#United States #Sacramento #California Hotel #Lodging Association #CHLA

California Hotel & Lodging Association Selects 2025 Board of Directors

The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) has officially announced its Board of Directors for the year 2025 during its annual meeting held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on December 6, 2024. This new board reflects a commitment to leadership excellence, diversity, and innovation amid California's continuously evolving lodging industry.

Cormac O'Modhrain, the Group Vice President of Asset Management at Sunstone Hotel Investors, will take the helm as CHLA's Board Chair. He succeeds Dhruv Patel, President and COO of Ridgemont Hospitality, who transitions into the role of Immediate Past Chair. O'Modhrain's leadership comes at a critical time, where his expertise will be invaluable in addressing the upcoming challenges in the hospitality space.

Joining O'Modhrain are Vice Chair Daniel Kuperschmid, who is the Vice President of Global Asset Management for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Secretary-Treasurer Kristi Allen, the Executive Vice President of Hotels at Ensemble Investments. These individuals bring extensive experience and a proven record of success within the industry, further solidifying CHLA's mission to strengthen California's hospitality landscape.

In his acceptance of the chair position, O'Modhrain expressed his excitement, stating, “I am honored to lead CHLA in 2025. Together with the board, I am committed to engaging our membership and advancing local advocacy to ensure a thriving future for our industry.”

The board also welcomes three new members, enhancing the organization's capabilities. Tony Zand, General Counsel for Pacific Hospitality Group, Kerry Gaber, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Host Hotels & Resorts, and Margie Jones, Ph.D, Dean of Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, join the CHLA board. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise are expected to bolster the association’s objectives.

CHLA's ongoing commitment to its mission is further highlighted by the renewal of the terms of nine existing board members, ensuring that their valuable contributions continue. Notable members include David Craig from Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Nic Hockman from Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and several others who have played pivotal roles in shaping California's hospitality industry.

Lynn S. Mohrfeld, CHLA President and CEO, praised the newly elected board, emphasizing that their leadership will be vital for overcoming future challenges. Mohrfeld stated, “These leaders bring invaluable expertise and dedication to CHLA, positioning us to strengthen California’s hospitality industry, advocate for our members, and face the challenges that 2025 will bring.”

The California Hotel & Lodging Association remains the leading advocate for more than 6,000 hotels across the state, collectively employing over 235,000 workers. Established in 1893, CHLA is the largest state lodging industry association in the United States, actively partnering with the American Hotel & Lodging Association to support and enhance the hospitality sector in California.

By focusing on strong leadership and implementing innovative strategies, CHLA is poised to continue its pivotal role within the industry, advocating for its members' needs and the state's hospitality ecosystem. For further information about CHLA, its leadership, and upcoming initiatives, please visit their official website at www.calodging.com.