WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Travel Association (U.S. Travel) announced the hiring of three senior leaders, adding a wave of new talent to advance association priorities. The additional staff arrive as the association readies a bold agenda, new membership structure, and refined value proposition.
“We are excited to introduce new U.S. Travel talent that will address the industry’s evolving needs and supplement the association’s growing capabilities,” says Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association. “Each of our new additions will help to expand the association’s services, provide members with greater value, and ensure that the industry achieves newfound success.”
Allison O’Connor, senior vice president of strategic communications, brings vast experience in global communications, public relations, crisis management and brand awareness. Her travel industry experience includes previous roles as vice president of public relations and communications (Americas) at Marriott International and global communications at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. O’Connor also led communications at Frontdoor and most recently served as vice president, customer experience at The Boca Raton.
Kevin Hinton, managing director of group travel, joins U.S. Travel to lead the association’s group travel community. The association executive and meetings industry leader most recently served as executive vice president of strategy at consultancy Minding Your Business. He is former CEO of Hinton + Grusich, as well as CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence. He also served as an executive vice president at Associated Luxury Hotels International.
Courtney Mesmer, vice president of event programming and experience, will provide leadership and support to the association’s signature events and member experiences. The global event production innovator comes from WorldAtWork, where she was vice president of events. Mesmer has deep experience in event design at multiple trade associations, including Finseca, American Telemedicine Association, and American College of Cardiology.
U.S. Travel Association is the national, nonprofit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States.
