SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has announced the appointment of Kevin Carey as the president and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. Carey, who will continue serving as AHLA's Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeds Anna Blue, who stepped down in February.
An Industry Veteran Takes the Helm
Kevin Carey brings extensive experience to the role, having spent more than 25 years with American Express, where he led global business groups before joining AHLA. His appointment reflects a strategic effort to build on the foundation’s recent momentum and further strengthen its mission.
Rosanna Maietta, AHLA President and CEO, expressed strong support for Carey’s leadership, emphasizing the foundation's expanding role in hospitality workforce development and industry advancement. “Now more than ever, the foundation’s programs and initiatives will play a vital role in advancing the hospitality industry and amplifying opportunities for its people,” said Maietta. “Kevin is one of the industry’s most respected and seasoned leaders and a strong advocate of the AHLA Foundation and its team. I couldn’t think of a better person to lead the foundation given his experience in designing and securing funding support for broad-based industry initiatives.”
A Strong History of Leadership and Innovation
Carey has played an instrumental role in AHLA’s strategic growth, and his new leadership position at the foundation is expected to further drive its mission of supporting hospitality professionals.
Anu Saxena, president of Hilton Supply Management and chair of the AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees, highlighted Carey’s long-standing contributions. “Kevin has not only played a pivotal role in driving the association’s strategic growth but has been a key partner in the foundation’s progression since its very beginnings. On behalf of myself, the officers and the board of trustees, we look forward to collaborating with Kevin as we embark on the next phase of the foundation’s transformation.”
Commitment to Expanding Impact
Carey is eager to further the foundation’s impact, reinforcing its mission to nurture talent and increase opportunities within the hospitality industry. “I am thrilled to take on this new role and continue the important work of the AHLA Foundation,” Carey said. “The foundation plays a critical role in securing the future of our industry by developing its people, creating communities underpinned by access and opportunity and by raising awareness of the many pathways to rewarding hospitality careers. I look forward to working with our dedicated team to expand our collective impact, broaden industry engagement and develop programs that welcome and support both current and future hospitality professionals.”
For more information ,please visit.