Colleen Mangone
Senior Director, External Affairs
Colleen Mangone is senior director, external affairs at Brand USA, the nation’s destination-marketing organization. She is responsible for external relations, executive communications, and corporate messaging. Brand USA’s mission is to increase international visitation to the United States, fuel the nation’s economy and enhance the image of the USA worldwide.
Colleen came to Brand USA in March 2018, after nearly nine years on staff at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), based in Alexandria, Va. She was, most recently, the association’s director for communications and media relations. During her tenure, she received the prestigous “Mousecar” award from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for her efforts on behalf of the global amusement parks and attractions industry.
Prior to IAAPA, she spent six year on Capitol Hill in the congressional office of a South Carolina representative. She served as press secretary, communications director, and deputy chief of staff. She previously was a communications associate and political appointee at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Colleen graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She enjoys golf and swimming, and following her favorite sports teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, and, of course, all South Carolina Gamecock teams.
Of the nine countries Colleen has visited, six are in the Asian-Pacific: Australia, Bali, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.
Colleen resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina with her beloved dog Rooney.