During its annual meeting of members in New York, the American Hotel & Lodging Association announced its 2017 board of directors slate, including the officers of the board. Notably, Mark Carrier, president of the B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, will assume the role of AH&LA chair of the board, moving up from vice chair, and Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group, will assume the role as vice chair. In addition, Ed Walter, CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, was elected the new secretary and treasurer. Jim Abrahamson, chairman & CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts and outgoing AH&LA chair of the board, will continue to serve as immediate past chair.
Several new industry leaders have also been voted to join AH&LA’s 2017 board of directors. The AH&LA board represents leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and REITS, management companies, independents, and state associations.
“It is an honor to take on the role of AH&LA chair of the board as we continue to move forward on issues important to the success of our dynamic industry,” Carrier said. “With one, unified voice, AH&LA is advancing a strategic agenda to share our industry’s positive narrative of growth, employee advancement, guest service, and community engagement. Our board reflects the depth and scope of our entire industry, and both new and returning board members provide invaluable vision and insights to build on the momentum we have made in the past few years.”
“We continue to reach new heights in our membership, advocacy, and communication efforts and, together, with the leadership of our board and our Officers, we continue to advance our industry priorities,” said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of the AH&LA. “Jim Abrahamson, chair of AH&LA for 2015 and 2016, has been instrumental to this progress. Without question, Mark and our outstanding volunteer leadership will continue to build upon these successes and ensure that the industry is well-positioned to seize the opportunities ahead of us.”
Advocating on behalf of our industry is key to future success. It's great to see so many of our members at @AHLA's Annual Meeting of Members
— AHLA (@AHLA) November 14, 2016
Additions to the board of directors for 2017 are as follows:
Brand Representatives:
Andrew Alexander, president, Red Roof Inns
Ed Case, chief legal officer, Outrigger Enterprises Group
Keith Cline, president & CEO, La Quinta Inns & Suites
Bob Morse, president of hospitality, Caesars Entertainment
Management Company Representatives:
Joe Khairallah, president & COO, The Marcus Corporation
Ben Seidel, president & CEO, Real Hospitality Group
Owner Representatives:
Mike Barnello, president & CEO, LaSalle Hotels Properties
Barry Bloom, EVP & COO, Xenia Hotels & Resorts
Mark Brugger, president & CEO, DiamondRock Hospitality Company
Nick Kellock, COO, Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
Independent Representatives:
Bob Smith, owner, Sebasco Harbor Resort
Partner State Association Representatives:
Patti Colley, EVP, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association
Kristin Cox, GM, The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina/Shaner Hotel Group
Lynn Mohrfeld, president & CEO, California Hotel & Lodging Association
Lola Roeh, GM, The Osthoff Resort, Wisconsin
Kim Sabow, president & CEO, Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association
Allied Representatives:
Alex Alt, president, Sabre Hospitality Solutions