Advocacy Veteran Suzanne Cahill to Lead Connecticut Lodging Association

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – February 17, 2026 – The Connecticut Lodging Association (CLA), the state's 120-year-old voice for the hospitality industry, has named Suzanne J. Cahill as its new Executive Director. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the association navigates a complex legislative session with major implications for hotels, inns, and resorts across the state.

Cahill, a leader with a formidable background in nonprofit management, capital fundraising, and legislative advocacy, steps into the role previously held for 12 years by Ginny Kozlowski. Kozlowski will transition to the Executive Board, a move designed to ensure strategic continuity.

“Suzanne is a proven operator and leader who understands how to build organizations, engage members, and deliver meaningful public policy outcomes,” said Meri Wick, President of the Connecticut Lodging Association, in a statement. “Her record of growing mission-driven organizations and leading successful capital and advocacy efforts positions CLA strongly as we continue to advance lodging priorities in 2026.”

A History of Strategic Leadership and Turnaround Success

Cahill’s appointment is backed by a career defined by organizational growth and high-stakes success. Her track record suggests a leader adept at navigating both financial and political challenges. She began her career as an entrepreneur, founding and leading Red Mat Publishing / Red Mat Media, an experience that honed her strategic and business management skills.

Her reputation as a dynamic leader was further solidified during her tenure at the historic Wall Street Theater in Norwalk. As President and Chairperson, she directed a complex rehabilitation of the venue, overseeing a $2.5 million budget and spearheading a successful $3 million capital campaign. Her leadership was credited with “saving the stage” during the financial crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a strategic move to ensure the theater's long-term viability, she facilitated its acquisition by the New Haven Center for Performing Arts in late 2023, joining its advisory board to guide the transition.

Prior to that, as Executive Director of the Bedford Audubon Society, Cahill demonstrated her ability to grow an organization's reach and influence. She implemented multi-year strategic plans that expanded both membership and revenue while simultaneously advancing conservation-focused legislative initiatives. Her comprehensive oversight of financials, governance, and coalition-based advocacy in these roles provides a blueprint for the expertise she now brings to the state's lodging industry.

Navigating a Critical Legislative Landscape

Cahill takes the helm of the CLA at a time when her advocacy skills will be immediately put to the test. The 2025–2026 legislative session is in full swing, with several key issues directly impacting the profitability and operational stability of Connecticut’s lodging establishments. The association’s agenda is packed with complex and often contentious policy debates.

At the forefront is the ongoing push for comprehensive short-term rental registration and accountability. The CLA, representing traditional hotels and inns, is advocating for a regulatory framework that creates a level playing field with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, addressing concerns over taxation, safety standards, and community impact. Cahill’s experience in coalition-building and legislative negotiation will be central to advancing this priority.

Workforce development remains another critical focus. Like the hospitality sector nationwide, Connecticut's lodging industry faces persistent challenges in attracting, training, and retaining a skilled workforce. The CLA is actively lobbying for policies and programs that create a stronger talent pipeline, recognizing that high-quality service is essential for tourism growth. Furthermore, the association continues its advocacy for robust state tourism funding and modernization of regulations and tax policies that can either hinder or help the industry's competitiveness.

To amplify its voice, the CLA works in close partnership with the national American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and retains the services of the respected advocacy team at Sullivan & LeShane. This established network will provide a strong foundation for Cahill as she steps in to lead the charge on these pressing issues.

A Seamless Transition for a Storied Association

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Lodging Association has represented the interests of the state's lodging establishments for over a century. The leadership transition from Ginny Kozlowski to Suzanne Cahill has been structured to honor that legacy while positioning the organization for the future.

Kozlowski’s 12-year tenure as Executive Director was marked by dedicated leadership, for which the association expressed its deep gratitude. Her move to a seat on the Executive Board is a strategic decision designed to retain her vast institutional knowledge and industry experience. This ensures a seamless handover and maintains momentum on key initiatives. Cahill and Kozlowski will work closely together during a collaborative transition period, reinforcing stability within the organization and for its members.

This approach to succession planning underscores a commitment to stable, long-term governance, ensuring that the association's advocacy and member engagement efforts continue without interruption. It allows the CLA to benefit from both the fresh perspective of a new leader and the seasoned wisdom of a long-time advocate.

Charting the Future of Connecticut Hospitality

Beyond the immediate legislative battles, Cahill is expected to focus on a broader strategic vision for Connecticut's tourism and hospitality sectors. Industry stakeholders anticipate she will work to build stronger, more collaborative relationships with key partners, including local tourism boards and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

A key goal will be to foster a more cohesive and integrated marketing strategy that promotes Connecticut as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel. By aligning the goals of the lodging sector with the state's broader tourism promotion efforts, Cahill aims to ensure that member hotels, inns, and resorts are positioned to capitalize on growing visitor numbers.

Her people-centered leadership style is expected to invigorate member engagement, ensuring the CLA remains highly responsive to the evolving needs of a diverse industry that includes everything from large-scale resorts to quaint, historic bed & breakfasts. By combining sharp political acumen with a vision for collaborative growth, Suzanne Cahill’s leadership marks the beginning of a new and ambitious chapter for the Connecticut Lodging Association.