2024 Annual Conference Speakers
Alan AssafCOO, Indus HotelsMr. Assaf is responsible for developing and executing on the strategic direction of the company and to create and maximize the value of each hotel investment. Mr. Assaf’s experience includes nearly 35 years in hotel operations and hotel asset management. Prior to joining Indus Hotels he held the position of Vice President of Asset Management for Rockbridge, an Ohio-based private equity firm focused on hotel investments. Brief Bio | Jennifer AssafReal Estate Consultant, Keller WilliamsJennifer Assaf is currently a Real Estate professional for Keller Williams Consultants in the Central Ohio area. Previously she held hotel sales positions from Full Service to Economy Lodging for over 20 years in the Central Ohio area along with serving as a board member for the Ohio HSMAI chapter. Brief Bio |
Suzie BallingVice President Revenue Strategy, Crescent Hotels & ResortsSuzie Balling is a hospitality professional with 20 years of Commercial Strategy experience. She is an Ohio native, born and raised in the Northeast before moving to Columbus to attend the Ohio State University where she has remained since. Brief Bio | Lenny BerryCEO/ Founder, Ohio Cannabis Health and Business SummitLenny Berry is a recognized industry veteran in music, cannabis, hemp, and real estate. Lenny has spent over 3 decades innovating and implementing strategic marketing campaigns for Music, Film, Fashion, and the Beverage industry. Brief Bio |
Representative Juanita BrentDistrict 22 State RepresentativeRepresentative Brent is a dedicated advocate for justice and equity, having authored Ohio's Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction Program, which became law in 2020, helping thousands of Ohioans regain their driving privileges. She serves as the Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee and holds leadership roles in several other key committees. As First Vice President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, Brent champions legislation on issues like cannabis reform, natural hair protections, kinship care rights, and voting rights. Her previous work in community development continues to shape her legislative efforts. Brief Bio | Moez Chaabouni, Founder, President & CEOSummit Tech 360Brief Bio |
Dustin DaleFounder/CEO: Beyond the Horizon Consulting, Executive Leadership CoachDustin Dale, a former corporate senior leader, is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, executive leadership coach, and bestselling author. After a life-altering diagnosis in 2021, Dustin wrote his first bestseller, Learn to Lead by Serving, where he shares insights from leading over 1,000 employees and fostering a people-focused leadership style. His work has inspired leaders globally, helping to create stronger cultures and servant leaders. Dustin continues to coach and speak full-time, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and embrace servant leadership. His two books and accompanying workbook are used worldwide to develop emotionally intelligent leaders. Brief Bio | Sharon Delay, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPRW, CPCC, Certified EEO InvestigatorOwner & Managing Consultant, GoHRShe has owned her own business since 2002 and is a wealth of knowledge in the HR industry. Sharon holds an MBA and undergraduate degrees in Human Resources, Education, and Communication. She holds her SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), her SHRM-SCP (SHRM Senior Certified Professional), and her Certified Professional Résumé Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach certifications, and is also Health & Accident licensed. Brief Bio |
Tim JohnsonFounder, Cannabis Safety FirstTim is a retired Law Enforcement Officer and a US Air Force Veteran. Tim presents with an educational background in Criminal Law, Police Sciences, and Business Management. As a principal participant in creating Ohio’s medical, adult choice and hemp programs Tim focuses on patient, veteran and adult choice consumption protections. Brief Bio | State Senator George LangOhio SenateSenator Lang is currently serving his first term in the Ohio Senate representing the people of the 4th Senate District, which covers the majority of Butler County. He previously served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. A former manager at Procter & Gamble, he then started numerous businesses of his own that today employ more than 100 people, including in the hospitality industry. As a lawmaker, he helped start and also serves as Chair of the Business First Caucus, an important force for free enterprise and the economy in Ohio’s General Assembly. He has been an ally for OHLA and our entire industry on our most important issues in the Ohio legislature. Sen. Lang will discuss the post-election environment in Columbus and how outcomes will affect politics in our state, and will look ahead to the important new session of Ohio’s General Assembly, that will convene in January and immediately start to work on the most important policy vehicle for 2025 – the state’s biennial budget. Brief Bio |
Bailey LavertySenior Sales Manager, Concord HospitalityBailey is currently a Senior Sales Manager at the AC Columbus Downtown! She began her career in hospitality five years ago as a front desk agent at the Westin Downtown, working her way through the operations side of things to her current position. Bailey loves hospitality because it gives her the chance to create exceptional, memorable experiences for people on a daily basis! Brief Bio | Geri LombardVice President, Columbus Hospitality ManagementBrief Bio |
Tracy McGinleyProfessor, Bowling Green State University - Firelands CollegeTracy McGinley is a Teaching Professor and the Program Director for the Criminal Justice Program at Bowling Green State University – Firelands College. Her background and research interest focus on identity theft, victimology, and human trafficking, three distinct fields that overlap in many ways. Brief Bio | Dr. Sherene McHenry, CSPThe People IQ ExpertDr. Sherene McHenry is a former graduate professor turned full-time speaker and author. On a mission to transform lives, leaders, and organizations around the globe, Sherene has spoken on three continents and authored multiple books and a syndicated magazine column on leadership and interpersonal issues in the workplace. Sherene has a PhD in Counselor Education, is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and her clients include organizations such as Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Team Schostack Family Restaurants, and the United States Army Brief Bio |
