HFTP’s new leadership lineup is set, with the 2026–2027 Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors featuring a mix of new and returning members from across the hospitality industry, showing the organization’s focus on delivering insights, resources, and educational opportunities to its members.
The board’s expertise spans finance, technology, research, and operations. This diverse skill set positions them to achieve HFTP’s strategic goals and deliver high-quality programs to its global membership.
Andrew Buwalda, CHAE, Vice President of Hospitality Operations at Freed Corp., will lead the HFTP Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors as Global President.
“I’m excited to work alongside our incoming 2026–2027 HFTP Global Board of Directors and Executive Committee,” said Buwalda. “We have a fantastic group of talented and dedicated industry leaders, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together as we continue delivering value to our members and guiding HFTP’s growth and impact across the hospitality industry.”
- Global Vice President Barry Thomas, CHTP – SVP of Hospitality Tech, Luxury & Lifestyle at Accor
- Global Treasurer Ian Millar, CHTP, Senior Lecturer, IT at EHL
- Global Secretary Tessa Leverett, Controller at Desert Highlands Association
- Global Immediate Past President James Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+, Secretary, Treasurer and VP of Finance at Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
- Executive Advisor Scot Campbell, CHTP, Principal at Integrated Resort Advisors
- Ajay Aluri, Ph.D., Founding Director, Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab at West Virginia University
- Christopher Begley, CHTP, IT Area Manager of Field Services, Operations at Sonesta Hotels
- Mike Blake, MBA, CPA, Vice President, IT at KemperSports
- Arthur Burger, CHAE+, Principal at Art Burger Consulting
- Jeff Dekruif, CCM, CHAE, PGA Associate, CEO at Financially Astute Clubs
- Sarah Ford, CCM, CHAE, General Manager at The Headliners Club
- Mark Gage, MMBA, Vice President, IT/IS at Tanzerra Resorts
- Michael Goldrich, Founder & Chief Advisor at Vivander Advisors LLC
- Bryan Hammer, VP, IT at Belmond
- Neal Patel, CHIA, CHO, Managing Partner at Blue Chip Hotels
- Kevin Yarnell, Business Solutions Manager, U.S. Commercial at Cisco
For more information on HFTP leadership and opportunities, visit the HFTP Leadership page.
