HFTP Announces 2026–2027 Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors
HFTP's incoming 2026–2027 Global Board spans finance, technology, and operations professionals from organizations including Accor, Sonesta, Belmond, Cisco, and West Virginia University.
HFTP Global EC and Directors at HFTP's 2026 Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada — Photo by HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) has announced its 2026–2027 HFTP Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
The new HFTP Global Board of Directors, comprising of 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 is Global President Andrew Buwalda, CHAE, Vice President of Hospitality Operations at Freed Corp.
“I'm excited to work alongside our incoming 2026–2027 HFTP Global Board of Directors and Executive Committee,” said Buwalda. “We are fortunate to have a fantastic group of talented and dedicated industry leaders, and I'm looking forward to what we can accomplish together as we continue delivering value to our members and stewarding HFTP's growth and impact across the hospitality industry.”
HFTP 2026–2027 Global Executive Committee:
HFTP Global President Andrew Buwalda, CHAE • Vice President of Hospitality Operations • Freed Corp.
HFTP Global Vice President Barry Thomas, CHTP • SVP of Hospitality Tech, Luxury & Lifestyle • Accor
HFTP Global Treasurer Ian Millar, CHTP • Senior Lecturer, IT • EHL
HFTP Global Secretary Tessa Leverett • Controller • Desert Highlands Association
HFTP Global Immediate Past President James Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+ • Secretary, Treasurer and VP of Finance • Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
HFTP Executive Advisor Scot Campbell, CHTP • Principal • Integrated Resort Advisors
HFTP 2026–2027 Global Board of Directors:
Ajay Aluri, Ph.D. • Founding Director, Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab • West Virginia University
Christopher Begley, CHTP • IT Area Manager of Field Services, Operations • Sonesta Hotels
Mike Blake, MBA, CPA • Vice President, IT • KemperSports
Arthur Burger, CHAE+ • Principal • Art Burger Consulting
Jeff Dekruif, CCM, CHAE, PGA Associate • CEO • Financially Astute Clubs
Sarah Ford, CCM, CHAE • General Manager • The Headliners Club
Mark Gage, MMBA • Vice President, IT/IS • Tanzerra Resorts
Michael Goldrich • Founder & Chief Advisor • Vivander Advisors LLC
Bryan Hammer • VP, IT • Belmond
Neal Patel, CHIA, CHO • Managing Partner • Blue Chip Hotels
Kevin Yarnell • Business Solutions Manger, U.S. Commercial • Cisco
For more information on HFTP leadership and leadership opportunities, visit the HFTP Leadership page on HFTP.org.
About Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in the EU and India. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the publication of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI®), Hotel Online® and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. Through its combined websites, the association has more than 140,000 site visitors a month. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.