Source: HotelBusiness
February 23, 2021
AAHOA has added Michael Forrest as its new VP of franchise relations and Ashli Johnson as its new VP of education. Both will lead their respective departments and join AAHOA’s executive leadership team.
“This is an exciting time for AAHOA, and we are pleased to welcome Michael and Ashli to the association,” said Cecil P. Staton, president/CEO of AAHOA. “AAHOA is committed to being the foremost resource and advocate for America’s hotel owners, and that has never been more important than right now when hotel owners across the country are struggling. Strong relationships and open dialogue between owners and brands will be imperative to a smooth recovery, and I am confident that Michael’s experience as a franchisee and franchisor will help us strengthen our relationships in the industry. Ensuring owners have the resources and information they need to stay ahead of the curve as our economy and our industry ramp back up is equally as important, and that is why I am pleased that Ashli will be heading up our education team, one of the fastest-growing areas in AAHOA. Her two decades of experience with top hospitality brands will be an asset to AAHOA members’ professional development.”
Forrest will serve the interests of the association’s franchisees with their brands, enhance communications to strengthen these relationships and AAHOA’s role in the industry. Having been both a franchisee and franchisor, he has spent nearly his entire career working in franchise operations and consulting. Working with companies such as Burger King, Dippin’ Dots, Gloria Jean’s Coffees and Wing Zone, he brings a unique perspective of franchise owners’ needs in the hospitality space.
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