Tag: Hospitality

J. Stephen Crews: Turning Financial Insight Into Better Decisions, and Experience Into Opportunity for Others

Throughout my career in hospitality, finance, operations, consulting, and government contracting, I have had the opportunity to work alongside talented owners, executives, managers, and teams while navigating growth, change, and complex business challenges. Those experiences have reinforced my belief in disciplined financial leadership, thoughtful decision-making, strong relationships, and sharing what we learn with the next generation of leaders. As I continue exploring opportunities to contribute through board and advisory service, I am pleased to share more about my professional journey, leadership philosophy, and the experience I hope to bring to organizations. Here is my biography.

Steve Burton: Building the Infrastructure for What Comes Next

After more than four decades in executive leadership, transportation, mobility, real estate, infrastructure, business development, and the transition to electric fleets, I’m grateful for the experiences that have allowed me to help grow organizations, develop new markets, and navigate meaningful industry change. As I continue my work through consulting and explore opportunities to contribute at the board level, I look forward to applying those lessons to organizations preparing for their next stage of growth, innovation, and transformation. Here is my biography.

Marie Mathews: Building Businesses, Strengthening Communities, Creating Opportunity

I’m proud to share a closer look at the professional journey that has shaped my approach to leadership, entrepreneurship, strategy, contract acquisition, large-scale operations, governance, and community service. Across hospitality, sports and entertainment events, healthcare, research, education, and business ownership, I have focused on solving complex problems, developing strong relationships, building scalable operations, and using my experience to create a positive impact for organizations and communities. As I continue expanding my board and advisory involvement, I look forward to bringing that perspective to organizations ready to grow, evolve, and tackle meaningful challenges. Here is my biography.

Hugo Clarinda: Bridging Industries, Cultures, and Markets Through Experience, and Relationship Cultivation

After approximately four decades of professional experience spanning tourism and hospitality, oil and chemical refining, sales and marketing, management, international negotiations, and advisory work, I am looking forward to continuing my journey through meaningful board and advisory opportunities. I have had the privilege of working across cultures and markets throughout the Caribbean, North America, South America, and Europe, and I hope to bring those experiences, relationships, and lessons to organizations navigating their own opportunities and challenges. Here is my biography.

Josie Henneke: Finding the Right Path Forward Through Insight, Integrity, and Collaboration

I’m excited to share my executive biography, which reflects my journey as a CPA, CFO, board leader, educator, and business advisor. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of helping organizations strengthen their financial performance, navigate complex challenges, lead strategic transformations, and create long-term value across multiple industries. I’m grateful for the opportunities to serve businesses, nonprofit organizations, and boards, and I look forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact.

John Smith: Building Enduring Value Through Leadership, Transformation, and Disciplined Execution

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to lead outstanding organizations, work alongside exceptional boards, and help businesses transform through operational excellence, strategic leadership, and value creation. After more than three decades serving public companies, private equity-backed organizations, and multi-unit businesses, I’m excited to continue contributing through board service and executive leadership. Here is my biography.

Yanique DaCosta: Execution Transforms Vision into Enduring Brands

I’m excited to share my professional biography, reflecting a journey of more than sixteen years dedicated to building brands, leading organizations, and creating experiences that drive meaningful business growth. From founding YKMD and partnering with global brands to serving in international leadership and governance roles, I remain passionate about helping organizations execute bold ideas that create lasting impact.

James Barnard: Turning Risk into Opportunity Through Leadership, Governance, and Innovation

After more than 28 years of leading organizations in cybersecurity, governance, compliance, engineering, and entrepreneurship, I've had the privilege of helping businesses strengthen their operations, manage risk, and achieve sustainable growth. As I look toward serving on additional corporate boards, I'm excited to continue sharing my experience, mentoring leaders, and contributing to organizations that value strategic leadership and innovation. Here is my biography.

Angel Benton: Bridging Cultures, Elevating Experiences, Leading with Purpose

I’m proud to share a deeper look into my professional journey, reflecting my experience across entertainment, technology, project management, and global media. Over the years, I have partnered with diverse teams, led transformative initiatives, and cultivated a leadership philosophy rooted in cultural fluency, creativity, and strategic clarity. Here is my biography.

Robert L. (Bob) DeWald: Leading with Integrity, Driving Growth, and Serving with Purpose

After more than three decades in banking and financial leadership, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside talented professionals, lead teams through growth and transformation, and serve my community in meaningful ways. I’m proud to share my professional story, which reflects not only my experience but also my passion for integrity, strategy, and service. Here is my biography.

Andy El-Bayeh: Creating Brands, Places, and Experiences That Make Life Richer, More Meaningful, and More Human

I’m proud to share my professional biography—a reflection of my journey across brand building, hospitality, and cultural innovation. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading creative teams, launching ventures, and collaborating with global brands that shape how people experience the world.

Greg Carson: Crafting Simple Ideas that Spark Extraordinary Results

I am excited to share my professional biography, which reflects over three decades of experience in advertising, marketing, and hospitality. From my early years as a copywriter to my current role as President & COO of 62ΛBOVE, my career has been defined by creativity, strategy, and a passion for storytelling that connects people to brands.

James Ashworth: Leading with Vision, Serving Through Experience

After over 30 years in leadership roles across the travel and hospitality industry, I’ve had the privilege of guiding teams, shaping customer experiences, and supporting organizations through change. I’m also proud of my advocacy work for the visually impaired and my continued service on advisory boards. Here is my biography.

Rhonda Duke: Leading with Heart, Serving with Purpose

I'm proud to share a deeper look into my professional journey, spanning over 30 years in restaurant and hospitality leadership. From managing operations and building high-performing teams to launching new programs and driving guest satisfaction, I've always believed in leading with heart and strategy. Here is my biography.

Sustainable Practices in Real Estate and Hospitality

Sustainability in real estate and hospitality is no longer a niche focus but a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in an eco-conscious market. By integrating green practices—such as energy-efficient designs, renewable energy, and sustainable guest amenities—businesses can reduce environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and appeal to a growing demographic of environmentally-conscious travelers. These practices not only boost brand reputation and foster customer loyalty but also attract investors seeking ESG-aligned opportunities. As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of responsible tourism, it offers a path to long-term profitability while preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Paulo Marchesan: Transformational Leader in Franchising, Private Equity, and Global Operations

Paulo Marchesan is a seasoned executive and transformational leader with over 25 years of global experience driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and financial turnaround across the food, hospitality, and franchising industries. From scaling a single Häagen-Dazs store into a 14-unit franchise to leading a $10B system-sales business at Burger King, Paulo has built a reputation for delivering results through hands-on leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to developing people and organizations. His recent roles in private equity—building value creation teams and orchestrating multi-industry integrations—underscore his unique ability to navigate complexity and drive performance in high-growth environments.