Hamilton is no stranger to the hospitality industry and brings a wealth of experience to the position. After graduation from the State University of New York-Geneseo, she worked at the Montauk Yacht club as both a restaurant manager and banquet director. In 1991, Hamilton moved to St. Thomas and began working at Hotel 1829 and soon after moved to the Marriott spending 6 ½ years at the property. She left Marriott temporarily for positions at the Virgin Islands Daily News and Innovative Corporation but returned to the Marriott she loved in 2001.

She has been a dedicated and committed member of HTA, having served on the Board and as chairman of the Marketing Committee for the past 4 years, co-chair of the Membership Committee for 2 years, and as one of the major architects of the Cooperative Marketing Initiative. Hamilton is the current president of the local arm of SKAL, the International Association of Travel & Tourism Professionals.

“This is an opportunity to integrate my years of marketing into the strategic plan of the association, Hamilton remarked. I have a solid leadership to work with, not to mention the synergy with the Department of Tourism’s hierarchy. I think we are on the path to an exceptional year for the destination.”

“Lisa has been such a fantastic and exemplary volunteer leader for the last four years, said Richard Doumeng, HTA Board Chairman. As a member of our Board of Directors, she has chaired both the Marketing and Membership Committees. She was one of the earliest and strongest advocates for joining forces with the St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association to create the USVI HTA. Her love of the Virgin Islands and knowledge of the destination, her expertise in sales and marketing and infectious energy will make her a highly effective leader. We are confident that our association will be in very capable hands.”

Hamilton’s first day as President is February 11, 2008.