Trudy Rautio, president and CEO of Carlson, the travel and hospitality company, has been named to the National Tourism and Travel Advisory Board.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank announced the appointments this week.
Rautio was named Carlson CEO last summer; she had previously been president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, The Americas, responsible for operation and growth of the company’s five hotel brands in North and South America. She's also been executive vice president and chief financial officer of Carlson Consumer Group and chief administrative officer of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide.
Also on the 32-member travel advisory board from Minnesota is Maureen Bausch, executive vice president of business development at the Mall of America.
The board's job is to advise the secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the travel and tourism industry in the United States, including government policies and programs that affect the U.S. travel and tourism industry.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who had nominated Rautio for the post, said in a statement:
"Tourism is a powerful engine for job creation, and Trudy has been a strong leader in Minnesota’s travel industry and business community. I am confident she will represent Minnesota well and will work to increase international tourism and lift up local businesses."