Kathy Janega-Dykes Elected to US Travel Association Board

Janega-Dykes will begin her two-year term on the association board of directors in April.

The U.S. Travel Board of Directors is the overseeing and governing body of U.S. Travel, the nation’s top promotional and advocacy organization for the travel industry. U.S. Travel leads and coordinates travel marketing programs that bring visitors to the U.S., including advertising, promotional efforts and the International Pow Wow (IPW), the pre-eminent international trade show. The association is a strong advocate for the travel industry in the halls of Congress and also provides widely-respected economic data for its members.

“I am honored to be chosen to represent tourism in Santa Barbara on a national level,” said Janega-Dykes. “Through this appointment I will have the chance to collaborate with prominent members of the travel sector and develop new partnerships for the local hospitality industry.”

“U.S. Travel is fortunate to be served by a body whose experience broadly reflects America’s diverse travel interests,” said Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “As the leader of a wonderfully distinct destination, Kathy brings a unique perspective to the U.S. Travel Board of Directors. We look forward to her contributions as we address a variety of critical issues such as visa reform and infrastructure that impact travel to and within our country.”

The full results of the 2013 member-wide vote are as follows:

Officers:

National Chair: Rossi Ralenkotter, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (through June 12, 2013)

National Chair-Elect: Jim Abrahamson, Interstate Hotels and Resorts (starting June 13, 2013)

First Vice Chair: Second Vice Chair: Treasurer: Secretary:

Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon

Mike Gallagher, CityPASS, Inc.

Kathleen Matthews, Marriott International

Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

At-Large Directors Serving First Term (April 2013-2015):

Sean Bayliss, GTA

Roger Brooks, Destination Development International

Clay Gregory, Visit Napa Valley

Andy Ingraham, National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, Inc

Kathy Janega-Dykes, Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau and Film Commission

Lynn Minges, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Darienne Wilson-Mobley, Louisiana Travel Promotion Association

Jonathan Zuk, Amadeo Travel Solutions

Re-Nominated At-Large Directors Serving Second Term (April 2013-2015):

Scott Beck, Visit Salt Lake

Ralph Brennan, The Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group

John Edman, Explore Minnesota Tourism

Cathy Gonzales, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce

Jay Karen, Professional Association of Innkeepers International

Harry Sladich, Red Lion Hotels Corporation

Paige Williams,The Chickasaw Nation

ABOUT THE U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION:

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.9 trillion in economic output and supports 14.4 million jobs. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.