The Preston Robert Tisch Center

LALIA RACH, ED.D.

Divisional Dean,
Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management

Dr. Lalia Rach is Divisional Dean and HVS International Chair of the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management, New York University. As Divisional Dean, she is responsible for the academic and administrative operations of a global educational division within the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Previously, Dr. Rach served as Dean, School of Hotel and Restaurant Management and Professor of Hospitality Studies, University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut.

Dr. Rach has authored numerous articles and chapters on customer service, hotel sales and marketing, and consumer demographics, and delivered keynote speeches and seminars on a variety of consumer issues and perspectives. She serves as a board member for NYC & Company (Convention & Visitors Bureau), New York City Academy of Travel and Tourism, and the World Association for Hospitality and Tourism Training. She is also a member of the Travel Business Roundtable, Industry Real Estate Finance Advisory Council (IREFAC), the Women’s Forum Inc., the Women in Lodging Council, and the New York Hospitality Council.

In November 2007, Travel Weekly included Dr. Rach in its list of the 33 most influential people in the travel industry. In January 2008, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) selected Dr. Rach as one of the “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing.” In June 2008, ForbesLife Executive Woman magazine identified Dr. Rach as one of the 25 most influential women in travel.

Dr. Rach holds a B.S. and an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.