The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) announces the appointment of Brian Crawford, currently chief of staff to Florida Congressman Tom Rooney (R-17), as vice president of governmental and political affairs. He will join the staff on February 3.

In this role, Crawford will support the association's increased advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with key administration policymakers, with a focus on labor and workforce issues. He also will provide strategic support for the association's political action committee, HotelPAC.

"Brian is an outstanding addition to our team and will immediately play a key role in amplifying the lodging industry's compelling narrative with members of Congress and the Administration," said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. "Workforce issues continue to be a major focus for hoteliers across the country, and the decisions made in Washington in these areas have a direct impact on their operations and bottom line. Brian will provide our members with outstanding expertise in this area and play a pivotal role in explaining to policymakers the impact these issues have on lodging. He also brings a keen political mind that will be critical to our efforts to grow HotelPAC."

Crawford comes to AH&LA following nearly eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives, having served the past five as Congressman Rooney's chief of staff. In this role, he directed all legislative, press, and operational activities for a staff of 15 in the Washington, D.C. and three Florida district offices. He previously served as the deputy chief of staff for Florida Congressman Ric Keller (R-08). Crawford's career also includes holding a top legislative affairs position with Associated Builders and Contractors, where he implemented the association's workforce, labor and healthcare agenda, and with the National Small Business Association.