Andy is an experienced strategic senior hospitality executive who has managed international 5-Star luxury properties, Relais Chateau properties, and 2 and 1 Starred Michelin restaurants. He has worked as COO, Managing Director, and Chief Resort Officer at hospitality operations that include 4 and 5-Star hotels/resorts, golf clubs, private member clubs, ski clubs, as well as one of North America`s renowned privately owned wineries. Internationally trained with extensive management experience in England and Canada, Andy holds an MBA from Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland.
An accomplished wine expert, his wine studies include Court of Master Sommeliers Certification, International Sommelier Guild Level 1, Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Advanced Sommelier, Wine and Spirit Educational Trust Higher Certificate, Italian Wine Diploma, and Certified Specialist of Wine. A Chef by training, Andy is a graduate of Cornell University General Management Program and a Certified Hotel Administrator from the American Hotel and Lodging Association and holds his CMM designation from Meeting Planners International. Andy is currently working towards his French Wine Scholar Certification and a MA in Human Resources Management.
Chris Puntureri is the COO of Iridescent Hotels, USA, and the CEO/President of Nacre Group. Iridescent Hotels, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the USA, operates several hotel properties. Nacre Group offers a scalable suite of support services to the hotel industry including construction services, development, revenue management, recruiting, engineering support, and sales and marketing.
Chris has worked in various capacities including Regional Director of Operations at GF Hotels, and Regional Director of Operations and Sales at NewcrestImage Hotels. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas Pan American. He holds certifications from Cornell University and the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
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Erica Obomeghie is the Executive Director of IHIEF. Prior to her current role, she worked in hospitality brands such as Hilton, Starwood, and IHG where she rose to a director role. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies (with a minor in Health Studies) from Texas Woman’s University. IHIEF is the culmination of her life’s work as a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and health.
Dr. Ethan (Yi-Sung) Cheng is an Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Business at Western Carolina University. He holds a Ph.D. in Food and Hospitality Systems from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His teaching interests include lodging management, hospitality human resource management, hospitality finance management, and hospitality sales and marketing. He brings his international industry experience and a global perspective to his courses.
Dr. Cheng's research interests include human resource management, information technology, service marketing, and consumer behavior. His papers have been published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, such as International Journal of Hospitality Management, Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, and Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research.
James is a State Education Agency Support Specialist. Prior to his current role, he served as the Superintendent of the Innovative School District in North Carolina. He was also Director of Administration and Strategy with the Center for Responsive Schools (CRS).
James has worked as a Teaching Assistant Professor with North Carolina State University and as a Supervisor with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
He holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from North Carolina State University. He earned his Ed. S. in Educational Leadership and Supervision from North Carolina State University where he also earned his Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership.
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Jeffrey is a seasoned CEO and educator with a passion for managing national and global hospitality organizations. He is currently the CEO at St. Justine, the ultra-luxury hospitality brand. He has managed an asset base valued in excess of one billion dollars, with annual portfolio revenues of $250 million. Working in various capacities including CEO, COO, and Divisional Vice President, he has overseen a panoply of hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Renaissance, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Indigo, as well as luxury independent properties. He was formerly Chairman at Telacoach. He has served on several boards including Marriott International’s Room Advisory Board, and has coached senior executives on public speaking, executive presence, and strategic leadership.
Known professionally as Jeffrey O, he is a renowned coach, motivational speaker, and author who has published several books of fiction and nonfiction. Jeffrey earned his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Johnson University. For more information, visit Jeffrey O at www.JeffreyO.com.
