U.S. Travel Association Promotes Ellen Davis to Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President

WASHINGTON (March 9, 2026)—The U.S. Travel Association announced today the promotion of Ellen Davis to Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, recognizing her contributions to the association and her leadership in driving organizational growth.

“Ellen has been an exceptional leader since joining U.S. Travel, and this promotion reflects the impact she has had on our organization and industry,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Her ability to unite key stakeholders, strengthen our member value proposition and drive meaningful growth makes her promotion to this expanded role a natural step as we pursue greater value for U.S. Travel and our industry.” 

Davis joined U.S. Travel as Executive Vice President of Business Strategy and Industry Engagement in 2023. In that role, she launched a new membership model, evolved U.S. Travel’s event portfolio, built new industry networks, restructured the association’s operations and grew revenue by 37%. In her new role, she will lead the organization’s operational strategy, growth and performance, while continuing to oversee the association’s membership, industry engagement and events functions—ensuring these core areas remain closely aligned with U.S. Travel’s broader strategy and priorities.

Prior to U.S. Travel, Davis had extensive experience in association leadership, including senior roles at the National Retail Federation and the Consumer Brands Association, where her efforts led to substantial membership, community and revenue growth.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.