Geoff Freeman, a public affairs vet of APCO and the U.S. Travel Association, will take the reins of the American Gaming Association in July.

Geoffrey FreemanHe takes over the gambling industry's main trade group July 1 from Frank Fahrenkopf, the industry's face and one of D.C.'s top lobbyists for the past 17 years. Fahrenkopf announced his exit in January.

In a statement, AGA chairman Richard Haddrill of Bally Technologies said Freeman has the "skills to build coalitions and execute grass roots campaigns."

Freeman led public and government affairs for the USTA before being promoted to COO in 2011 and is credited with building up the travel industry trade group's Washington profile.

Freeman was a VP for issues management at APCO Worldwide and led its pharmaceutical industry push to provide drugs to low-income people, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Earlier, he directed government affairs at Freddie Mac.

Fahrenkopf will be retained as a consultant to the AGA through the end of the year.

AGA's members include casino operators, financial services companies, vendors and gambling trade groups. 

Holly Wetzel is VP of communications for the AGA.