us travel association staff

US Travel Header Utility Menu

• Future of Travel Mobility
• Travel Action Network
• Commission on Seamless & Secure Travel
• Travel Works
• Journey to Clean

Header Utility Social Links

• Follow us on FOLLOW US
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook

User account menu

Senior director, government relations.

U.S. Travel seeks a Senior Director of Government Relations to join the U.S. Travel Government Relations team as they work to promote and enhance the association’s profile, presence and relationships across key audiences, including government officials on Capitol Hill, the administration, federal agencies, and others.

This position is responsible for managing a wide range of government relations and public policy strategies that will further the association’s mission, enable growth and advance legislative priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain business relationships with key policymakers and federal
• Government officials, as well as their staff;
• Identify and track legislation or regulations that impact the travel community and recommend necessary levels of support or opposition;
• Help conceive and implement U.S. Travel policy positions and advocate the association’s agenda before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies;
• Compose, edit, update and transmit legislative advocacy documents such as issue papers, talking points, testimonies, speeches and letters;
• Monitor, attend and report on relevant hearings, briefings and meetings;
• Collaborate on research, press, grassroots and other team initiatives;
• Respond to the needs of U.S. Travel members, including on unique or sector-specific demands;
• Work with outside stakeholders, including consultants and travel industry lobbyists;
• Build/maintain business relationships with key associations, think tanks and non-profits;
• Attend PAC events and other political and industry functions that often require attendance in the early mornings or evenings;
• Represent U.S. Travel at public briefings, roundtables, conferences and workshops, which will require 25 percent domestic trave

Competencies

• Teamwork : Demonstrating and promoting a spirit of cooperation within and outside work unit; working together toward a common goal; building good relationships with internal and outside work unit; building good relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Communication : Conveying written and oral communications effectively; negotiating and mediating effectively; sharing information; listening attentively, and responding appropriately.
• Initiative: Recognizing the need for action; confronting issues and taking appropriate action; pursuing an issue until the problem is solved.
• Developing Staff : Training, coaching and counseling others continually to improve; developing capabilities through formal and informal training and coaching; developing backup capabilities; helping direct reports in their pursuit of career goals.
• Problem Solving : Identifying problems affecting the work unit or U.S. Travel Association; taking early corrective action to avoid problems; generating new ideas and practical solutions.
• Leadership : Influencing and motivating others to achieve a common purpose; developing and maintaining an atmosphere of trust and cooperation; demonstrating behavior consistent with the expectations communicated to others.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; preferred degree Political Science. Master’s degree is a plus but not required.
• 10 to 12 years of experience on Capitol Hill, in the political arena, public policy or government affairs.
• Skilled in advocacy for the travel and tourism industry would be considered a plus but is not required.
• Understands the legislative process and has good political instincts.
• Has experience with U.S. Travel’s international and domestic agenda, from travel mobility and sustainability, to border security, visa policy, and immigration.
• Preferably holds congressional committee experience with Homeland Security, Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure, Commerce and Foreign Affairs.
• Demonstrates strong work ethic, both as team player and self-starter.
• Can juggle demands that alternatively require research, writing and interpersonal skills.

To apply submit your cover letter, resume, and reference list to  [email protected]  with "Senior Director, Government Relations" in the subject line of your email. 

• Browse Tab 1 of 3.
• Page Tab 2 of 3.
• Publish Tab 3 of 3.

• Emerging Innovation
• Industry News
• IT Modernization
• Latest From GAO
• Latest From the Inspector General
• People on the Move
• AI and Advanced Tech
• Airport & Aviation Security
• Biometrics & ID Management
• Border Security
• Climate Security
• Counterterrorism
• Customs & Immigration
• Cybersecurity
• Education and Training
• Emergency Preparedness
• Federal Government
• Human Trafficking
• Information Sharing
• Information Technology
• Infrastructure Security
• Intelligence
• Interoperable Communications
• Law Enforcement and Public Safety
• Leadership/Management
• Maritime Security
• Mental Health Resilience
• Pandemic/Biohazard
• State/Local Government
• Surveillance, Protection & Detection
• Terrorism Study
• Transportation Security
• Government Reports and Summaries
• HSToday Awards
• Webinars & Interviews
• Webinar Archive
• Books we’re Reading
• Homeland Security Charities
• Editorial Board
• Contributing Editors
• 9/11 commemoration
• 9/11 Contributors
• 50 TRAILBLAZERS
• Meet Your Mission
• INVASION OF UKRAINE

