Anu Saxena Leads 2025 AHLA Foundation Board in Workforce Development

January 27, 2025

The AHLA Foundation has recently announced a significant shift in leadership with the unveiling of its 2025 Board of Trustees, marking a new strategic direction for the coming years. Central to this transformation is the appointment of Anu Saxena, the President of Hilton Supply Management, as the new chair of the Board of Trustees. Saxena has acknowledged the honor and responsibility of taking on this role during a pivotal time for the hospitality industry and is committed to enhancing the workforce pipeline and creating more career growth opportunities within the sector. She emphasized her excitement at the prospect of collaborating with her fellow trustees to expand the Foundation’s impact on hospitality professionals across the nation.

A Vision for Workforce Development

Under Anu Saxena’s leadership, the AHLA Foundation intends to focus on transformative opportunities for the hotel workforce, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry. The Foundation’s mission is to support the hotel industry’s workforce through innovative programs, research, and various career development initiatives. Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the organization’s readiness to evolve and meet the dynamic needs of the industry. Blue emphasized the importance of the trustees’ support in driving impactful workforce development programs that aim to equip hospitality professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career.

The introduction of Saxena as the chair signifies a strategic emphasis on creating substantial and meaningful career pathways within the hospitality sector. The Foundation aims to address the industry’s immediate workforce challenges while also planning for its long-term needs, seeking to ensure a resilient and adaptable workforce. This involves not just training and development but also initiatives aimed at improving job satisfaction and retention among hotel employees. By doing so, the Foundation hopes to foster a more engaged and motivated workforce, which is crucial for the industry’s recovery and growth, especially in the aftermath of the global pandemic.

Diverse Leadership for a Dynamic Industry

The newly announced Board of Trustees features a mix of seasoned professionals who bring diverse perspectives and extensive industry experience to the Foundation. The new trustees joining the board include Elliott Estes from Woodmont Lodging, Kristie Goshow from KSL, Maire Griffin from Wyndham, Harshil Patel from Champion Hotels, Liz Perkins from Apple REIT, Stephanie Piimauna from Seminole Hard Rock, and Eric Terry from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association. This variety in leadership represents the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive understanding of the various facets of the hospitality industry.

Each trustee brings a unique set of skills and insights, ensuring that the Foundation’s strategies and initiatives are well-rounded and effectively address the needs of different segments within the industry. From operational expertise to strategic vision, these leaders are well-equipped to guide the AHLA Foundation as it navigates the complexities and challenges facing the hospitality sector today. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of the trustees enrich the Foundation’s approach to problem-solving and innovation, fostering a collaborative environment where creative solutions can thrive.

A Strong Board for a Resilient Future

The complete 2025 AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees is composed of influential figures in the hospitality sector who are tasked with guiding the industry through its next phase of development. In addition to Anu Saxena as Chair, the board includes Jonathan Stanner as Vice Chair, Brian Quinn as Secretary/Treasurer, and Julienne Smith as the Immediate Past Chair. Other notable members are Amber Asher, Jean-Luc Barone, Suraj Bhakta, Ann Christenson, Greg Cocchiarella, Andrea Foster, Jessica Janis, Harry Javer, John Lancaster, Malaika Myers, Kevin Osterhaus, Daniel Peek, Leticia Proctor, Elaine Richard, Ryan Rivett, Tricia Taylor, and Scott Trebilco. This robust team is poised to address the industry’s evolving needs and ensure a more stable and prosperous future.

Steering the Industry Forward

The AHLA Foundation has recently disclosed a notable change in its leadership by announcing the 2025 Board of Trustees, introducing a fresh strategic direction for the upcoming years. At the heart of this transformation is the appointment of Anu Saxena, who is the President of Hilton Supply Management, as the new chair of the Board of Trustees. Expressing her gratitude, Saxena recognized the honor and the weight of the responsibility in assuming this role at a crucial juncture for the hospitality industry. She is dedicated to improving the workforce pipeline and developing more opportunities for career advancement within the sector. Saxena conveyed her enthusiasm about the chance to collaborate with her fellow trustees to widen the Foundation’s influence on hospitality professionals throughout the country. This shift aims to foster greater support and development for those working in hospitality, ensuring a more robust and sustainable future for the industry.

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