Washington, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced the appointment of Amanda Franks as vice president of Campaign Communications. Franks is a veteran communications and political affairs professional, having spent her career assisting elected officials and organizations with strategic policy planning and message development.
“I’m thrilled to bring Amanda on board to bolster our team and drive our communications efforts on behalf of this dynamic industry,” said Rosanna Maietta, Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at AHLA. “Amanda’s experience driving surround-sound campaigns will be an asset as we build on our efforts to advance our industry’s issues in and outside Washington.”
Reporting to Maietta and collaborating closely with the communications and government affairs teams, Franks will spearhead campaign strategies on key policy priorities that impact the hotel industry, including efforts to rein in illegal hotels and ensure a level playing field with short-term rental companies as well as promoting travel and tourism, promoting the industry’s 8-million workforce, and generating increased visibility for issues and the industry.
“I could not be more excited to join the AHLA team as they continue to move the needle on policy issues that impact the hotel industry in cities and states across the country,” Franks said. “It is a tremendous opportunity to be able to build on AHLA’s successes and help develop and implement strategic partnerships, grassroots efforts and campaigns with such a talented and energetic team.”
Franks joins AHLA from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s Administration, where she served as his deputy chief of staff. During her time in the Administration, she coordinated cooperation between state agencies and Cabinet Secretaries to maximize successful outcomes, including communications, policy, and legislative initiatives. In addition to fostering relationships between agency and cabinet heads, Franks also led the transition effort for Governor Hogan and oversaw key appointments to senior positions.
Before joining Governor Hogan’s Administration, Franks spent 11 years as Vice President for the DCI Group working on numerous campaigns ranging from organizing local grassroot initiatives to strategizing on the federal level. Amanda also spent three years as a Media Relations Associate for Burness Communications. Franks received her undergraduate degree in Government & Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia, and earned a Master’s in Communications from American University.
