Dana has over 25 years of leadership experience in Marketing, Business Development, Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships. She serves on the Boards and Committees of several regional and state business organizations and enjoys proactive collaboration to promote economic growth and quality of life for the region.

After success in multi-media advertising sales, Dana entered the world of hotel room sales management in 2008 as a Regional Director of Sales for Hotels Unlimited. At HU, Dana focused on new business development, targeted new DOD contracts at JBMDL and captured large teams of long-term stays at multiple properties. Her creative, proactive and consultative strategies payed off as she established strong, trusting relations with tourism partners, business accounts and military leadership. A transition in 2013 from the private sector to public service at the Ocean County Government enabled Dana to help bridge public-private communication and awareness. Before starting her run as President of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association in 2021, Dana enjoyed her tenure overseeing Ocean County Tourism, where she was responsible for connecting influencers, public officials and business leaders to address regional challenges and drive positive results.

On her own time, Dana Co-Founded the Ocean County Military Support Committee in 2014, which quickly gained local and national recognition and established the path for the 2021 launch of the new Military Support Alliance of NJ. The MSA of NJ, also a nonprofit organization, will continue the OCMSC’s mission and broaden the scope of advocacy, awareness and engagement to support military, their families, and Joint Base MDL. Dana serves as Executive Director of the Military Support Alliance, a volunteer position. She also works nationally with civic and military leaders through her civic advisory position with the Four Star General at the helm of Air Force Air Mobility Command.

Dana was born and raised at the Jersey Shore, where she resides with Frank Lancellotti, her husband of 27 years. Their two grown children also live in NJ.