The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has named Matt Rhodes as the director of legislative communications.
He joins AH&LA when congressional action and federal wrangling are having an increasingly significant impact on the lodging industry.
In this position, Rhodes will be responsible for developing and implementing the media relations and public outreach strategy on legislative and regulatory issues for AH&LA's government affairs division. Additionally, he will be responsible for representing the association's positions and policies with legislative and press staffers in Congress, outside trade and professional associations, regulatory agencies, members of the Capitol Hill press corps, national media outlets, and the general public.
Rhodes comes to AH&LA following a 10-year career as a staff member with the U.S. House of Representatives. Rhodes served from 2005-2007 as the deputy communications director for the House Budget Committee under the leadership of then-chairman Rep. Jim Nussle (R-IA). He previously held the position of press secretary for Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL) from 2003-2005, where he served as Bonner's primary media spokesman with state and national media, and oversaw an active press operation, including the production of 'Congressional Report,' a weekly public affairs television program that aired on WKRG -TV, the CBS affiliate in Mobile, Ala. From 1997-2002, he served as press secretary and district representative for Rep. Sonny Callahan (R-AL), serving as Callahan's primary spokesman and as district liaison with elected officials, community representatives, and constituents.
"Matt brings with him extensive experience with the press, both through his work for two Members of Congress and for the House Budget Committee. His expertise will enable AH&LA to continue to raise the profile of the hotel and lodging industry on legislative issues impacting our members," said Marlene Colucci, AH&LA executive vice president for public policy. "Matt is respected on Capitol Hill and is a welcome addition to our legislative team."
A native of Lynchburg, Va., Rhodes holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of South Alabama. He has authored several articles on Alabama history and was a contributor to George Plimpton's 1997 biography of author Truman Capote. Married with two children, Rhodes makes his home in Northern Virginia.
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