Michael Jacobson

Michael Jacobson was named president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) in October of 2018. In his role, he is proud to represent the 1,500 hotels and other hospitality stakeholders throughout the state. Since joining the organization, Jacobson has bolstered the industry’s advocacy capacity in Springfield and municipalities throughout the state while enhancing IHLA’s educational programs to serve as a resource for its members.

Prior to joining IHLA, Jacobson spent eight years at the U.S. Travel Association where he led the organization’s grassroots advocacy and political engagement initiatives. He grew U.S. Travel’s political action committee to become one of the nation’s largest travel industry PACs, and spearheaded campaigns like the Vote Travel nationwide bus tour and the successful effort to reauthorize Brand USA in 2014.

Jacobson has more than 15 years of experience in grassroots advocacy and nonprofit fundraising. He was an inductee to the 2020 class of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 Under 40, and in 2023 was named by Axios as one of the “15 most powerful leaders” in Chicago.

In his free time, Jacobson volunteers with the American Cancer Society, helping lead their Global Relay For Life movement throughout the world. A proud alumnus of Seton Hall University, he lives in Elgin, Illinois with his wife, Sarah, and their two children.