Jim Abrahamson Elected as Incoming AH&LA Secretary/Treasurer
Hotelier to be Association Chair in 2015
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has elected Jim Abrahamson, CEO, Interstate Hotels and Resorts, as incoming secretary/treasurer of the AH&LA board of directors. Active with AH&LA at the state and national levels since the 1980s and a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), Abrahamson will serve as association chair in 2015.
Abrahamson has more 30 years of experience in the hotel industry, beginning with the General Hotels Corporation and Embassy Suites, Inc. He went on to hold senior management positions with Hilton Hotels Corporation, The Marcus Corporation, Hyatt Corporation, and InterContinental Hotels Group. In his current role, he is responsible for Interstate's overall performance and global growth of its management portfolio, and he serves as an executive director on the company's board of directors.
Abrahamson serves as chair of the AH&LA CEO Council and is a member of the Governmental Affairs and HotelPAC Committee. Additionally, he is first vice chair of the U.S. Travel Association and will serve as chair beginning in mid-2013. He is also chair of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra board of directors.
"Jim has played key roles in the growth and success of a number of the world's leading hotel brands," said AH&LA President/CEO Joe McInerney, CHA. "His depth of experience will significantly benefit all aspects of AH&LA as we continue to meet the needs of our ever-changing industry."
In addition to Abrahamson, 2013 AH&LA officers include Chair Ron Vlasic, regional vice president of hotels, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; Vice Chair John Fitzpatrick, president/CEO of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group; and Immediate Past Chair Nancy Johnson, executive vice president, Carlson Rezidor. These hoteliers are led by AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA.
About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
