In a notable recognition of his leadership and impact, Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, has been named one of Washington, D.C.’s 500 most influential people by Washingtonian magazine for 2025. The prestigious list highlights the figures shaping the nation’s capital across sectors like politics, business, media, and advocacy — and Freeman’s inclusion underscores the growing importance of the travel and tourism sector in national policy conversations.

Freeman, who has led the U.S. Travel Association since 2022, is celebrated for his relentless advocacy on behalf of the industry, particularly his efforts in pushing Congress to approve critical disaster relief following last year’s devastating hurricanes. Under his leadership, U.S. Travel has amplified its voice in Washington, promoting initiatives that drive economic recovery, enhance the traveler experience, and strengthen the United States’ global competitiveness as a destination.

A seasoned association executive, Freeman previously served as president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, where he championed regulatory modernization and built coalitions that spanned industries. Before that, he held senior roles at the American Gaming Association, where he led transformative campaigns to modernize perceptions of gaming in the U.S. His reputation as a strategic thinker and coalition builder has made him a respected figure not just in travel, but across a broad range of public policy arenas.

Freeman’s recognition comes alongside other major figures in the travel and hospitality world, including Amtrak President Roger Harris; Ron Klain, chief legal officer at Airbnb; Katherine Lugar, executive vice president of corporate affairs at Hilton; Molly Wilkinson, head of regulatory and international affairs at American Airlines; Heather Wingate, senior vice president for government affairs at Delta Air Lines; and Theresa Fariello, executive vice president for government affairs and global public policy at United Airlines.

This honor not only spotlights Freeman’s individual achievements but also reflects the critical role that travel, tourism, and hospitality continue to play in the American economy — an industry that, under Freeman’s watch, is steadily regaining its footing and helping to shape the future of mobility, sustainability, and global connection.