McInerney Makes AH&LA Changes

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Joe McInerney, president/CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), has announced his first formal reorganization plans for the association. As a result, industry veteran Bill Hanley will assume the newly created position of evp, corporate and member relations. Hanley, who is leaving the Cendant Corporation as the svp/international hotel division, will oversee all aspects of the associations membership activities and work to solidify AH&LAs corporate relations. “Bill is ideally suited for this prominent role in our structure. His knowledge and expertise in lodging and marketing are unparalleled,” McInerney said in a statement. McInerney has also moved the regulatory affairs department from his office to that of Jack Connors, evp for public policy, which is a new title to reflect Connors expanded responsibilities. The centralization of all sponsorships and endorsements for AH&LA and its affiliates have been moved under the control of Karin Mastrangelo, senior director, strategic relations alliances. Additionally, Lou Ann Hill will be leaving McInerneys office as executive assistant to devote full attention to her role as director of board relations and administration (and resort committee coordinator). In announcing the changes, McInerney also re-emphasized his commitment to consolidating the associations Educational Institute and Foundation — a proposal that will be before AH&LAs board of directors next month during the associations Legislative Action Summit in Washington, D.C. February 26-28. McInerney also said he is revamping the AH&LA’s Lodging publication, which “will become more member-oriented and feature products and services to help members run their businesses.” The monthly magazine is scheduled to premiere in April or May.