The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has recently unveiled its 2026 officers, executive committee and board of directors, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the U.S. hospitality industry. With the U.S. preparing to host an unprecedented “mega decade” of global events, the leadership team has been carefully selected to guide the nation’s hotel industry toward a future of growth, innovation and excellence in hospitality.
New Leadership Appointments at AHLA
Liam Brown, Group President of U.S. and Canada at Marriott International, will assume the role of Chair for the AHLA Board of Directors. His leadership will be pivotal as the hospitality industry continues to evolve and adapt to new global demands. Brown’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry, coupled with his career at Marriott spanning nearly four decades, positions him as a key figure to guide AHLA during this critical time. However, Brown announced that he will retire from Marriott in June and upon his retirement, Thom Geshay, CEO and President of Davidson Hospitality, will step into the role of Chair in accordance with AHLA bylaws.
Thom Geshay’s promotion to Chair after Brown’s retirement signifies a strategic shift that will bring fresh perspectives to the organization. Geshay has been instrumental in driving Davidson Hospitality’s growth and under his leadership, AHLA will look to fortify the relationship between hotel owners and brands, ensuring that the American hospitality industry remains competitive on the global stage.
Jon Stanner, President and CEO of Summit Hotel Properties, will serve as the Secretary/Treasurer for AHLA, a role that will enable him to contribute significantly to the organization’s financial management and strategy. Stanner’s extensive background in managing hospitality investments will be a valuable asset to AHLA as it looks to strengthen its financial position and continue supporting the nation’s two million hospitality workers.
Industry Veterans Maintain Influence
AHLA’s leadership transitions come as Mitch Patel, Founder and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, completes his tenure as the Board Chair for 2025. Patel’s contributions have left a lasting impact on AHLA and he will remain on the board as Immediate Past Chair, continuing to guide the association with his vast industry experience.
Jon Bortz, Chairman and CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, will continue to serve as the Chair of the HotelPAC Advisory Council, a key body within AHLA that focuses on political advocacy and policy initiatives affecting the hospitality industry. Anu Saxena, President of Hilton Supply Management, will also return for a second term as Chair of the AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees, continuing her crucial work in advancing AHLA’s philanthropic efforts and supporting the future workforce in hospitality.
Strategic Focus on U.S. Hospitality Growth
AHLA President and CEO, Rosanna Maietta, expressed confidence that the newly appointed board members will effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead for the U.S. hospitality industry. With an upcoming “mega decade” of large-scale global events set to take place across the United States, the board is expected to play a pivotal role in positioning the nation’s hotel industry as a global leader in hospitality.
Maietta emphasized that AHLA’s efforts to highlight the importance of the hospitality sector to local economies and communities would continue to be a central focus for the leadership. The organization aims to demonstrate to policymakers and the public that the hospitality industry is not only a cornerstone of the U.S. economy but also a vital contributor to job creation, tourism and local development.
With the ongoing recovery of the hospitality sector, AHLA’s board will work to strengthen relationships between hotel owners, brands and policymakers to ensure that the U.S. remains a welcoming destination for travelers from around the world. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, the leadership team at AHLA is committed to driving innovation, fostering sustainability and supporting the diverse workforce that powers the hospitality sector.
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