AAHOA promotes Rana, Smith

AAHOA Elevates Geetika Rana & Dennis Smith to Key Leadership Roles

Geetika Rana is now AAHOA’s executive vice president of membership and events, while Dennis Smith is the new executive vice president of business development. Rana, with AAHOA since 2012, and Smith, who joined in 2022, were most recently SVP of membership and VP of business development, respectively.

AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake congratulated them on their promotions.

"Geetika's extensive experience with our members and events, combined with Dennis's expertise in building strategic partnerships, will significantly enhance AAHOA's ability to meet the evolving needs of our members,” Blake said. “These leadership advancements position AAHOA for continued success in leading the hospitality industry forward."

Rana said she is honored to take on the role and continue serving AAHOA's members, partners and the hospitality industry.

"Our members are the backbone of this association, and I look forward to growing and strengthening the community through enhanced programs, events, and opportunities," said Rana, who previously served as general manager of two hotels.

Smith called this an exciting time for AAHOA and its partners.

"I look forward to taking on this expanded leadership role and fostering stronger connections that bring value to our members and partners,” he said.

Meanwhile, AAHOA also promoted Alyson Corey to vice president of conventions and Frederick Thompson to vice president of finance and strategic planning.

"I am thrilled about the promotions of Alyson and Frederick," Blake said. "Alyson's dedication to delivering exceptional conventions and Frederick's strategic financial expertise will further strengthen AAHOA's efforts to lead the hospitality industry into the future."

Blake and Neal Patel of Patel Partners were named among The Hill’s Top Lobbyists of 2024 for their advocacy for the hotel industry.