Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Students and employers participating in a career fair.

NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) was founded in 1986 and since grown to offer one of the largest and most respected hospitality programs in the world. The outstanding curriculum and experiential learning activities are supported by amazing faculty, dedicated alumni, and passionate industry partners.

HRM’s National Advisory Board brings together these different groups to ensure that the school’s curriculum stays on target with industry trends and that the extra-curricular and pre-professional programs are effective at assisting students in their career paths.

The National Advisory Board serves as the primary link between HRM and our alumni, friends, and the business communities by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information between those engaged in the hospitality industry and the HRM. In this way the curriculum, research, and service activities of the School will be informed by those engaged in the industry, and our industry partners will understand the HRM’s teaching, research, and service mission and accomplishments.

The goals and responsibilities of the National Advisory Board include raising community awareness of the need for private financial support within the School, advising the Dean and Executive Director on matters of concern to business and the community, and developing opportunities for business partnerships.

The National Advisory Board is comprised of the Advisory Board and our Industry Partners and Friends. Advisory board members commit to a high level of engagement with students, faculty, and staff, and bring experience with both the School and industry. Industry Partners and Friends are tremendous supporters of the School and give of their time and talents to ensure our students have a great experience and education.

  • Brian Bauer
    CEO, Professional Reps
  • Haley Balzano
    CEO, Hale Collective
  • Lisa Bliss
    Associate Executive Director and Asst. Professor of Teaching, NAU School of Hotel & Restaurant Mgnt
  • Hunter Carmichael
    Chief Operating Officer, MHG Hotels
  • Brian Campbell
    Principal, BakerTilly
  • Tom Delaney
    General Manager, Hyatt Regency Phoenix
  • Derra Lee Edwards
    Vice President, Learning, Montage Hotels and Resorts
  • Karen Favory
    Director of Human Resources, Enchantment Resort
  • Angela Haning
    Vice President of Human Resources, Fox Restaurant Concepts
  • Jamie Hansen
    Director, Marketing, Best Western Hotels & Resorts
  • April Hirschi
    Director of Operations, BJ’s Restaurant’s Inc.
  • Janelle Hoffman
    Scottsdale Community College, Program Director, Professor & Advisor
  • Phil Kafarakis
    President & CEO, IFMA
  • Randy Kluge
    Director of Hotels, Drury Southwest, Inc.
  • Ryan Kress
    President & CEO, Capital Solutions & Advisory Corporation
  • Andrew Kuntz
    State Director, Arizona Department of Education – AZ FCCLA
  • Jon Lane
    Founder & Partner, O.H.S.O. Brewery
  • Paige Lund
    General Manager, JW Marriott Desert Ridge
  • Trenni Martinez
    General Manager Operations & Director of Slot Operations, Casino Arizona & Talking Stick
  • Michael Marquess
    Founder, CEO, Chairman of the Board, Mother Road Brewing
  • Michelle Mason
    Franchise Owner & Operator, EventPrep
  • Robb McCreary
  • Mark Molinaro
    Interim Executive Director and Assoc. Professor of Teaching, NAU School of Hotel & Restaurant Mgnt
  • Anne Niemiec
    VP, Business Development and Sales Practice Lead, Dragonfly Strategists
  • Chuck Noll
    Marketing Manager, Craft Beer & Specialty Import, Noll Consulting
  • Gio Osso
    Chef and Operating Partner, Virtu Honest Craft, Pizzeria Virtu, Piccolo Virtu
  • Fred Reese
    General Manager, Little America Hotel – Flagstaff
  • Lisa Rosetti
    Director of Restaurants, West Division, PepsiCo Foodservice
  • Hans Schatz
    Executive Vice President
  • Gary Schwartz
  • Dave Sherf
  • Rich Stark
    Board Member, PHX Beer Co
  • Brad Stephens
    Arizona Branch Sales Manager, Shamrock Foods Arizona
  • Alexis Strizich
    Business Systems Project Manager, M Culinary Concepts
  • Nava Thuraisingam
    CEO, Kind Hospitality
  • Mark Thomas
    Food & Beverage Director, Forest Highlands Golf Club
  • Seth Widdes
    Vice President, The Maggiore Group
  • Rose Wilson
    District Manager, Sodexo
  • Lucas Wonert
    Talent Acquisition Manager, Jason’s Deli
  • Dan Bogert
    Chief Operating Officer, Arizona Restaurant Association
  • Andrew Bauman
    Deputy Director, AZ Craft Brewers Guild
  • Kevin Barko
    Program Director, C-CAP

We honor NAU’s late President Emeritus Eugene Hughes, the master architect of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, for his tireless service and contributions to the School and its National Advisory Board. His continuous support of the School changed the lives of countless students. While we will miss his spirit and dedication to the School dearly, his legacy gives cause to celebrate.

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