Vinay Patel

Virginia hotelier Vinay Patel is the new Chair of AAHOA's Board of Directors. Patel became chair at the conclusion of the 2021 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show which was the first major convention in Dallas since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The convention was held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

Patel plans to focus on elevating the association's advocacy and engagement at the state and local level including coordinating political education efforts with the American Hospitality Alliance.

In his inaugural address, Patel highlighted the importance of the industry's collective efforts to keep the lights on during the pandemic as well as the necessity of remaining optimistic about the recovery and efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Patel joined AAHOA in 1993 and has served on its board since 2014. AAHOA members elected him as Secretary in 2018. He is the President of Fairbrook Hotels which owns and operates eleven properties including IHG, Hilton, Radisson, Choice, and Wyndham brands. Patel also serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association and is the president of the Herndon Hospitality Association.