The U.S. Travel Association announced that Chris Kennedy is the association’s new director of strategic communications. In his role, Kennedy will work to strengthen U.S. Travel’s press visibility, helping to call attention to the travel industry’s pivotal role as an engine in the domestic economy.
“With his extensive media relations experience in Washington, D.C., Chris brings considerable talent to U.S. Travel’s accomplished communications team,” said Jonathan Grella, senior vice president of public affairs at U.S. Travel. “The travel industry has a powerful story to share, particularly given its growing, significant footprint on America’s economy. Chris will help make sure this story is told and our message is heard through the media. We are excited about the contributions he will make to the team.”
Kennedy joins U.S. Travel from the Cato Institute, where he was the director of media relations since June 2008. During his five-year tenure with Cato, Kennedy helped position the organization and its experts with frequent appearances in news outlets nationwide. Prior to Cato, Kennedy served in leadership roles in the communications offices at The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America and the Heritage Foundation. Kennedy’s background also includes multiple stints on Capitol Hill.
“U.S. Travel speaks with credibility on important public policy issues, and with good reason. Travel supports one in eight U.S. jobs and is an industry that continues to grow faster than the rest of the overall economy since employment recovery began,” Kennedy said. “I’m excited to be a part of promoting its mission to increase travel to and within the United States, because it’s a message that practically everyone can agree with.”