Travel expert appointed as new head of American Gaming Association

The American Gaming Association has appointed the former head of the U.S. Travel Association as its president and CEO.

Geoff Freeman takes office July 1.

Freeman heads to the AGA after seven years with the Travel Association, where he most recently served as executive vice president and CEO. During his time there, Freeman helped push legislation that increased tourism to and within the United States, the AGA said in a statement.

“We are excited to welcome Geoff to the AGA and look forward to working with him in his new role,” 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 grassroots campaigns."

Freeman replaces longtime AGA leader Frank J. Fahrenkopf, who announced his resignation earlier this year after 17 years with the association. Fahrenkopf plans to step down June 30 and consult for the association through the end of the year to help with the transition.

“This is a great opportunity, and I’m honored,” Freeman said today in an interview with VEGAS INC. “Frank has big shoes to fill, and I’m not going to try to fill them…I’m going to do what I know how to do best.”

Freeman said the travel and gaming industries have a lot in common, including their dependence on major brands as assets. He plans to use his expertise to help push the AGA’s agenda in Washington.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman lives in Arlington, Va., with his wife and two children.

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