WASHINGTON, DC-Trudy Rautio, president and CEO of Carlson, has been tapped to hold a seat on the US Commerce Department's Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. TTAB provides advice to the Secretary of Commerce on travel and tourism issues, including those that impact the lodging sector.

Rautio has been on the senior executive team of Carlson for 15 years. She was previously executive vice president and chief financial and administration officer. She also was president of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas, with overall responsibility for the company's four hotel brands in North and South America. She has been an active member of TTAB, which was formed by Commerce in 2003, for several years.

TTAB members also provide input on the National Travel and Tourism Strategy and track and report on the progress of President Obama's January 2012 Executive Order on travel and tourism.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association in lauding Rautio's appointment, noted that tourism is one of the largest employers and a top 10 industry in 48 of the 50 states. "With her experience, Trudy brings an invaluable first-hand perspective on the issues facing American business, views which will be of tremendous importance in her role as advisor and advocate for the lodging industry," Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president and CEO, said in a prepared statement.