Simpson Returns to ATIA as President and CEO
ATIA
A former executive who stepped away from the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) for a couple of years is back, with a promotion. After a nationwide search, ATIA selected Jillian Simpson as its next President and CEO.
Simpson has worked in the Alaska tourism industry for more than twenty years and spent much of her career at ATIA, from 2004 to 2021, rising from director of travel trade and international marketing to vice president in that time.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be coming back to ATIA and working with a talented and dedicated team to serve our industry and promote our destination,” Simpson says. “Tourism is such an integral part of Alaska’s economy, and I look forward to working with our partners to continue to build a thriving and sustainable industry.”
Current Issue
January 2026
Simpson began her career in 2000 at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward before joining ATIA in 2004 to manage the travel trade and international marketing program. In 2013, she transitioned to overseeing ATIA’s membership and tourism policy initiatives; she was promoted to vice president in 2016 and was tasked with overseeing the State of Alaska’s destination marketing program. Simpson is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Arctic and northern studies at UAF.
“We have no doubt that Jillian is the ideal person to lead the association and continue the work to unite our industry,” says ATIA Board Chair Craig Jennison. “Her ability to step into this role and immediately understand the different facets of our industry, from cultural tourism to cruising to sustainable tourism, is invaluable.”
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