Chip Rogers, who for five years led the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) as president and CEO, has stepped down from the position. The announcement was made on Tuesday, but a press release stated his resignation was as of last Friday.
Pursuing other professional interests was given as the reason for Rogers’ departure. The AHLA is the largest hotel association in the U.S. representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry.
Effective immediately, AHLA Senior Executive Vice President and COO Kevin Carey will serve as AHLA’s interim president and CEO and will report directly to the AHLA Board of Directors as the body searches to fill the role on a permanent basis.
Rogers reflected on the half a decade he spent leading the association. “We have been able to build one of America’s most effective associations over the last five years,” he said. “As I move on to my next chapter, I am truly thankful for the opportunity I had to lead this incredible team and work alongside the industry’s best leaders.”
Prior to joining the AHLA, Rogers was nine years with AAHOA, an organization that represents Asian-American hotel owners in the U.S., the last five as president and CEO.
Before his association work, Rogers served in government, elected to six terms in the Georgia General Assembly.
Rogers was an ardent advocate for the hotel industry, supporting causes benefitting AHLA’s agenda and railing against any measures antithetical to the association’s mission. These included petitioning against the joint-employer rule and denouncing a Los Angeles measure that would have housed the homeless in hotels.
Perhaps Rogers will be most remembered for his unwavering and continual crusade against human trafficking through hotels.
The tall, well-coiffed Rogers was ubiquitous at industry events and conferences, an on-stage regular either moderating panels or laying out the AHLA’s policy plans.
AHLA Board Chair Kevin Jacobs, who is also CFO and president of global development, thanked Rogers for his service and said he looked forward to advancing the AHLA’s our mission.
Carey has served as AHLA’s COO since 2017 and led many AHLA initiatives including the association’s strategic plan development, dues model changes and a nearly 60% increase in revenue through membership growth, mergers and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining AHLA, Carey spent more than 25 years with American Express.
“I want to thank the Board for the opportunity to serve AHLA during this important time,” said Carey. “I look forward to working with my team members to continue doing what AHLA does best: serving members and achieving responsible public policy outcomes for hoteliers that advance this outstanding industry.”
More information regarding AHLA’s open president and CEO position will be available on the AHLA website in the coming weeks, the AHLA said.