HSMAI Foundation Announces 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee Led by Chair Amanda Voss

McLean, VA – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, led by newly appointed chair Amanda G. Voss, CMP, CHSL, Commercial & Sales Executive. Voss succeeds outgoing Chair Lori Kiel, Senior Vice President of Revenue at Pyramid Global Hospitality, who has completed her two-year term.  

HSMAI Foundation leaders reflect a diverse cross-section of the hospitality industry’s most respected hotels, brands, destinations, and suppliers. Under Voss’s leadership, the Foundation will continue its mission to invest in a skilled and diverse commercial workforce for global hospitality to strengthen performance and ensure a thriving, competitive, and future-ready industry.  

“I’m honored to lead the HSMAI Foundation alongside such a dynamic and dedicated group of leaders,” said Amanda Voss. “Together, we have an opportunity to build a more resilient and future-ready hospitality workforce by expanding access to education, mentorship, and career development across the industry.” 

The Foundation also extends its sincere gratitude to Lori Kiel for her leadership and contributions during her tenure as Chair, helping to guide the organization’s strategic vision and impact. 

HSMAI Foundation 2026 Executive Committee Members: 

Chair: Amanda G. Voss, CMP, CHSL, Commercial & Sales Executive 

Vice Chair: Noreen Henry, CMP, Chief Revenue Officer, Aven Hospitality 

Treasurer: Lexy Coley, Corporate Director, Talent Development, Omni Hotels & Resorts 

Immediate Past Chair: Lori Kiel, CHDM, Senior Vice President of Revenue Management, Pyramid Global Hospitality 

Secretary: Kristie Goshow, Chief Commercial Officer, Loews Hotels 

HSMAI President and CEO: Brian Hicks 

HSMAI Foundation 2026 Board Members: 

• Brandon Ahearn, Senior Director of Sales, Hospitality, Milestone, Inc.

• Rosemary Browning, Chief Executive Officer, Global Career Horizons

• Lovell Casiero, Chief Executive Officer, FLC Business Consulting

• Karen Contos, VP, Marketing DerbySoft

• Mike Gamble, President & CEO, Searchwide Global

• Rick Garlick, Principal Consultant, bvaBdrc

• Tammy Gillis, CEO & Founder, Gillis Sales

• Michael Goldrich, CHDM, CRME, Founder & Chief Advisor, Vivander Advisors

• Caryl Helsel, Founder & CEO, Dragonfly Strategists

• Robert Kwortnik, Associate Professor, Cornell University

• Monique Lee, Group Vice President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

• Dr. Breffni Noone, Professor, Penn State University

• Alyssa Petty, Director, Global Sales Excellence, IHG Hotels & Resorts

• Anthony Rose, Principal Director, Strategic Growth, Plusgrade

• Bernadette Ruby, Vice President of Sales, Amadeus Hospitality

• Deb Surden, Senior Director, Market Management, Expedia Group

• Cheryl Williams, Chief Revenue Officer, Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Special Advisors: 

• Dorothy Dowling, Managing Director, Horwath HTL

• Matthew Clyde, President, Ideas Collide 

In 2026, the HSMAI Foundation is building on its mission to cultivate talent by expanding initiatives across its core pillars—Attract, Develop, and Engage—to foster a more agile, competitive, and future-ready workforce. The Foundation will continue to introduce new audiences to careers in hospitality through enhanced academic partnerships, faculty programming, scholarships, and accessible resources. For current professionals, a strong focus will be placed on upskilling and reskilling through updated certification programs, new research on career journeys, and the release of its annual State of Talent Report. The Foundation will also deepen engagement opportunities by investing in mentorship, peer-learning, and leadership development, including expanded support for Rising Leader Councils and continued research on emerging topics like AI and commercial talent.  

For more information on the HSMAI Foundation and its programs, visit www.hsmaifoundation.org.

About the HSMAI Foundation 

The HSMAI Foundation is a 501c3 organization established in 1983 to serve as the research and educational arm of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. The Foundation’s mission is to elevate the overall caliber and performance of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals in the global hospitality industry by driving initiatives that will attract new talent, develop emerging talent and engage existing talent. The work of the Foundation is supported by private donations and Corporate Talent Partners. Visit www.hsmaifoundation.org for more information.