AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), has unveiled its 2024 officers and board of trustees.
Julienne Smith, chief development officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, was appointed chair of the board, succeeding RLJ Lodging Trust COO/EVP Tom Bardenett. Bardenett will remain on the 2024 board as Immediate past chair, serving with Anu Saxena, president/global head, Hilton Supply Management, as the board’s vice chair and Jonathan Stanner, president/CEO, Summit Hotel Properties, as the board’s secretary/treasurer.
“I am thrilled and honored to step into the role as chair of the AHLA Foundation,” said Smith. “The foundation’s work focuses on the single most important thing in our industry—supporting our people, who are the heart of our hotels and who make hospitality a fantastic career path.”
AHLA Foundation welcomed three new members to the board of trustees: Amber Asher, CEO, Standard International; Kevin Osterhaus, president, Graduate Hotels; and Harry Javer, founder/president, The Conference Bureau.
“Supporting the hotel workforce, the people at the heart of this industry, is at the center of AHLA Foundation’s work,” said AHLA Foundation President Anna Blue. “Our board plays a vital role in advancing our mission, and the leadership and guidance of these industry leaders will set the stage for deeper impact and even greater reach.”
