U.S. Travel Names Search Committee to Identify Association’s Next President and CEO

U.S. Travel Association National Chair Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, today announced nine industry leaders, drawn from the association’s board of directors, to serve on a committee to identify the incoming president and chief executive officer of U.S. Travel following the July retirement of Roger Dow.

The Search Committee is representative of core segments of the travel industry, including two from destination marketing organizations, the largest segment of association membership. Those serving on the Committee will be:

• Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line and National Chair, U.S. Travel Association, Chair of the Search Committee (Cruise Lines)
• Julie Coker, President and CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority (Destination Marketing Organizations)
• Debbie Johnson, Executive Director, Arizona Office of Tourism (State Tourism Offices)
• Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Chair of U.S. Travel CEO Roundtable (Hotels)
• Monya Mandich, Global Vice President, Marketing, Media Solutions, Expedia Group (Representing segments including technology and travel vendors)
• Tim Mapes, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Delta Air Lines (Airlines)
• Michael Massari, Chief Sales Officer, Caesars Entertainment (Gaming)
• DT Minich, President and CEO, Experience Kissimmee (Destination Marketing Organizations)
• Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman and CEO, Loews Hotels & Co. and Treasurer, New York Giants, and Chairman Emeritus of U.S. Travel Association (Sports and Attractions)

“Determining the next top leader of the U.S. Travel Association is the single most critical function the board will undertake next year, especially as we rebuild this industry with our eyes on the future growth and evolution of travel,” said Duffy. “I appreciate the time each of my colleagues has agreed to dedicate to this important process to appoint a leader who will advance the vision, values and goals of the association and the broader travel industry.”

The Search Committee will convene in the new year to select an executive search firm to assist them in the process.