Troy FlanaganThe American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) today announced the appointment of Troy Flanagan as vice president of state and local government affairs. Flanagan brings over 15 years of experience to the new role as a policy advocate who will work closely with AH&LA's state and local partners on issues critical to the hotel industry. He officially joins AH&LA on September 29. Flanagan comes to AH&LA from Parquet Public Affairs, where as a partner he represented numerous service industry brands and trade associations that dealt with many of the same issues facing the hospitality industry. Through Parquet-managed coalitions, he also helped develop comprehensive, industry-wide solutions to the various public affairs threats posed to employers. Previously, he was director of government relations at International Franchise Association (IFA), where he focused on state and local policy threats to franchised industries, including lodging. Flanagan's experience as an issue advocate also includes government relations roles at ConAgra Foods, Inc. and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. He began his career serving in various staff positions of the Florida Legislature, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives.