Washington – Nancy Johnson, CHA, chair, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), and executive vice president, development, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, donated $5,000 to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) 2012 Annual Giving Campaign. Johnson, an AH&LEF board member, has been a supporter of the Foundation and its Annual Giving Campaign for almost a decade.

The Annual Giving Campaign is AH&LEF’s key yearly fundraising initiative supported solely by the hospitality sector. Initiated in 1997, the program generates funds for AH&LEF’s core programs that provide hospitality management students with academic scholarships, offer grants for pertinent industry research such as diversity and technology advancement, and promote hospitality as a career of choice. Thousands has been raised through the campaigns, and the Foundation is scheduled to disburse more than $1 million this year.

“One of my biggest priorities is ensuring the lodging industry attracts the best and brightest to its workforce,” said Johnson. “Through the important work of the Foundation, including scholarships and workforce development initiatives, future hoteliers receive the training and support they need to excel in our industry.”

Carlson, and the Carlson Family Foundation, are the highest donors to the Annual Giving Campaign, as well as among the top supporters of AH&LEF’s last two major capital giving campaigns and annual fundraising events.

AH&LEF is the not-for-profit affiliate of AH&LA and is funded solely by charitable donations from progressive hospitality leaders and companies within the industry. In 2011, AH&LEF disbursed $880,000 million to prepare promising college students for a career in hospitality, to attract and retain talented industry professionals, and to fund valuable research for lodging properties. Since the Foundation’s inception, approximately $15 million has been distributed through its scholarship, education, outreach, and research programs.

All AH&LEF contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about donating, contact Christa Boatman, manager of foundation programs, at (202) 289-3139 or [email protected] or visit .

AH&LEF is the charitable fundraising and endowed fund-management subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Founded in 1953, AH&LEF is the premier organization for scholarships, professional certification, and instructional material as well as funding for hospitality industry research.

Serving the hospitality industry for a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.

Kathryn Potter
202.289.3130
AHLA Foundation