Hitesh (HP) Patel
AAHOA Chairman (2018-2019)
With the new year comes new changes at AAHOA and as you may already be aware, Chip Rogers has stepped down from his role as president and CEO. He has accepted the same positions with our industry partner, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
I am grateful for Chip’s unparalleled dedication and commitment to AAHOA and our members. Since his time in the Georgia state legislature, Chip has been an advocate for all small-business owners and has consistently promoted the interests of hoteliers. When Chip joined AAHOA, there was no one more suited or prepared to build the robust and thriving government affairs department we have now. His efforts have made him a true friend and advocate for hoteliers everywhere. But it is his dynamic and innovative leadership as our president and CEO for the past five years that have helped take our association and our industry to new heights.
During his tenure, AAHOA membership growth has reached all-time highs, our brand relationships have been stronger and more fruitful, and our reputation as an industry leader has been widely embraced by leading hospitality organizations and figures. Most notably, his keen focus on expanding our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and in statehouses across the country has solidified AAHOA’s unique role as a trusted authority and resource on policy issues facing the entire hospitality industry.
While it is hard to say goodbye to our distinguished leader and friend, I am excited to continue working with him to promote the interests of hoteliers through our relationship with AHLA. From collaborating on important policy initiatives and participating in industry conferences to hosting our combined Legislative Action Summit, AAHOA and AHLA will work even closer together and will develop a stronger partnership. AAHOA is proud that Chip will continue to be an advocate for America’s hoteliers, and we wish him great success in his new role.
This is a promising time for AAHOA. A new leader brings more opportunities for our association, and we are eager to set and accomplish new goals. A comprehensive search is underway to find AAHOA’s next CEO, one who will build off the many successes Chip has helped us achieve. In the meantime, our COO, Rachel Humphrey, will take up the mantle and act as interim CEO until a decision is made.
I look forward to celebrating AAHOA’s 30th anniversary with all of you at our 2019 convention in San Diego, CA, and working together to make our future stronger and brighter than ever before.
