New Executives at HSMAI

McLean, Va. (USA) – 9 February 2012 – The travel and hospitality industry’s leading professional association, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), has named its 2012 Americas Region Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

Following a year of revisioning and rebranding, HSMAI’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors will continue to drive the association’s mission: “To grow business for hotels and their partners by fueling sales, inspiring marketing, and optimizing revenue.” Through its HSMAI’s MEET series, Adrian Awards, revenue optimization events and resources, C-level roundtable discussions, chapters, and expert insights, HSMAI strives to provide industry professionals with the best tools and knowledge to accomplish their goals and grow their businesses.

Additionally, Barb Bowden, general manager of The Peabody Orlando, will serve as HSMAI’s new chair.

“Bowden’s extensive success in the industry and experience with HSMAI makes her the optimal board chair,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “We feel we have the best possible leadership in place as we continue to focus on our new mission and updated offerings.”

The 2012 HSMAI Executive Committee and Board of Directors:

Executive Committee:

Chair: Barb Bowden, general manager, The Peabody Orlando; corporate director of revenue management, Peabody Hotels

Chair Elect: Rob Torres, managing director of travel, Google
Secretary-Treasurer: Jeff Senior, executive vice president, marketing & sales, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International
Vice Chair: Mark Thompson, vice president of marketing, Irving Texas CVB
Immediate Past Chair: David Atkins, principal, Digital DNA Infusion
President & Ex-Officio: Robert Gilbert, president & CEO, HSMAI

Board of Directors:

Heather Allison-Smith: director of sales & marketing, The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Maureen Callahan: vice president, marketing, Destination Hotels & Resorts
Elizabeth Cambra: CRME, corporate director, pricing & revenue management, Outrigger Enterprises Group
Joel Carver: vice president, sales & marketing, CSM Lodging
Chris Crenshaw: vice president, strategic development, STR
Jack Easdale: vice president of yield management, The Venetian / Palazzo
Mike Fegley: vice president global sales, Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group
Wendy Ferrill: managing director, worldwide sales, Best Western International
Noreen Henry: senior vice president, global partner services, Travelocity
Jack Horne: senior vice president, sales, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Brian Keenan: CMP, vice president of sales, MGM Grand
Flo Lugli: executive vice president marketing, Wyndham Hotel Group
Marina MacDonald: senior vice president sales & marketing, Red Roof Inns
Melissa Maher: vice president, global strategic accounts, Expedia, Inc.
John Moser: chief brand & marketing officer, Denihan Hospitality
Brian Payea: head of industry relations, TripAdvisor
Lalia Rach: Ed.D., professor, New York University Tisch Center
Chuck Sullivan: senior vice president, global online services, Hilton Worldwide
Susan Thronson: senior vice president global marketing, Marriott International

“HSMAI has always been the cornerstone for networking and resources in the travel and hospitality industry,” said Bowden. “I am confident that with this talented group of thought leaders, we will build upon previous successes and provide the tools necessary for our members to grow their businesses.”

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals & their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI’s MEET, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Stout
Edelman
214-443-7586
lindsay.stout@edelman.com