ROSANNA MAIETTA IS the new president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, effective Nov. 14. Maietta previously served as president and CEO of the AHLA Foundation and as AHLA’s executive vice president of communications and public relations, bringing strong knowledge of AHLA’s mission, operations, finances and personnel.
Kevin Carey, interim president and CEO of AHLA since March 5, will continue in his role as chief operating officer and senior executive vice president, AHLA said in a statement.
“I am excited to be returning to AHLA and reconnecting with the brilliant team and colleagues I had the privilege of working with,” Maietta 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.”
Maietta most recently served as chief communications officer and senior counselor to the CEO at the American Clean Power Association, representing the clean energy industry.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Rosanna back to AHLA to lead this dynamic organization,” said Kevin Jacobs, AHLA’s chair and Hilton’s chief financial officer and president of global development. “AHLA is in a strong position, with an engaged membership, successful advocacy program, and a talented team. With Rosanna’s reputation as an astute leader and strategist, and her track record in advancing core missions and achieving strong financial outcomes, I am confident she is the right leader to build on AHLA’s momentum.”
In March, William “Chip” Rogers stepped down as president and CEO of AHLA to pursue other interests. The association said Carey’s steady leadership was key in maintaining focus during the transition, boosting employee morale and enhancing member satisfaction.
“Rosanna is well known as a creative leader and persuasive communicator with the capacity to build lasting relationships across all constituencies—qualities essential in our next CEO,” said Mitch Patel, AHLA’s vice chair and Vision Hospitality’s founder and CEO. “Rosanna will bring a fresh, strategic approach instrumental in advancing AHLA’s mission. Simply put, we are thrilled to welcome her back as our president and CEO.”
Maietta was selected after a search led by the AHLA Search Committee, chaired by Patel and including top CEOs and executives from major brands, owners and management companies across AHLA’s membership. Her appointment was unanimously approved by AHLA’s Executive Committee and board.
Steven Okuley was recently named AHLA’s senior vice president for conferences and events, leading a team dedicated to creating and executing events for the association and the AHLA Foundation.
AAHOA applauds AHLA
AAHOA congratulated Maietta on her new role at AHLA.
“Rosanna Maietta’s commitment to strengthening the hospitality industry is evident in her extensive work with the AHLA Foundation and her leadership within AHLA,” said Miraj Patel, AAHOA’s chairman. “We are excited to work with Rosanna to ensure hotel owners across the country have a strong voice in the industry’s future and to further advocate for policies that support our members and their businesses.”
Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA’s president and CEO, thanked Kevin Carey for his dedicated service as interim president and CEO.
“We look forward to working with Rosanna Maietta to champion our industry’s priorities,” Blake said. “AHLA and AAHOA remain committed to addressing critical industry challenges, from workforce development and regulatory reform to preventing human trafficking. Rosanna’s understanding of these issues will drive continued progress for hoteliers nationwide.”
In September, more than 400 AAHOA and American Hotel & Lodging Association members met with Congress to discuss workforce expansion, tax relief, and transparency in OTA fees.
