The Hawai'i Tourism Authority has announced the appointment of Ron Williams as its newest board member.

Confirmed by the state Senate on April 3, his term is effective immediately. Williams has also been selected to serve on the board's Marketing Standing Committee.

Williams brings 30 years of tourism industry experience to the HTA board. As chief executive officer and president of Atlantis Adventures, he oversees the management and operations of Hawai'i's largest tour company.

He joined Atlantis Adventures in 1995 as general manager of the company's Maui operations and in the same year he was promoted to regional director. The following year, he was named chief operating officer. Currently, he also serves as a board member for A3H (Activities & Attractions Association of Hawai'i) and Maui Youth & Family Services.

"With his extensive tourism expertise and strong ties to the community, we feel fortunate to have Ron Williams join our board," said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of HTA.

"He understands the importance of tourism to our state as well as the many facets of the industry including sales and marketing, customer service, workforce development and product development."

Williams' term will expire on June 30, 2010. He fills a vacancy on the HTA board that was previously held by John Toner.