Washington, D.C. (March 12, 2015) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee lodging industry, today announced new additions to its Board of Directors. The 2015 Board of Directors represents the full scope of the lodging sector, including brands, owners and REITs, management companies, independents, and state associations. 

"I am thrilled to welcome these top industry leaders to our Board of Directors," said Jim Abrahamson, CHA, CEO, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, and Chair of the Board of AH&LA. "The addition of these outstanding individuals further validates and underscores our mission as we address important issues facing our industry in Washington and around the country, from labor issues such as extreme wage initiatives and the assault on the franchise model to online travel intermediaries by ensuring tax fairness and protecting our guests from deceptive practices to providing a level playing field and a safe environment for our guests with short-term online rentals and others that choose to skirt local laws."

The AH&LA board meets twice yearly to discuss a broad range of industry and association-related issues. The new board of directors was appointed by the AH&LA Nominating Committee in accordance with the AH&LA Bylaws.

"These newest members join our outstanding Board of Directors and will strengthen our position as an industry that is united and whose momentum continues to grow," said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of the AH&LA. "In the past year alone, we've doubled our membership and have undertaken a number of key initiatives to strengthen the industry's advocacy presence. As an industry, we have both serious issues and exciting opportunities as we continue to advocate for laws and regulations that allow our industry to continue to grow and create jobs. Together and with the leadership of our Board of Directors, we are well-equipped to tackle all that we have before us."

New members of the AH&LA Board follow. 

Brand Representatives: 
Kirk Kinsell, CEO, Loews Hotels & Resorts
Jim Amorosia, President & CEO, G6 Hospitality
Alan Fuerstman, Founder & CEO, Montage Hotels & Resorts

Owner Representative: 
John Arabia, President & CEO, Sunstone Hotel Investors

Management Company Representative: 
Alex Cabanas, President & CEO, Benchmark Hospitality International

Independent Representative: 
Stephen Bartolin, Jr., Chairman & CEO, The Broadmoor

Partner State Association Representatives: 
Greg Dugal, President & CEO, Maine Innkeepers Association
Marc Gordon, President & CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association

At-Large Representative: 
John Fitzpatrick, President & CEO, Fitzpatrick Hotel Group