Marks is a long-serving member of the Travel Industry Association of America's Board of Directors and has served as an officer of the Board for the past four years.  He most recently held the position of First Vice Chair.  In addition, Marks is a past Chair of the TIA Foundation. 

"John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry.  He will be an asset for TIA and the industry, especially as we work with Congress to create a national public/private tourism promotion agency," stated William S. Norman, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association of America.  "Representing a city hit hard by the downturn in the economy and the aftermath of Sept. 11, John fully understands the value of tourism to this country and he'll work tirelessly on the industry's behalf."

TIA is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $537 billion travel industry.  TIA's mission is to represent the whole of the U.S. travel industry to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States.