WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kelly Craighead has been named CLIA’s new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Effective Jan. 1, 2019, Craighead’s new role will involve directing CLIA’s global team to “unify, represent, advocate and promote the common interests of the organization’s members and the global cruise industry,” said CLIA.

Craighead brings with her over 15 years of experience in the public and private sectors, recently serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism in the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she advanced travel and tourism priorities within the Administration and with Congress. As the first Executive Director of the National Travel & Tourism Office, she led initiatives that generated over US$250 billion annually from international visitors to the U.S., while also representing the United States internationally.

On what Craighead will bring to the organization, Arnold Donald, Global CLIA Chairman and President & CEO of Carnival Corporation & PLC, said: “I am extremely pleased that Kelly will be joining CLIA to support the global cruise industry during this golden age of cruising. Her extensive experience in the hospitality and travel industries, combined with her leadership skills and passion for results, are second to none. This is an exciting time for our industry, steeped in opportunity and I look forward to working with Kelly in the years to come.”

Craighead, who said demand for cruising is exhibiting strong growth, added: “I am excited to be joining such a strong and well-respected organization at an important time for the industry. I look forward to listening, learning, and better understanding the needs of our members and building on the strong foundation and success of the current team, in order to most effectively lead CLIA in the years ahead.”

Craighead will take over duties from Cindy D’Aoust, who earlier this summer announced her intent to leave her position by year’s end.