AHLA Expands its Leadership Team with Two Executives (19459000)
WASHINGTON — The American Hotel & Lodging Association announced the appointment of two executives to strengthen AHLA’s executive team, and advance industry priorities. Ralph Posner has been appointed as AHLA’s chief communication officer and Khristynbrimmeier as chief of staff. This marks an expansion of AHLA’s C-Suite under President and CEO Rosanna maietta.
Ralph Posner is a professional in communications who will be responsible for all external communication efforts of AHLA, such as media relations, member communications and campaign strategies. He will work closely with AHLA’s advocacy team in order to advance the policy agenda of the industry. Posner has decades of experience in managing reputational risks and driving visibility to national, state and local advocacy issues. Most recently, Posner was a partner at Seven Letter, an international strategic communication firm based in Washington D.C. He worked at international public relations companies and started his career on Capitol Hill, both in the U.S. Senate as well as U.S. House of Representatives.
Khristyn Brinkmeier will, as part of her new position, serve as a strategist to Rosanna Maietta. She will be advancing the association’s priorities and projects. Brimmeier, who has a career spanning 25 years in strategic communication and politics, led campaigns for public affairs and managed teams at nonprofits and corporations. Most recently, she was an executive vice-president at Lot Sixteen a lobbying and public affairs firm. Brimmeier has worked in various roles on Capitol Hill and political campaigns.
Maietta said that Ralph and Khristyn would be vital to growing and expanding AHLA’s mission, which is to highlight the value of the American hospitality industry in each community they serve. As we double-down on our efforts in uniting and promoting the hotel industry I am excited by the expertise and experience that our new team will bring to support, advocacy, and service. The addition of these new team members is another sign that AHLA remains committed to its mission as America’s leading resource for the hospitality industry.
The two leaders are part of a group that includes Kevin Carey and Troy Flanagan. They also include Chirag Shah as executive vice-president, federal affairs, political affairs, and counsel, Kara Filer senior vice-president, strategic partnership and business development, Steven Okuley senior vice-president, conferences and events, Kiersten Pearce senior vice vice vice, atrategic initiatives, and Adrienne Wiel senior vice vice, membership and marketing.
Neal Daftary, AHLA’s vice president of market development for Green Key Global, joined the organization this week. Daftary is responsible for the expansion of the Green Key Global certification program, a joint-venture of AHLA with the Hotel Association of Canada. This venture empowers North American hospitality businesses to be more sustainable. Daftary has more than 10 years of experience working in the hospitality industry, including franchise development and operational management. Most recently, he served as the director of sales and franchise development for OYO Hotels where he was responsible for growth initiatives in all U.S. market. The U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as hotel operations were among his earlier roles. He will play a key role in driving Green Key Global’s sustainable mission forward and advancing the industry.
