Kelly Craighead is CLIA’s new President and CEO

Kelly Craighead (pictured) has been appointed President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)>
She takes up her appointment on 1st January, 2019. 
Craighead has spent over 15 years in the public and private sectors, recently serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism in the US Department of Commerce where she promoted travel and tourism priorities within the Administration and with Congress.
As the first Executive Director of the US National Travel & Tourism Office, Craighead led initiatives that generated over $250 bill annually from international visitors to the country, while also representing the US internationally.
Craighead is active in global tourism efforts and is engaged with several international organisations focused on advancing travel and tourism priorities, the association said.
In the role of President and CEO, Craighead will direct CLIA’s team to continue to unify, represent, advocate and promote the common interests of the organisation’s members and the global cruise industry.
“Demand for cruising is exhibiting strong growth, making the cruise industry a critical partner to localities, regions and nations around the world,” said Craighead. “I am excited to be joining such a strong and well-respected organisation at an important time for the industry. I look forward to listening, learning, and better understanding the needs of our members and building on the strong foundation and success of the current team, in order to most effectively lead CLIA in the years ahead.”
“I am extremely pleased that Kelly will be joining CLIA to support the global cruise industry during this golden age of cruising,” said Arnold Donald, CLIA Chairman and President & CEO of Carnival Corp. “Her extensive experience in the hospitality and travel industries, combined with her leadership skills and passion for results, are second to none. This is an exciting time for our industry, steeped in opportunity, and I look forward to working with Kelly in the years to come.” 
Craighead will take over from Cindy D’Aoust, who last July, announced that she will leave CLIA.