PHOTO: CLIA is moving its headquarters to Washington D.C., where it recently hosted a function with representatives from Caribbean and Central American destinations. (Photo by Theresa Norton Masek)
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will close its Fort Lauderdale office and consolidate its U.S. headquarters in Washington D.C. next year.
The association also announced the hiring of Cindy D'Aoust as executive vice president-membership and operations, a role that will include the responsibilities recently held by Dwain Wall, who was vice president-trade relations.
D'Aoust comes to CLIA from Meeting Professionals International, where she was COO, and has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and in membership organizations, including senior roles with Maritz Travel.
"With the globalization of CLIA, we have added new capabilities and expanded our resources in various parts of the world to support a growing cruise industry," said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. "In the U.S., CLIA has always maintained two centers of operations. The Arlington, Virginia, office has focused on advocacy, technical and regulatory affairs, communications and organizational operations; while the Fort Lauderdale office supported travel agent members and executive partners. To better serve our members, CLIA will bring all functions under one roof in Washington D.C."
The CLIA Arlington office staff will relocate to a new office in Washington D.C. in mid-January. Operations in the Fort Lauderdale office will conclude in the spring. Some Florida staffers have been asked to consider a transfer to Washington, some will work for CLIA remotely, and others will transition out of the association.
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