The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has announced its 2026 leadership appointments, with Marriott International's Liam Brown stepping in as the new chair of the Board of Directors. Brown, who is set to retire from Marriott in June 2026 after nearly 40 years, will be succeeded by Thom Geshay of Davidson Hospitality as vice chair, and Jon Stanner of Summit Hotel Properties as secretary/treasurer.
Brown takes over from Mitch Patel of Vision Hospitality Group, who served as chair in 2025 and will remain on the board as immediate past chair. The AHLA's leadership changes come as the US prepares for a 'mega decade' of global events, positioning the hotel industry to showcase American hospitality on a grand scale. AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta expressed confidence in the new board's ability to guide the association through this significant period, supporting over two million employees nationwide.
Brown highlighted the importance of the hotel industry to communities and the economy, stating, "I look forward to working with the AHLA team and the Board of Directors to build on the momentum started by Mitch Patel." He emphasised the industry's potential for career growth, citing his own journey as evidence.
The AHLA's 2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors include leaders from various sectors, such as Jeff Horwitz of Proskauer and new board members like Plato Ginos of Shaner Hotel Group and Amanda Hite of STR. The association represents over 30,000 members, focusing on advocacy, communication, and workforce development.
AHLA Executive Committee:
- Jeff Horwitz, Senior Partner, Proskauer
AHLA Board of Directors:
- Plato Ginos, President, Shaner Hotel Group
- Amanda Hite, President & CEO, STR
- Lisa Lombardo, President, ARK Holdings
- Rob Mangiarelli, CEO, Atrium Hospitality
- Wendy Mertz, CIO, Virgin Hotels
- Lyndsay Monge, EVP Asset Management, Peachtree Group
- Ben Perelmuter, CEO, Remington Hospitality
- Ben Rafter, CEO, Hotel Equities
- DJ Rama, CEO, Auro Hotels
- Ryan Rivett, President & CEO, My Place Hotels
- Sarah Beth Urban, President & CEO, Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association
- Eva Wassermann, Senior Managing Director, Acquisitions, GEM Realty Capital
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