Jayesh Patel Best Western International announced that its board of directors has elected Jayesh 'Jay' Patel as board chairman for 2015. He was elected a director in November 2010 and re-elected in 2013 to represent the interests of Best Western hotel owners in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He previously served one-year terms as vice chairman and secretary-treasurer of the board. Patel's history with Best Western goes back more than 30 years, and in that time he has developed five Best Western hotels in Louisiana. He currently has ownership interests in the BEST WESTERN Airport Inn in Monroe, La., the BEST WESTERN LaPlace Inn in LaPlace, La., and the BEST WESTERN PLUS Houma Inn in Gray, La. Patel's company, Cajun Lodging, owns, manages and builds hotels that range from limited service to full service. In addition to the three Best Westerns, his company owns six other hotels in the suburban New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Before being elected to the board, Patel held a number of leadership positions within the Best Western organization, including serving as a Best Western governor for nearly 15 years. He also has served as chairman of the brand's committees for education and training and cultural diversity.