New Leadership at CHLA Paves the Way for Tourism Growth in San Francisco and Beyond Across California’s Lodging Sector

The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors, marking a pivotal moment for California’s hospitality industry. The election took place during CHLA’s annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, showcasing a renewed commitment to leadership excellence and innovation in the state’s dynamic lodging sector.

Cormac O’Modhrain, Group Vice President of Asset Management at Sunstone Hotel Investors, has been appointed as the 2025 CHLA Board Chair. He succeeds Dhruv Patel, President and COO of Ridgemont Hospitality, who will now serve as Immediate Past Chair. Alongside O’Modhrain, an experienced team of officers will guide the association’s initiatives:

• Vice Chair: Daniel Kuperschmid, Vice President of Global Asset Management, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
• Secretary-Treasurer: Kristi Allen, Executive Vice President, Hotels, Ensemble Investments

“This team brings invaluable expertise and dedication to CHLA,” said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, CHLA President & CEO. “Together, we are poised to strengthen California’s hospitality industry, advocate for our members, and address the challenges of 2025.”

O’Modhrain expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honored to lead CHLA in 2025. Our board is dedicated to engaging our membership and advancing advocacy efforts to ensure a thriving future for our industry.”

New Board Members and Renewed Leadership

To further bolster CHLA’s mission, the association has welcomed three new board members, whose diverse insights will enhance its strategic direction:

• Tony Zand, General Counsel, Pacific Hospitality Group
• Kerry Gaber, Senior Vice President of Asset Management, Host Hotels & Resorts
• Margie Jones, Ph.D., Dean, Collins College of Hospitality Management, Cal Poly Pomona

In addition to these new appointments, CHLA has renewed the terms of nine key members, reaffirming their continued contributions to the organization:

• David Craig, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
• Nic Hockman, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Matt Humphreys, Hyatt Regency San Francisco
• Hee-Won Lim-Grosvenor, Pacific Palms Resort
• Michael Pace, InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
• Bimal Patel, Concept Hotels
• Perry Patel, Radiate Hospitality
• Mike Tweeten, ACE Parking
• Wes Tyler, Chancellor Hotel

The 2025 Board represents a cross-section of industry leaders dedicated to addressing California’s evolving hospitality landscape.

CHLA’s Mission and Impact

Founded in 1893, CHLA is the nation’s largest state lodging industry association. It serves as the primary advocate and resource for over 6,000 hotels, motels, and boutique inns in California, collectively employing more than 235,000 workers. The association works closely with the American Hotel & Lodging Association to address industry-wide challenges and opportunities.

CHLA’s leadership emphasizes policy advocacy, workforce development, and innovation, aiming to maintain California’s reputation as a global leader in hospitality. The announcement of the 2025 Board underscores the association’s ongoing efforts to navigate industry challenges while promoting growth and sustainability.

A Vision for 2025

As California’s hospitality sector rebounds from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new board’s priorities include addressing labor shortages, enhancing sustainability practices, and advocating for policies that support hotel operators and workers alike. Additionally, with the rise of alternative lodging options and shifting traveler expectations, CHLA aims to provide resources and insights that help its members remain competitive.

The association’s focus on diversity and innovation reflects the broader trends shaping the industry. By fostering collaboration among its members, CHLA continues to build a stronger, more resilient hospitality ecosystem.