HFTP Announces 2025–2026 Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) has announced its 2025–2026 HFTP Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

The new HFTP Global Board of Directors, comprising both new and returning members from diverse hospitality sectors, reinforces the association’s commitment to supporting its members with comprehensive insights, resources, and educational opportunities. With expertise spanning finance, technology, research, and operations, the board is well-equipped to achieve HFTP's strategic objectives and provide top-tier programs to its global membership. This leadership team is set to drive HFTP's mission, promote professional growth, and elevate industry standards, ensuring continued innovation and excellence in hospitality finance and technology.

Leading the HFTP Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors as Global President is Jim Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+ , secretary, treasurer and vice president of finance for Rosen Hotels and Resorts, Inc.

Being elected president is a tremendous honor, said Bina. HFTP has been instrumental in my own career development, and I’m excited to give back by helping expand our educational offerings and global reach. Our industry’s financial and technology professionals are the backbone of hospitality operations, and HFTP will continue to be their premier resource for professional growth and industry connections.

Bina also expressed his dedication to advancing the organization’s strategic vision:

As we look to the future, the hospitality landscape is evolving faster than ever. This role is not a destination, but a continuation of a collective journey — and I am excited for us to get to work.

HFTP 2025–2026 Global Executive Committee:

• HFTP Global President James Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+ • Secretary, Treasurer and VP of Finance • Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
• HFTP Global Vice President Andrew Buwalda, CHAE • General Manager of IT, Finance and Operations • Deerhurst Resort
• HFTP Global Treasurer Barry Thomas, CHTP • SVP of Hospitality Tech, Luxury & Lifestyle • Accor
• HFTP Global Secretary Shannon McCallum • VP, Hotel Operations • Resorts World Las Vegas
• HFTP Global Past President Justin Taillon, MBA, Ph.D., CHTP, CHIA • Professor and Department Head • Highline College
• HFTP Executive Advisor Sherry Marek • CEO • Aiken Street

HFTP 2025–2026 Global Board of Directors

• Ajay Aluri, Ph.D. • Founding Director, Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab • West Virginia University
• Christopher Begley, CHTP • West Coast Area Manager of Field Services, Hospitality Systems • Sonesta Hotels
• Arthur Burger, CHAE+ • Principal • Art Burger Consulting
• Jeff Dekruif, CCM, CHAE, PGA Associate • GM/COO • The Ford Field & River Club
• Asif Ehsan, EMBA, CHAE • Director of Finance and Accounting • St. Francis Yacht Club
• Bryan Hammer • VP, IT • Belmond Hotels
• Tessa Leverett • Controller • Desert Highlands
• Robert Mandelbaum • Research Director • CBRE Hotels Research
• Tariq Valani • Co-Founder • Inntelo AI
• Nishant (Neal) Patel, CHIA, CHO • Founder and CIO • Blue Chip Hotels
• Kevin Yarnell • Sr. Executive • Cisco Systems

For more information on HFTP leadership and leadership opportunities, visit the HFTP Leadership page on HFTP.org.