Jagruti PanwalaThe Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) elected its first female officer over the nearly 30-year life of the organization. Jagruti Panwala is now also in line to become the first female chairwoman of the organization in 2019. AAHOA's all-volunteer board of about 36 come from members who own hotels across the country. Four volunteer members hold leadership positions: secretary, treasurer, vice chairman and chairman. Officers hold each post for one year after being elected secretary. Panwala won a contested election for secretary over two male counterparts in the historic election. A resident of Ivyland, PA, Panwala served before Friday's vote as female director at large - eastern division. She will serve as secretary for 2016-2017. Officers progress from secretary to treasurer to vice chair to chair on a yearly basis.