AHLA Announces New Board Leadership Team, Taps Davidson Hospitality Group CEO & President Thom Geshay As Chair

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the largest hotel association in America, today announced new leadership for its Board of Directors, naming Thom Geshay, Davidson Hospitality Group CEO & President, as Chair. Jon Stanner, Summit Hotel Properties President & CEO, and Jolyon Bulley, IHG Hotels & Resorts CEO of the Americas, will serve as Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer, respectively, effective July 1, 2026. Together, they will help guide the association’s work to advance policies that support the industry and its workforce.

Geshay brings nearly four decades of experience in leadership roles at Davidson Hospitality Group. Over the course of his career, Geshay has held virtually every corporate and property level executive position, including business development and acquisitions, operations, food and beverage, sales and marketing, and organizational strategy.  Prior to his appointment to CEO, Geshay held positions of President and Chief Operating Officer. 

“Thom, Jon, and Jolyon are influential industry leaders with proven track records of delivering results for our industry,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “Their guidance will be instrumental as we push for meaningful solutions to address workforce challenges, drive increased travel demand, and support all segments of AHLA’s membership.”

Geshay succeeds Liam Brown, Marriott International Group President, U.S. & Canada, who is set to retire from the company this month after nearly four decades of service. Throughout Brown’s service to AHLA, he played a pivotal role in advancing the franchising business model, supporting workforce development, and passionately advocating for the industry’s No Room for Trafficking initiative. 

“I am honored to step into this role during such an important moment in time for our industry. In addition to Liam Brown being an exceptional Chair and cohort, he’s also a longtime friend, and I’m grateful for his leadership and partnership,” said Davidson Hospitality Group CEO & President Thom Geshay. “I began my hospitality career at a young age as a bellman and went on to gain hands-on experience across all facets of hotel operations, management, and real estate. My journey in this industry has given me a unique perspective on what makes it so special and the meaningful opportunities it creates. I’m looking forward to working closely with Rosanna and the AHLA team to support our industry and the people who make it extraordinary.”

AHLA Vice Chair Jon Stanner joined Summit Hotel Properties in 2017. Prior to being named President and Chief Executive Officer, Stanner served as Summit’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. In addition to serving on the AHLA Board of Directors, Stanner also sits on the AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees, the AC Hotels by Marriott Brand Council, and the Hyatt Owners’ Advisory Council.

Jolyon Bulley is Chief Executive Officer of the Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, overseeing the performance, growth, and profitability across IHG’s 21 brands in the company’s largest region. A career and global hotelier, he also previously served as IHG’s Chief Operating Officer for the Americas, leading operations across franchised and managed hotels while strengthening hotel performance and owner relationships.

AHLA announced several other board appointments. Michelle Woodley, President, Preferred Travel Group, and Adam Rohman, Head of the Americas, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, were named as members of the Board of Directors.

AHLA’s Board of Directors is composed of leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners, management companies, branded properties, independent hotels, service providers and suppliers, and associations.