California Hotel and Lodging Association's New Chair Prioritizes Future of Hospitality Industry

The Shift in Leadership of the California Hotel and Lodging Association

The California Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA) recently appointed a new chair along with a dedicated board of directors. Their main focus is to champion business interests for California's extensive hotel sector, consisting of over 6,000 establishments and employing around 235,000 individuals. In the shadow of various challenges, the new leadership is gearing up to tackle critical issues with a renewed sense of urgency.

The incoming chair, Kristi Allen, who also serves as Executive Vice President of Hotels at Ensemble, emphasized the necessity of this advocacy. “Predatory lawsuits, onerous taxes, and unsustainable wage mandates threaten our hotels and their staff,” Allen stated. Her role signifies a crucial pivot towards ensuring that the hospitality sector not only survives but thrives in California’s competitive economy.

Challenges Facing the Hospitality Sector

The hospitality industry in California has faced numerous adversities, particularly with legal pressures and fiscal burdens. Allen articulated that these factors have the potential to stifle growth and innovation within the state’s hotel ecosystem. With her approach, the CHLA aims to highlight these issues to ensure that government decisions favor the stability of the industry.

Transitioning from the previous chair, Cormac O'Modhrain, who served as Group Vice President of Asset Management at Sunstone Hotel Investors, Allen brings a fresh perspective to the leadership. The mixture of new and returning board members suggests a balanced and experienced approach to advocacy, vital for navigating future challenges.

A New Board of Directors

On the release of their new agenda, the CHLA also introduced a newly elected board of directors, comprised of 33 members, featuring both seasoned veterans and newcomers. Among the fresh faces are Robert Gleason, the President and CEO of Evans Hotels, Scott Mills, General Manager of The Garland, and Steve Choe, dual General Manager at Marriott International for Moxy and AC Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. These leaders are expected to leverage their expertise to bolster CHLA’s advocacy efforts significantly.

Renewed board members, including figures like Cab Boettcher and Laurenne Douglas, contribute a wealth of experience to the association. This diverse lineup aims to strengthen CHLA's capacity to support its members amid ongoing economic pressures.

Looking Ahead: A Unified Voice for Hospitality

Lynn S. Mohrfeld, President and CEO of CHLA expressed confidence in the newly elected board, saying, “With the support of these leaders, CHLA is positioned to continue leading the fight for our members and the future of hospitality in California.” This determination to act as a unified advocate is not just beneficial for the hotels themselves but for the overall economy of California, which relies heavily on the hospitality sector.

Conclusion: The Importance of Advocacy

As CHLA steps into 2026 under new leadership, their focus on addressing outdated regulations and advocating for a healthier business environment seeks to uplift California's hospitality industry. For hoteliers and their employees, this focus could be pivotal in ensuring sustainable success in a rapidly changing marketplace. The message is clear: to safeguard jobs and foster a thriving environment for hospitality, collective advocacy is not just beneficial; it's essential for future prosperity.