Anthony K. MeneelyDirector of Safety & Security, Hilton Columbus DowntownWith 12 years in luxury and full-service hospitality, Anthony is the Director of Safety & Security at Hilton Columbus Downtown, where he upholds the highest safety standards while delivering an exceptional guest experience. Brief Bio | Colleen MontagneDirector of Operations, Hyatt Regency ColumbusCurrently serving as the Director of Operations at Hyatt Regency Columbus, Colleen brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a relentless commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Colleen's journey with Hyatt began nearly two decades ago. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, earning accolades such as the Hyatt Leadership Award in Rooms, the Colorado Hotel Lodging Association Employee of the Year award, and Management Leadership Awards with Hyatt, which is testament to her unwavering dedication and outstanding performance. Brief Bio |
Gwen MulveyGeneral Manager, Aloft Columbus University DistrictGwen Mulvey has been with Indus Hotels for over 13 years. She graduated in 2014 from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Gwen moved up within the company going on to be a Front Office Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport and then was the opening Operations Manager at the Aloft Columbus University District in May of 2020. She has now been the General Manager of the Aloft since August of 2021. When visiting the Aloft you can find Gwen with their mascot and her sidekick, Jack, her three-legged rescue. Brief Bio | Brittney NorrisFront Desk Associate, DoubleTree by Hilton NewarkBrittney has been with the DoubleTree by Hilton in Newark Ohio for over five years welcoming our guests by name, making them feel like they are family. She has been in a hospitality role for over 12 years. Brief Bio |
Liz OtterbacherAVP, Consumer and Regional Banking Program Manager, Huntington National BankLiz has 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, starting as a hotel outlet and banquet bartender while completing college. She discovered a passion for event planning and began her career in sales as a Catering Sales Manager at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. She then advanced to a Senior Catering Sales Manager at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville Polaris Hotel before taking on a Complex Director of Sales role at the Courtyard, Residence Inn and Aloft Columbus at Easton Hotels, where she excelled in building relationships, bringing her clients visions to life through the planning process, securing new business, and developing sales and event SOPs. Looking to further her growth, Liz transitioned to the planner side, ultimately joining Huntington National Bank after a deliberate search for the right culture fit. Brief Bio | Emilie RamachVP of Business Development, Beneleaves ProcessingEmilie has spent the majority of her professional career in both the adult use and medical cannabis industries. She has extensive expertise in dispensary management, regulatory compliance, and cannabis processing to empower cannabis consumers and patients with safe, quality-driven access to products that enhance their well-being. Brief Bio |
Becki ScottDirector of Human Resources, Indus HotelsRebecca (Becki) is the Director of Human Resources. She joined Indus Hotels in 2021 and serves as the advocate for the properties and their teams to drive the corporate culture. Her major roles are hiring, retention, benefits, engagement and leading the way to continue to grow the culture of our brand. Brief Bio | Stephanie SmithCEO & Digital Matriarch, Cogwheel Marketing & AnalyticsStephanie Sparks Smith, CHDM, is the CEO and Digital Matriarch of Cogwheel Marketing™️, a digital marketing agency specializing in the hotel industry. She developed Cogwheel Analytics, a business intelligence (BI) tool that consolidates data from various sources, enabling companies to discern trends and providing them with a benchmarking scorecard. Brief Bio |
Amanda StredneyMarket Director of Travel Industry Sales, First HospitalityAmanda Stredney is a seasoned account engagement professional with over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the Market Director of Travel Industry Sales at First Hospitality, Amanda excels in driving corporate business across a diverse portfolio of hotels. Brief Bio | Janetta Tischer, Senior Vice President of Human ResourcesOlshan PropertiesJanetta Tischer is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and is responsible for the Human Resources function for all divisions of Olshan Properties (a privately owned real estate firm specializing in the development, acquisition and management of commercial real estate for more than 55 years). Brief Bio |
Kristy Valleroy, Ohio Regional HR ManagerGreat Ohio LodgesKristy is a 25+ year Human Resources professional obtaining her Bachelors of Business Administration/Human Resources from the University of Toledo in 1995. Kristy began her HR career in 1996 with Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center and later on a slight whim decided to accept a position with the then management company, Xanterra Parks & Resorts in Denver, CO and spent 6 years in various Corporate HR roles including Benefits, HR Systems and Generalist duties, but her desire to move back home near her family in OH brought her back to Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center in 2004. Brief Bio | Rachel VandenburgThe Travel LeaderRachel Vandenberg is a hotel owner and leadership coach. She has been co-owner of the Sun & Ski Inn and Suites, Stowe Bowl and Stowe Golf Park in Stowe, Vermont since 2012 and served as General Manager until 2023. In addition to her responsibilities as hotel owner, Rachel is the founder of The Travel Leader, a leadership content and coaching company. Brief Bio |
Amy WaldFounder & President, GreenluxeAmy Wald, founder and president of Greenluxe Inc., is a visionary leader in sustainable hospitality and tourism. With a diverse background in sales, marketing, and hospitality, including experience working on cruise ships, Amy holds a degree in Sustainable Business and Wildlife Management from the Ohio State University, along with accreditations in LEED, ISSP, WELL, and GSTC. Brief Bio | Jeremy WarrinerConsultant; Public Speaker; Coach & CEO; Walking Spirit & Spirit Therapies, LLCJeremy Warriner is an Indianapolis native who holds a Bachelor of Science in Consumer & Family Sciences from Purdue University with an extensive career in the Hospitality Industry. He also holds a Black Belt in Shorei-Goju Ryu Karate. Jeremy worked as an Operations Director and Assistant General Manager across multiple markets in full-service hotel brands for over a decade. In 2005 Jeremy sustained severe burns in a car accident that required the amputations of both legs from above each knee. This traumatic event led Jeremy to redefine his path as he accepted his newly added identity and culture as a Person with Disabilities. Brief Bio |
Dr. Lara Wilken, DNP, RNAssistant Clinical Professor, Bowling Green State UniversityLara Wilken is a proud graduate of Bowling Green State University. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing and Coordinator of the Bowling Green State University online RN to BSN program. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2020 with a focus on healthcare and human trafficking. Brief Bio |
