Posner, Brimmeier assume AHLA leadership roles

What Roles Do the New AHLA Leadership 2025 Members Hold?

Ralph Posner is now AHLA’s chief communications officer, while Khristyn Brimmeier has been named chief of staff. Posner will lead AHLA’s external communications, including media relations, member communications, and campaign strategy.

Brimmeier will serve as a strategic advisor to AHLA CEO Rosanna Maietta, supporting association priorities and key projects, AHLA said in a statement.

“Ralph and Khristyn will be invaluable in growing and expanding AHLA’s mission—to highlight the importance of the hospitality industry to the American economy in every community we serve,” Maietta said. “As we continue doubling down on our efforts to unite and promote the hotel industry, I’m excited about the deep expertise and experience our new team members will bring to service, support, and advocacy.”

Additionally, Neal Daftary joined the association as vice president of market development for Green Key Global, a sustainability-focused joint venture of AHLA and the Hotel Association of Canada.

Executives and roles

Posner was most recently a partner at Seven Letter, a Washington, D.C.-based communications firm. He previously worked at global public relations firms and began his career on Capitol Hill in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Brimmeier most recently an executive vice president at Lot Sixteen, a public affairs and lobbying firm. She has also worked on political campaigns and Capitol Hill. Daftary was most recently director of franchise and sales development at OYO Hotels, leading growth initiatives in U.S. markets. He also worked at the U.S. Small Business Administration and in hotel operations.

Daftary will support Green Key Global’s efforts to expand sustainable practices across the industry.

These additions complete AHLA’s senior leadership team, which includes Kevin Carey, chief operating officer and AHLA Foundation president and CEO; Troy Flanagan, executive vice president of external government affairs and industry relations; Chirag Shah, executive vice president of federal and political affairs and counsel; Kara Filer, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and business development; Steven Okuley, senior vice president of conferences and events; Kiersten Pearce, senior vice president of strategic and executive initiatives; and Adrienne Weil, senior vice president of membership and marketing.

“Their addition is further evidence of AHLA’s commitment to our mission as the nation’s indispensable resource for the American hospitality industry,” Maietta said.

About 64,000 U.S. hotels support over nine million jobs, but post-COVID challenges like labor shortages, inflation, and rising costs remain, Maietta recently told the House Committee on Education and Workforce, urging Congress to pass recovery legislation.