Appointments

Jamelia Lehn has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Spire Hospitality

In her new role, Lehn will be responsible for all matters related to financial management and will also play a critical role in developing new operating efficiencies, responding to owner and investor needs, maximizing results, and supporting new business development and company growth. Lehn brings over two decades of leadership experience in real estate accounting and property management to the CFO position. Her diverse areas of expertise include team development, process improvement, scalability, and financial management. She takes a 360-degree view of a company's financial health to better inform goals and decision-making, as well as to optimize processes and systems. Most recently, Lehn served as the CFO for Roots Management Group, where she led a team of more than 60 individuals and transformed the accounting, human resources, IT, and shared services functions. She was also a pivotal member of the governance and audit committee, where her insight and expertise helped guide critical decision-making. Before joining Roots Management Group, Lehn held various leadership roles at Aimbridge Hospitality. Lehn collaborated with the executive leadership team to create a culture of excellence, talent nurturing, and impactful initiatives. She led the company through many M&A transactions and co-founded the esteemed "Women's Leadership Empowerment and Development" (WLEAD) network. Lehn honed her early career skills by working at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs. She has also significantly contributed to companies such as Ashford Hospitality Trust, Prime Income Asset Management, and Equity Residential. Lehn holds degrees from Dallas Baptist University and the University of Dallas, complemented by certifications from the John Maxwell Team, underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. She is a sought-after panelist and guest speaker on financial literacy, leadership, and empowering women in the workplace and life. In her free time, Lehn likes to travel and spend time with her family.

Ari Glazer has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Mohegan

Mohegan, a global leader in premium entertainment and gaming resorts, has announced that Ari Glazer will be appointed Chief Financial Officer. With over 20 years of investment banking experience advising global gaming and hospitality companies, Mr. Glazer brings a wealth of financial acumen and industry knowledge to the role. He will have responsibility for all finance activities including financial planning and analysis, capital markets, accounting, tax, treasury, procurement and cash management. Mr. Glazer will report to Ray Pineault, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan.

Hyangsoon Ha has been promoted to VP of Finance & Accounting at Hotel Equities Group, LLC

In her newly expanded role, Hyangsoon oversees financial reporting and analyzes data that supports decision-making and long-term financial strategy planning in both Canada and the United States. Her extensive leadership background in finance within the hotel industry enables her to support a wide range of markets across North America as well as supporting new hotels during transition into management. Since joining HE in 2020, Hyangsoon has been integral in developing and implementing strategic finance procedures, including communicating process enhancements, training and developing staff, and evaluating departmental efficiencies.

Suzanne Heller has been promoted to VP of Accounting at Hotel Equities Group, LLC

Suzanne possesses extensive financial and management expertise, with a noteworthy 13-year focus on real estate and hotel management. In her new role, she oversees various aspects of financial management to include day-to-day operations, with a primary focus on maintaining accurate and timely financial records. She and her team are responsible for ensuring compliance in financial reporting, the establishment and monitoring of internal controls to safeguard the company's assets and ensuring the precision of financial records.

Rich Wilhelm has joined M3 as Chief Financial Officer

Rich Wilhelm has joined M3 as the Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 29 years of invaluable experience to his role. With an extensive background in the fintech and software industries, Rich has held leadership positions in finance and accounting teams, as well as roles in operations and investor relations. Rich's previous collaborations with business leaders will provide the necessary financial acumen and strategic insights to drive the success of M3's business initiatives.

Julie DeCecco has been appointed as General Counsel at Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced that Julie DeCecco, the company's current deputy general counsel and vice president, has been appointed general counsel and executive vice president. She succeeds David Shapiro who is leaving the company to pursue a new career opportunity. DeCecco will be effective in the role immediately and Shapiro will be supporting a successful transition through February 23, 2024.

Kat Fonda has been promoted to Senior Director, Federal Affairs at American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

Kat Fonda was promoted to senior director, federal affairs. This promotion recognizes her ongoing contributions to AHLA's federal advocacy work in areas such as labor regulations, industry coalition leadership, and expanding AHLA's political influence in Washington, D.C. Fonda joined AHLA in 2023 from Fundraising Inc., where she served as a fundraising consultant to several dozen members of Congress.

Sarah Bratko has been promoted to Vice President, State & Local Government Affairs & Policy Counsel at American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

Sarah Bratko was promoted to vice president, state & local government affairs & policy counsel. In this role, Bratko will help develop and expand AHLA's state & local policy team, which has been a critical component of AHLA as it works to deliver advocacy results for hoteliers across the country. Bratko joined AHLA in 2022 from the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and has been an invaluable resource on policy analysis for AHLA.

Matt Carrier has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Federal Affairs, Policy, and Research at American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

Matt Carrier was promoted to senior vice president of federal affairs, policy, and research. In this role, Carrier will lead AHLA's federal advocacy team, with a focus on congressional engagement and regulatory issues. Additionally, he will continue to oversee the association's industry research efforts. Carrier joined AHLA in early 2020 having previously spent nearly a decade working in the hotel industry, most recently at Marriott International.

Lisa Conner has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC

New CFO Lisa Conner brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership and accounting roles to Mainsail Lodging & Development. Conner spent more than 10 years working with the Big Four global accounting firms PwC and KPMG as Senior Manager of Audit and more than 15 years in M&A with private equity, public and privately held companies. She also has a proven track record of success in managing financial operations and implementing business process improvements as an Advisory Consultant with RGP, Steven Douglas and Tampa Bay CPA Consulting. Conner will oversee Mainsail's finances, project accounting and hotel operational accounting, working closely with senior leadership to identify opportunities to grow the company's core domestic businesses. Conner received her bachelor's degree in business accounting from Stockton University and is a licensed CPA in Florida and New Jersey.

Ben Miele has been appointed as Director of Accounting at Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC

Joining Conner is Director of Accounting Ben Miele, bringing more than 30 years of accounting, tax, and audit experience to the team. In his most recent role, Miele served as Director of Accounting for clients of a large global accounting and consulting firm. A Florida CPA, Miele's focus will be on reviewing and analyzing financial information, improving controls, and establishing accounting policies and procedures across all of Mainsail's properties. Miele received his bachelor's degree in business administration, majoring in accounting, from UMass Lowell.

Lori Nelson has been appointed as Paralegal at Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC

Certified Senior Paralegal Lori Nelson brings nearly three decades of experience to Mainsail, specializing in corporate matters, intellectual property, and complex litigation cases on both the state and federal level. Nelson joins Mainsail from Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, where she worked as a Senior Paralegal and most recently a Litigation Support Specialist. She is one of an elite handful who have managed more than 120 in-house litigation cases using Relativity during the last four years. Her expertise will be instrumental in navigating legal complexities and ensuring compliance across all Mainsail properties. Nelson is a graduate of Youngstown State University and the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta.

Bret McLeod has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. has appointed Bret McLeod as the company's next Chief Financial Officer. McLeod has more than 20-years of financial leadership experience, a majority spent within the hospitality industry, and will oversee the company's finance and accounting functions as well as serve as a member of Great Wolf Resorts' executive leadership team responsible for driving the company's business transformation and growth.

Robert Garcia has been appointed as Corporate Controller at Main Street Hospitality Group

Robert Garcia has joined the group as Corporate Controller where he will bring more than three decades of expertise in hospitality accounting, most notably a decade at Hay Creek Hotels where he served as Vice President of Finance. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing the company's growth from 5 hotels to over 20 while managing the Finance, IT, and Insurance departments. Garcia will be responsible for implementing highly effective financial strategies to maximize the profitability and financial health of the entire Main Street portfolio.