David Huether, formerly chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), has been hired to lead the research department at the U.S. Travel Association. He replaces U.S. Travel's long-time head of research, Suzanne Cook, who retired from the organization in the fall and continues to serve as an advisor.
Huether is a member of the Board of Economists for the Associated Press (AP), the world's largest news organization. He also is a member of the Economic Panel for ABC News, and has been chairman of the Manufacturing Roundtable with the National Association of Business Economics.
"As we look for fresh ways to make the case for why travel matters and find creative strategies to address the challenges facing our industry, David's experience as a leading voice for another major industry and association, and his previous work with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis, will strengthen our outstanding research team," said Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel's executive vice president of public affairs and strategy.
In his role at the NAM, Huether had served as economic forecaster and spokesperson on economic issues, contributing forecasts, insights and opinions about U.S. economic trends and policies through quarterly surveys and interviews. He also commented on financial and industry trends and policies impacting America's industrial base and its ability to contribute to job creation and global competitiveness, issues very similar to what the travel industry faces, U.S. Travel said.
Before joining the NAM in 1997, he worked as an economist with the Bureau of Economic analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He received his undergraduate degree from Guilford College in North Carolina in 1990 and his graduate degree in economics from George Washington University in 1997.
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