928-523-1701
shrm@nau.eduAdvisory Board
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.
Members
Patty Ashbrook
General Manager / COO, Forest Highlands
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
Jason Davis
President/COO, Lumberjack Hospitality LLC.
Todd Davis
Board Chair, MoonshotAZ NACET
Tom Delaney
General Manager, Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Karen Favory
Director of Human Resources, Enchantment Resort
Michelle Fonda
General Manager, Shamrock Foods Arizona
Angela Haning
Vice President of Human Resources, Fox Restaurant Concepts
Jamie Hansen
Director, Marketing, Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Ben Hartley
District Manager, Sodexo
April Hirschi
Director of Operations, BJ’s Restaurant’s Inc.
Richard Holtzman
Vice President, Montage Hotels & Resorts
Janelle Hoffman
Scottsdale Community College, Program Director, Professor & Advisor
Randy Kluge
Director of Hotels, Drury Southwest, Inc.
Mark Koehler
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
Michael Marquess
Founder, CEO, Chairman of the Board, Mother Road Brewing
Michelle Mason
Franchise Owner & Operator, EventPrep
Robb McCreary
Hotel Director, CASINO ARIZONA/TALKING STICK RESORT
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
Gio Osso
Chef and Operating Partner, Virtu Honest Craft, Pizzeria Virtu, Piccolo Virtu
Fred Reese
General Manager, Little America Hotel – Flagstaff
Nicole Rosas
Director of Human Resources, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Hans Schatz
President & CEO, CULT Artisan Beverage Company
Dave Sherf
Managing Director, CHM Warnick
Rich Stark
Board Member, Phoenix Beer Company
Eric Strait
Foodservice Sales Director , PepsiCo
Alexis Strizich
Business Systems Project Manager, M Culinary Concepts
Nava Thuraisingam
CEO, Kind Hospitality
Seth Widdes
Director of Purchasing, The Maggiore Group
In Memoriam
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.