New York, New York -- During its Annual Meeting of Members in New York, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today 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 AHLA 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 AHLA's new Secretary and Treasurer. Jim Abrahamson, Chairman & CEO for Interstate Hotels & Resorts and outgoing AHLA Chair of the Board, will continue to serve as Immediate Past Chair.

Several new industry leaders have also been voted to join AHLA's 2017 Board of Directors. The AHLA Board represents leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and REITS, management companies, independents, and state associations.

AHLA Chairman-elect Mark Carrier, President of the B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, said: "It is an honor to take on the role of AHLA Chair of the Board as we continue to move forward on issues important to the success of our dynamic industry. With one, unified voice, AHLA 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 AHLA. "Jim Abrahamson, Chair of AHLA 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."

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, Inc.
  • 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, Executive Vice President, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Kristin Cox, General Manager, The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina/Shaner Hotel Group
  • Lynn Mohrfeld, President & CEO, California Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Lola Roeh, General Manager, The Osthoff Resort, Wisconsin
  • Kim Sabow, President & CEO, Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association

Allied Representatives:

  • Alex Alt, President, Sabre Hospitality Solutions

Click here to view the Board of Directors for 2017.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

Katie Longo
AH&LA

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