New CEO is former majority leader of Georgia State Senate

The American Hotel & Lodging Association has turned to another industry trade group for its new CEO. Chip Rogers, now CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, will join the $33 million-revenue AHLA in early 2019.

Rogers replaces Katherine Lugar, who starts as CEO of the American Beverage Association in January.

Rogers has been president and CEO of Atlanta-based AAHOA since late 2014. AAOHA is the largest association of hotel owners in the world, according to the group, with 18,500 members. AAOHA reported $11 million in revenue on its latest tax forms. Rogers is credited with helping AAOHA membership grow by 30 percent and revenue by 62 percent during his tenure.

Previously, Rogers was the Republican majority leader in the Georgia State Senate for four years, from 2008 to 2012. He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002 and then the Senate in 2004.

"We are extremely excited for Chip to join and lead this dynamic organization," AHLA Chair Mark Carrier said in a Dec. 19 statement. "Chip has done an outstanding job at AAHOA, this success is recognized by our stakeholders; brands, owners, management companies, state associations and independents. I have confidence that he will build on that success at AHLA."

Recruitment firm Spencer Stuart assisted AHLA in the CEO search.