Kelly Craighead is President and CEO of CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, representing ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; travel agents and agencies; and a network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, business partners, and suppliers.
Kelly leads a global team responsible for developing industry-leading policies and initiatives, and executing integrated government affairs, strategic communications, and commercial development strategies across North America, Europe, Australasia, Brazil, and United Kingdom & Ireland.
Under Kelly’s leadership, CLIA and its members are paving the way in responsible tourism and maritime best practices, increasing the industry’s collective investment in research, development, and education to create value for the cruise community.
Kelly joined CLIA in January 2019, bringing over 20 years of executive experience in the public and private sectors. She served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, the U.S. Government’s senior representative for travel and tourism.