The
American Gaming Association (AGA) announced that respected Washington
association professional Geoff Freeman has been appointed president and CEO
effective July 1, 2013.
Freeman
brings sixteen years of association leadership and public affairs experience to
the AGA, including successfully guiding a wide array of complex industry issue
campaigns, reshaping and repositioning industries and helping to pass key
legislation.
Widely
recognized as a passionate and strategic advocate with a strong association
leadership background, Freeman joins the AGA after seven years at the U.S.
Travel Association, most recently serving as executive vice president and COO.
During his tenure at U.S. Travel, Freeman was instrumental in repositioning the
industry to become a leading political force in Washington by developing new
capabilities that strengthened its relevance, galvanized the industry's leadership
and enacted critical legislation to increase travel to and within the United
States.
"We
are excited to welcome Geoff to the AGA and look forward to working with him in
his new role as president and CEO," said Richard Haddrill, chairman of
Bally Technologies and chairman of the AGA's Board of Directors. "He is
both a thoughtful and energetic leader who already understands our industry,
has a deep public policy background and extensive network of relationships in
Washington, and has the skills to build coalitions and execute grass roots
campaigns."
Freeman
led operations and set the strategic vision for U.S. Travel while also
overseeing the association's primary divisions: public affairs and government
relations, meetings and membership and operations.
"I
am honored by the opportunity to build on AGA's many successes and its
effective representation of the vibrant gaming industry," said Freeman.
"As gaming grows around the globe, I look forward to strengthening our
partnership with other aspects of the travel community and advancing policies
that can empower our industry to thrive for years to come."
Freeman is preceded at the AGA by Frank J. Fahrenkopf, who announced
earlier this year he was stepping down after leading the organization since its
founding more than 17 years ago. After June 30, Fahrenkopf will be retained as
a consultant to the AGA, through at least the end of 2013, to assist with the
transition.
Geoff Freeman named new AGA president & CEO
April 26, 2013
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