HFTP Board of Directors Approves Bylaws Updates

HFTP® announced that its Global Board of Directors has approved updates to the association's governing bylaws, effective August 10, 2026. The revisions are the result of a thorough review by the HFTP Bylaws Task Force, which met twice-a-month over six months. The task force's proposal was formally presented to the association’s board of directors, after which the group was given 30 days to consult with members, conduct research and consider the proposal. The goals of the update were clear: modernize the bylaws, broaden the definition of who should comprise HFTP membership and be inclusive of the entire hospitality industry, and better reflect today's evolving job responsibilities across the profession. The updates build on the previously posted bylaws and reflect HFTP's ongoing effort to update its governance structure, simplify membership categories, and better reflect the association's global scope.

Updates Summary

The updated language reflects HFTP's continued focus on technology. This includes replacing the term "hospitality information processing" with "hospitality automation" throughout Article II, Section 2. Objectives.

Article II, Section 3. Definition now recognizes the "Global Hospitality Industry" and "Providers of a Global Hospitality Experience." In addition, the list of member examples now includes cruise lines and trains, which have expanded onboard hospitality services.

Under Article III, Membership the updated bylaws consolidate the former Agent and Education member categories into a single, broader Principal Member class. This change reflects HFTP's commitment to being more inclusive of the full range of hospitality industry professionals and the evolving responsibilities that define today's roles. The updated structure recognizes that the lines between finance, technology, consulting and academia have blurred — and that HFTP's membership should reflect that reality. The Principal Member class is now organized into three clear sub-types:

• Hospitality Professionals — those active in accounting, financial management, or IT roles who have decision-making authority at hospitality organizations.

• Consulting Professionals — advisors from public accounting and consulting firms to hospitality providers.

• Academic Professionals — full-time, post-secondary educators and researchers who teach or advise on finance or technology.

These also streamline the membership provisions in keeping with the goal to modernize the bylaws and create a more inclusive framework that reflects today's hospitality industry and the full range of roles within it. Several standalone sections —such as Censure/Suspension/Expulsion, Eligibility, Privileges, and Membership Status Change — are moved or consolidated into other provisions. The board also gains waiver authority to approve membership in special cases when it serves HFTP's best interest.

Under Article V, Meetings of Members the update eliminates the formally designated annual meeting. In its place, members will receive a published Annual Report plus quarterly virtual "State of the Association" meetings hosted by the president, CEO or board. These town hall-style meetings will cover different topics such as initiatives, member recognition, collaborations, and strategic issues.

The quorum requirements also change. For any membership vote, a quorum now consists of 10% of voting members via digital ballot, intended to broaden participation across the membership.

With the membership restructuring, the "Agent or Education" references disappear from board composition. Under the proposed Article X, only Principal and Allied members are eligible for the board, and only Principal members may be nominated for officer positions. Allied members remain ineligible for officer roles.

The Miscellaneous article has been updated to reflect digital practices. The former "Mail Vote" becomes "Electronic Mail Vote," conducted by email.

The Bylaws Task Force was composed of seven HFTP members who brought a broad range of industry expertise to the process.

• Chair Michael Levie, CHTP — COO • Kube Ventures; Co-founder • CitizenM Hotels

• Executive Committee Liaison Jim Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+  —  Secretary & Treasurer and VP of Finance • Rosen Hotels & Resorts

• Fitzroy Walker, MBA — Corporate Director of Finance • Sandals Resorts International

• Mercedes Breitenfeldt, CHAE — Assistant Controller • ADOF Hotels AKA Boston

• Chad Curtis, CHAE+, MBA — Controller • Rosen Hotels & Resorts

• Lee Larimore, CPA — Client Implementation Director • ClubEssential

• Sarah Ford, CCM, CHAE — General Manager and COO • The Army and Navy Club

"The task force worked carefully to modernize a governing document that needed to reflect where our industry stands today," said Bina. "Our goal was to broaden HFTP's membership to truly represent the entire hospitality industry, and to make sure our bylaws mirror the roles and responsibilities that our members hold now. These updates give the association a stronger, clearer foundation to serve members for years to come."

"As a club industry representative on the task force, I've seen firsthand how much the hospitality industry has changed — and how important it is that HFTP's membership reflects that," said Ford. "These updates open the door for a broader, more diverse group of professionals to find a home in HFTP. When our bylaws better reflect the real work happening across hospitality — in finance, technology, operations, and beyond — we become a stronger association for everyone."

What's Next?

HFTP thanks the members who participated in the review process and encourages all members to read the updated bylaws. Learn more about the vast array of membership opportunities available with HFTP.