Sean Harvey Starts New DHS AI Corps Role

Brittany goble takes on new role as capture director at icf, anna powell joins nginering in chief operating officer role, 1st annual u.s.–ukraine freedom summit launches in washington d.c. to bolster global security and support veterans, new presidential directive fortifies u.s. critical infrastructure resilience, a critical policy update: what to watch for in implementation of nsm 22, dhs releases new ai safety and security board to enhance critical infrastructure protections, ai tech task force delivers ai talent surge report to president, outlines progress and recommendations, patricia cogswell joins u.s. travel association’s “seamless and secure travel commission” program.

Guidehouse Defense & Security proudly announces that Patricia Cogswell , a distinguished member of its team, has been appointed to the U.S. Travel Association’s newly formed “ Seamless and Secure Travel Commission .” This prestigious commission aims to formulate recommendations that underscore the collaborative efforts between the travel industry, government entities, and the private sector to enhance the overall traveler experience and encourage travel and tourism to the United States.

Patricia Cogswell, renowned for her extensive background in homeland and national security, is not only a valuable asset to Guidehouse but also contributes her expertise as a member of the editorial board at HSToday. Prior to her tenure at Guidehouse, Ms. Cogswell served as the Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Assistant Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

With over 25 years of combined experience in the government and private sector, Ms. Cogswell joined Guidehouse in September 2020, focusing on innovation, organization, and mission transformation. Her role encompasses redesigning strategies across the national security sector, reflecting her commitment to driving positive change and advancements in the field.

Before her time at Guidehouse, Patricia Cogswell held leadership roles at the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice. Her diverse portfolio covered transportation, intelligence, policy, border security, screening, and information-sharing initiatives. Cogswell possesses in-depth expertise in aviation, maritime, and surface transportation security, as well as US government and foreign partner screening and vetting programs.

Her proficiency extends to areas such as counter-terrorism, transnational organized crime, intelligence, information-sharing technology architectures, and immigration and border processes. Throughout her career, Cogswell has successfully led various organizations, steering them through complex initiatives that support national security missions, collaborating both domestically and internationally.

As a respected figure in the field, Patricia Cogswell’s commitment to driving positive change and fostering collaboration makes her a key participant in initiatives that shape the future of travel and security. Guidehouse looks forward to her continued contributions and the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to the “Seamless and Secure Travel Commission.”

• Patricia Cogswell
• Seamless and Secure Travel Commission
• U.S. Travel Association

Related Articles

Interview: what’s tik tok got to do with it, countering the threat: lone wolves, homemade explosives, and the path to a safer future: part iv, leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Articles

New program for those facing substance use and misuse challenges launched, coast guard rescues 8 children on rio grande near mcallen, texas.

• Privacy Policy

POWERED BY MHA Visuals

U.S. Travel Association

See all the jobs at u.s. travel association here: http://ustravel.recruiterbox.com/jobs.

Washington , District of Columbia , United States | Public Affairs | Full-time | Partially remote

U.S. Travel seeks a Senior Director, Government Relations to join the Public Affairs team as they work to promote and enhance the association’s profile, presence and relationships across key audiences, including government officials on Capitol Hill, the administration, federal agencies, and others. This position is responsible for managing a wide range of government relations and public policy strategies that will further the association’s mission, enable growth and advance legislative priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain business relationships with key policymakers and federal Government officials and their staff.
• Identify and track legislation and regulations that impact the travel community and recommend necessary levels of support or opposition.
• Help conceive and implement U.S. Travel policy positions and advocate the association's agenda before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies.
• Demonstrate an eagerness to spend time highly engaged on Capitol Hill building and enhancing the voice of the travel industry.
• Compose, edit, update and transmit legislative advocacy documents such as issue papers, talking points, testimonies, speeches and letters.
• Monitor, attend and report on relevant hearings, briefings and meetings.
• Collaborate on research, press, grassroots and other team initiatives.
• Respond to the needs of U.S. Travel members, including on unique or sector-specific demands.
• Work with outside stakeholders, including consultants and travel industry lobbyists.
• Build/maintain business relationships with key associations, think tanks and non-profits.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide strategic input on U.S. Travel PAC and is willing and able to attend PAC events and other political and industry functions that often require attendance in the early mornings or evenings.
• Represent U.S. Travel at travel related roundtables, public briefings and conferences which could require up to 20percent domestic travel.

