Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542608
B M & T ••• January/February 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 9 SHERATON NEW ORLEANS HOTEL APPOINTS INGRID CHAVES AS GENERAL MANAGER Seasoned Marriott Exe- cutive Brings International Expertise and a Global Perspective to Her New Role Sheraton New Orleans Hotel proudly announces the appointment of Ingrid Cha-ves as the property's new General Manager. Chaves brings more than two decades of leadership experience with Marriott International to her new role, where she will oversee all aspects of the hotel's opera- tions and guest experience. "Ingrid's wealth of international experience and her proven leadership across global markets make her exceptionally well suited to lead Sheraton New Orleans," said Elaine Richard, Regional Vice President, Southeast. "Our hotel embraces Sheraton's identity as The World's Gathering Place, and with her fresh perspective and insight from many corners of the globe, she is uniquely equipped to elevate our service and fos- ter a truly global sense of community and guest experience in New Orleans." Originally from Costa Rica, Chaves began her Marriott journey in 2002 as an At Your Service Agent at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel and has since built an impressive global career spanning more than two decades. She has held leadership posi- tions at several flagship properties across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S., including serving as General Manager of JW Marriott El Convento Cusco in Peru, where she led the hotel to earn Hotel of the Year honors for two consecutive years. Most recently, she served as Hotel Manager at Orlando World Center Marriott, achieving record-breaking results in guest satisfaction and revenue growth while advancing com- munity impact initiatives. "I'm thrilled to join the Sheraton New Orleans and to be part of a city so rich in culture, hospitality, and heart," said Chaves. "New Orleans' vibrancy and warmth mirror the expe- rience we strive to create for every guest, and I'm excited to lead our team in bringing that to life each day." Outside of her professional accomplishments, Chaves is an avid traveler and music enthusiast. She and her daughter, Frida, are excited to make New Orleans their new home and immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture. To learn more about the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, visit marriott.com/msyis. U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION NAMES ERIK HANSEN AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HEAD OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS The U.S. Travel Associ- ation announced Erik Han- sen as senior vice president, head of government relations, where he will lead the associ- ation's advocacy strategy and engagement with policymak- ers on issues critical to strengthening and growing the U.S. travel industry. Hansen, who joined U.S. Travel 15 years ago after working on Capitol Hill, has played a central role in devel- oping and advancing the asso- ciation's policy priorities across transportation, infrastructure and travel facilitation. Throughout his tenure at U.S. Travel, Erik has led successful advocacy efforts to shape federal poli- cies that improve the traveler experience and strengthen the global competitiveness of the American travel industry— including reopening U.S. borders after the COVID-19 pandem- ic, establishing TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, improving vis- itor visa processing and securing federal funding for major trav- el infrastructure projects. "Following a comprehensive search for a strong leader, strategic thinker, talented advocate and passionate mentor, I'm pleased to name Erik Hansen as U.S. Travel's head of govern- ment relations," said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. "I have every confidence he will lead our advocacy efforts with the same integrity, collaboration and commitment he's shown throughout his career." Hansen's leadership comes at a pivotal time for the travel industry as U.S. Travel continues to advocate for policies to modernize the travel experience as we prepare for America 250, 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. NEWSMAKERS