The Hawai'i Tourism Authority yesterday announced the appointment of hotel industry executive Patrick Fitzgerald as its newest board member.

Fitzgerald brings 20 years of tourism industry experience to the HTA board. He is currently the chief executive officer and president of Hualalai Resort and Kona Village Resort.

Before joining the company in 2005, Fitzgerald served as the president and managing director of Ocean Colony Partners L.P., owners of Half Moon Bay Golf Links and land within Ocean Colony and on the San Mateo, Calif., coast

Fitzgerald fills a vacancy created by the departure of former Big Island Mayor Stephen Yamashiro.

"Patrick Fitzgerald understands the importance of our tourism economy, as well as the many facets of the industry, including product development, workforce development and sales and marketing," said Mike McCartney, president and chief executive officer of the HTA.

"With his broad tourism expertise and ties to the Hawai'i Island community, he will be a strong addition that will complement the HTA board in their efforts to optimize benefits for Ha- wai'i, integrating the interests of visitors, the community and the visitor industry, as outlined in HTA's strategic plan," McCartney said.