WASHINGTON (January 13, 2020) – Building on record levels of membership and engagement, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today welcomed Choice Hotels International, Inc., into membership and unveiled its 2020 Officers, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, which includes top leaders representing all segments of the hospitality industry.

AHLA ended 2019 representing a record 3.2 million U.S. hotel rooms. With the addition of Choice, AHLA now counts the 10 largest hotel companies as members.

Jon Bortz, Chairman, President & CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, was named chair of the board; Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, was named vice chair; Justin Knight, President & CEO of Apple Hospitality REIT, continues as secretary/treasurer; and Greg Juceam, President & COO of G6 Hospitality, joins as chair of the Board of Trustees. Bortz succeeds Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, who has served as chair for the past year and becomes immediate past chair.

“I could not be prouder to be a part of this amazing industry, and I am honored to serve as chair of AHLA during such an exciting time,” said Bortz. “Not only has AHLA reached record membership, we’re also leading the way on important issues such as human trafficking, safety and security, and investing in our workforce. From city halls to the halls of Congress, we’re advancing our industry’s legislative priorities so that we can continue to grow and thrive. I’m excited to build on this momentum and achieve even more success for our collective industry in the future.”

“We are excited for the depth of experience that our board brings to the table as we move our policy agenda forward. With Choice on board, we are stronger than ever,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “We are grateful to our Officers and Board members who volunteer their time and energy to ensure that AHLA is successful and represents the hotel industry with one unified voice both in and outside Washington, D.C. As we enter a pivotal election year, it’s more important than ever that our industry comes together to underscore our role in building strong communities in every Congressional district.”

The AHLA Board of Directors represents leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and real estate investment trusts (REITs), management companies, independent hotels and state associations.

Click here to view the 2020 AHLA Board of Directors.

New members of the board appointed to two-year terms in 2020 include:
Heather McCrory, CEO, North & Central America, Accor
Rena Reiss, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Marriott International
Simone Wu, SVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary & External Affairs, Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Al Patel, President, Baywood Hotels
Mehul Patel, Chairman & CEO, NewcrestImage
Joseph Bojanowski, President, PM Hotel Group
James Carroll, President & CEO, Crestline Hotels & Resorts
W. Chris Green, President & CEO, Chesapeake Hospitality
Michael Heaton, President, Waterford Hotel Group
Bakulesh “Buggsi” Patel, President, BHG Hotels
Tarun Patel Principal, Pacific Hospitality Company
Ron Vlasic, COO, Hostmark Hospitality Group
Scott Steilen, President & CEO, Sea Island Company
George A. Kalogridis, President, Segment Development and Enrichment, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Steve Wahrlich, Owner/ General Manager, Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn

Additionally, AHLA welcomed five new members to its Executive Committee, which serves as the association’s core governance body and guides its policy agenda.

Click here to view the 2020 AHLA Executive Committee.

New Representatives on the Executive Committee include:
Kevin Jacobs, CFO, Hilton
David Kong, President & CEO, Best Western
John Arabia, President & CEO, Sunstone Hotel Investors
Tom Baltimore, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO, Park Hotels & Resorts
John Belden, Chairman & CEO, Davidson Hotels & Resorts

AHLA’s success would not be possible without the support of its partner organizations. The AHLA Premier Partner Program offers industry suppliers and service providers high-value opportunities to engage directly with AHLA members at an executive level and increase brand visibility.

AHLA 2020 Premier Partners
Platinum: American Express, Cvent, Hcareers, PSAV, STR
Gold: Avendra LLC, Brand USA, Ecolab
Silver: Access Point Financial, Amadeus, Deloitte, HBO, Pearson, Sabre Hospitality Solutions, Towne Park