Cruise Lines International Association announces the promotion of Donnie Brown to Senior Vice President of Global Maritime Policy

WASHINGTON, December 6, 2023 -- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice for the global cruise industry, announced the promotion of Donnie Brown to Senior Vice President, Global Maritime Policy, effective December 1, 2023. In this new role, Brown will lead CLIA's strategic efforts to coordinate the cruise industry's positions on technical, regulatory, and policy matters related to cruise ship safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

"Donnie has made significant contributions to CLIA and the cruise industry over the past nine years, and I am thrilled for him to now take the helm as Senior Vice President, Global Maritime Policy," said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA. "Our maritime policy work on behalf of our member cruise lines is essential to advancing the industry's leadership position in responsible and sustainable tourism practices and on our path to net-zero emissions by 2050. I know Donnie’s deep experience in myriad maritime and policy matters will help guide the industry on its sustainability journey."

Brown joined CLIA in 2014 as Director of Environmental and Health and was promoted to Vice President, Global Maritime Policy in 2017. In his previous positions, Brown led the development, presentation, negotiation, and implementation of global industry positions on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters involving security, environmental stewardship, and health.

Additionally, in close consultation with the CLIA Global Committee on Marine Environment Protection, he led delegations to the International Maritime Organization, where he represented the global cruise industry during international treaty negotiations and other matters.

Prior to joining CLIA, Brown served a distinguished career in the United States Coast Guard, including as legal counsel to senior Coast Guard officials and federal interagency leaders where he facilitated consensus on national and international policy matters. Brown is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and the University of Miami School of Law.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Maritime Policy team and look forward to carrying out CLIA’s strategic workplan in consultation with our members and in support of the broader cruise community,” shared Brown.