Lodging association executive tapped to lead TourismOhio
December 18, 2017
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Matthew MacLaren, the former head of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, is the new director of TourismOhio, the agency charged with bringing more visitors to the state.
Since 2014, MacLaren has worked as senior vice president of member relations for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, an industry trade group that represents the lodging industry. For seven years prior to that, he served as president of the Ohio association.
He replaces Mary Cusick, who held the top job at TourismOhio for nearly four years and oversaw the development of the state's new "Ohio. Find It Here" brand. She left in early August.
Said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency: "Matt's got a talent for economic development through hospitality and a proven track record for forming successful partnerships. Together with our industry partners, Matt will increase marketing efforts and show visitors the 'it' in 'Ohio. Find It Here.' "
MacLaren, an Ohio native with degrees from Ohio State University and Capital University Law School, starts in January. He will be paid $105,000.