HI USA 2025 Board Elections

HI USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing intercultural understanding through hostel stays and educational programming. HI USA’s style of hostelling is focused on sustainable, inclusive, and culturally enriching experiences, encouraging travelers to feed their curiosity about the world. Although serving people of all ages, its target audience is 18-30-year-old, free and independent travelers. With over 300 employees and 14 owned and managed hostels throughout the US, HI USA is one of more than 60 member countries of Hostelling International, the international federation of hostelling organizations with over 3 million members and nearly 3,000 hostels worldwide.

Over the last three years the HI USA Board has provided thoughtful and strategic leadership in addressing the financial and organizational challenges originating from the global pandemic and heightened awareness of social justice. Making difficult decisions, the organization has navigated the financial crisis with reasonable success. It is still the U.S.’s largest hostel network with deeply committed staff and volunteers. Today, the Board is now focused on how to grow our network and deliver our mission in ways that resonate with today’s travelers, especially those in the 18-30 age group.

This is an exciting time to join the Board as it envisions and creates HI USA for the future. Critical to success is a Board of Directors representing diverse perspectives and leadership styles, drawing on a variety of backgrounds, and committed to the power of travel in influencing inclusive and culturally aware worldviews.

The application period for the Class of 2029 Board of Directors is open through October 30, 2025. Interested applicants are invited to apply online. The Board Development Committee will confirm their recommendations and notify candidates by December 20, 2025. Elected Directors will be seated and begin their terms in March 2026.