Key Attributes:

• Understands the legislative process and has good political instincts.
• Has experience with U.S. Travel's international and domestic agenda including expertise on travel mobility, sustainability, border security, visa policy, and immigration.
• Preferably has experience working on Capitol Hill and/or experience lobbying for a trade association, private sector company, or lobbying firm.
• Demonstrates strong work ethic, both as team player and self-starter.
• Can juggle demands that alternatively require research, writing and interpersonal skills.

Education, Experience and Skills:

• Undergraduate degree required; preferred degree Political Science. Master's degree is a plus but not required.
• 10 to 12 years of experience on Capitol Hill, in the political arena, public policy or government affairs.
• Skilled in advocacy for the travel and tourism industry would be considered a plus but is not required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Position based in Washington, DC. U.S. Travel staff work in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.
• Moderate travel (up to 2-3 times per month) is required.
• Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Apply for this opening at ?apply=true

Application Form

Thanks for your time

U.S. Travel Association 

of Marketing Excellence

ESTO, now in its 40 th year, has a reputation for delivering dynamic and actionable content.  In this natural knowledge sharing environment, you can rest assured that the prime networking opportunities and sessions are there to elevate your marketing efforts in the DMO space with no hidden agendas. This is also a time to celebrate industry accomplishments with the Destiny and Mercury awards showcasing top campaigns in 18 categories. 

2024 Destiny & Mercury Award Submissions open April 16!

The ESTO Awards celebrate excellence in destination marketing campaigns. As the premier awards for destinations across the country, we will showcase the best of the unique and innovative campaigns and marketing efforts of our members.

Please click here to be added to the waitlist.

Crown Colony Improvement Association files lawsuit to stop RaceTrac from building in neighborhood

L UFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - According to the law firm Wilson Cribbs + Goren in Houston, the Crown Colony Improvement Association has filed suit in Angelina County State District Court to stop RaceTrac from advancing its plans to build a truck stop within the Crown Colony master-planned community.

Homeowners in Crown Colony have voiced their concerns about having the truck stop so near their homes. Construction has begun on the store between College Drive and U.S. Highway 59, which homeowners say is just a few feet from their homes. They also voiced concern over even more traffic being added to what they said is an already dangerous intersection.

The statement from the attorneys reads as follows:

An Order of Assignment was signed by Honorable Robert H. Trapp, Presiding Judge, of the Second Administrative Judicial Region of Texas on May 3, 2024. Honorable K. Michael Mayes, Senior District Judge, 410th Judicial District Court has been assigned to the 217th Judicial District of Angelina County, Texas to hear the Cause.

At the heart of the matter is RaceTrac’s plans to construct a truck stop mere footsteps away from private, family homes and the Crown Colony master-planned subdivision and championship golf course. RaceTrac’s plans include building an enormous, 8,000-square foot truck stop facility, with a convenience store, multiple rows of gasoline and diesel pumps, along with multiple parking stalls for 18-wheeler trucks.

None of RaceTrac’s plans comply with the applicable deed restrictions, which do not allow for use of that property as a truck stop. The lawsuit asks the Court to take action and to stop RaceTrac’s construction of the planned truck stop.

If RaceTrac isn’t stopped, the surrounding community will be severely affected – among others, RaceTrac’s initial plans will make significant changes to the existing floodway, cause significant decreases in Crown Colony homeowner’s property values, and create a long list of nuisance causing conditions including increased traffic, noise, air pollution, light pollution, invasion of residents’ privacy within their homes, and other adverse effects.

To add insult to injury, RaceTrac appears to have either mistakenly or intentionally ignored local, federal and state laws governing development of such a project, within a 100-year flood plain. RaceTrac appears to be aggressively moving on development of the truck stop, having cleared all of the trees from the property and beginning what appears to be substantial earth work. Because RaceTrac’s actions and disregard for the welfare of the community, CCIA had no choice but to bring this action to enforce the applicable restrictive covenants governing use of the property, and to stop RaceTrac from causing any further damage. CCIA is eager and insistent that RaceTrac be held accountable for its actions.

Click here to see the temporary restraining order against Southern Cornerstone, Inc., and Racetrac, Inc. DBA Racetrac number 2649.

Click here to see the text of the lawsuit.