SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – The hospitality industry is one of the few fields where individuals can begin in entry-level roles and rise to executive leadership positions. Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), exemplifies this journey. From managing marketing and communications to leading the AHLA Foundation and now overseeing AHLA, Maietta's career is a testament to the industry’s unique opportunities.
The Journey to Leadership
Maietta attributes her passion for hospitality to the industry's unparalleled potential for growth and success. "This is simply the best industry in the world. Where else can you start in an entry-level role and rise up to run a hotel, own a hotel, or become the CEO of a global company?" she stated. Her enthusiasm for hospitality stems from the dynamic and people-centric nature of the business, which continually offers new challenges and opportunities.
Lessons from Mentors and Role Models
Drawing inspiration from her immigrant parents, who were small-business owners, Maietta learned early on the value of perseverance, hard work, and community upliftment. "My immigrant parents were small-business owners who taught me the value of working hard, never giving up, and bringing other people along with you," she shared. She also credits many influential leaders in her life for reinforcing the importance of face-to-face connections and maintaining a people-first mindset. According to Maietta, the ability to motivate and inspire teams around a shared mission is a key driver of success in any industry.
Diversity and Inclusion in Hospitality
The hospitality industry continues to make strides in fostering diversity and inclusion. "Hoteliers remain committed to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone, and that includes both our guests and the more than two million people we employ," Maietta emphasized. She believes that the industry's success is deeply rooted in prioritizing people. Given hospitality's strong track record of enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive, Maietta remains optimistic that this trend will persist.
Empowering Women in Hospitality Leadership
The AHLA Foundation has taken proactive steps to ensure more women ascend to leadership roles within the industry. Maietta recalled the inception of the ForWard conference in 2018 as a pivotal moment for women's advancement in hospitality. "For years now, I’ve watched women succeed in a growing number of leadership roles. There’s always more to do, but the AHLA Foundation is in a perfect position to meet this challenge," she noted. Programs like BUILD and ELEVATE, spearheaded by the foundation, provide women with essential networking opportunities, mentorship, and professional development resources to help them navigate leadership pathways.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hospitality
Maietta remains optimistic about the future of hospitality, particularly as the industry continues to embrace inclusivity and leadership development. Through strategic initiatives, professional growth programs, and a strong commitment to a people-first philosophy, AHLA and its foundation are paving the way for future generations of hospitality professionals. As more individuals enter and rise within the industry, the opportunities for career advancement and leadership continue to expand, reinforcing hospitality as a sector of boundless potential.
As hospitality evolves, Maietta’s insights underscore the industry's dedication to inclusivity, leadership development, and professional growth. With organizations like AHLA leading the charge, the future of hospitality is poised for continued innovation and success.
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