Blain K. Rethmeier serves as Senior Vice President for Public Affairs & Government Relations for the U.S. Travel Association. He leads lobbying, communications, grassroots and research activities for U.S. Travel, which represents the $1.8 trillion travel industry. Joining U.S. Travel in November 2011, Blain works to ensure that the concerns and interests of the travel community, and all those employed by it, are effectively represented within the legislative process.

Prior to joining the U.S. Travel Association, Blain was the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the American Insurance Association (AIA). In this capacity, he was responsible for management of the association’s public affairs and media functions.

Mr. Rethmeier joined the AIA in May 2007 from the White House where he served as Special Assistant to the President for Communications. In this capacity, he directed all aspects of public affairs for President Bush’s National Economic Council and Homeland Security Council. Additionally, he served as Press Secretary for the Senate Judiciary Committee. During his time on the committee, he helped managed the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito.

Blain also served as a Senior Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Department of Justice, Communications Director for the House Government Reform Committee and Press Secretary to Rep. Scott McInnis (R-CO). He lives in Arlington, VA with his wife and 3 children.