Katherine Lugar, executive vice president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), on Tuesday was named the new president/CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, effective April 17. Long-standing AH&LA leader Joe McInerney will stay on through a period of transition.
AH&LA Chairman Ron Vlasic stated that Lugar joins the association as it embarks on a new mandate to become the lodging industry’s primary voice for advocacy in the nation’s capital. “She is eminently qualified to transform AH&LA by significantly strengthening its government affairs and media outreach,” he said.
For the past six years, Lugar spearheaded RILA’s public affairs efforts. During her tenure there, she led the reform of debit card swipe fees. Prior to joining RILA, she served as vice president, federal government relations, for Travelers Insurance.
Vlasic further stated that during the search process, Lugar made clear her desire to work more closely with members and focus on advocacy in Washington, which will require some changes and many fresh ideas.