Choice Hotels International, Inc. is an American hospitality holding corporation based in Rockville, Maryland, in the United States. On ChoiceHotels.com you can book hotels for your business trip or meeting, find a leisure hotel for your weekend getaway family vacation, or even a welcomed stop along the road.   Our hotel brands range from Cambria®Hotels & suites®, to our iconic Comfort Inn® and Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion® hotels, Clarion Point® hotels, Quality Inn®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® hotels.  You’ll also find extended stay hotels like WoodSpring Suites®, MainStay Suites® and Suburban Extended Stay Hotel® brand hotels that help you feel more at home while you are away for longer stays. Finally, let the destination reach you at the Ascend Hotel Collection® member hotels, which are our one-of-a-kind, upscale hotels committed to connecting you with the local flavor of the area you are visiting. 

Hotels & Hospitality

Choice Hotels

Sally Bartas is the Chief Talent and Culture Officer for Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors. In this role, she spearheads and expands the talent and culture initiatives, working closely with leaders across the company to develop integrated and forward-thinking talent and related-human resources strategies. Bartas also plays a critical role in the implementation of the programs and processes that guide the succession planning, talent segmentation, talent assessment, talent acquisition, workforce planning, diversity, equity, and belonging, performance management, and organizational design efforts.

Bartas joined Choice Hotels in 2022, bringing more than 15 years of experience shaping human resources processes, talent management, and culture. She came to Choice from Stanley Black and Decker—the world's largest tool company with 55,000 employees, 50 manufacturing American facilities, and more than 100 worldwide—where she held several positions across DE&I, talent management, and recently served as vice president, human resources corporate. Earlier in her career, she started in human resources within the hospitality industry and spent eight years in sales and marketing.

Sally Bartas

Brumagim leads Choice's sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives, championing the pillars of environmental sustainability, human rights, diversity and inclusion, philanthropic and community engagement, and corporate governance. In addition to furthering the company's existing mission-driven initiatives – from its key partnerships such as with Operation Homefront to support service members and their families to its industry-leading efforts to enhance opportunities for minority-owned businesses and more – Brumagim continues to develop the company's ESG blueprint to drive alignment among key stakeholders and ensure Choice remains well-positioned to build on its corporate engagement efforts.

Brumagim joined [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) in 2015 as the head of the company's flagship Comfort Hotels brand and quickly ascended to the position of vice president of brand management, design and compliance, where she oversaw the strategy and performance of Choice's largest brands. In addition to playing a pivotal role in some of the company's most prominent initiatives, including the transformation of the Comfort brand and the launch of the Rise and Shine prototype, Brumagim led the pandemic response for Choice's core brands and helped develop the company's Commitment to Clean initiative.

Throughout her successful tenure and prior to her recent appointment, Brumagim also assumed a growing role in furthering Choice's sustainability efforts, at both the corporate and hotel levels. Most recently, she led a pilot program to begin tracking property-level energy, water and waste usage – a critical step in helping [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) owners mitigate associated costs and reduce their environmental impact.

Prior to Choice, Brumagim served as senior director of global brand management at [Marriott International](/org/marriott-international), and previously held positions in top consulting firms [McKinsey & Company](/org/mckinsey-company) and [Booz Allen Hamilton](/org/booz-allen-hamilton). Brumagim earned a bachelor's degree from [Harvard University](/org/harvard) and a master's in business administration from London Business School.

Megan Brumagim

John Lancaster leads Choice's efforts to extend the opportunity of hotel ownership to underrepresented populations through the company's one-of-a-kind emerging markets franchise development program. 

John Lancaster

Jonathan Mills is chief executive officer for Choice Hotels Europe. He oversees the company's continued investments in Europe for franchisees and guests and is responsible for setting the strategic and operational direction for the company in Europe with a goal of driving growth and performance. 

Mills leads all business and franchising operations for the region, including development, franchise operations, corporate sales, marketing, franchise relations and finance. Additionally, he oversees and supports over 430 franchised properties in more than 20 countries. Mills has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, leading strategic growth initiatives and performance for global companies. He joined Choice Hotels from Wyndham Destinations, where he served as managing director of Resorts Condominiums International, Asia Pacific and Dial An Exchange, Global. Prior to that, he worked at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) as head of operations for Holiday Inn Express and IHG Shared Services Asia Australasia. He previously held sales and marketing leadership roles at Hilton and Forte & Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, among other companies. An award-winning hospitality professional, Mills attended Southfields College in Leicestershire, England. 

Mills is based in Amsterdam

Jonathan Mills

Olivier Macpherson is the regional finance director, Choice Hotels Europe. He leade all financial and administrative functions for Choice's Europe operations, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, tax, and treasury operations. 

With more than 20 years of corporate finance experience, Macpherson most recently served as regional finance director for Michael Page International in Northern Europe and Germany.

Macpherson studied law at Leiden University and business economics at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht in the Netherlands, as well as accountancy and corporate governance in several post graduate programs across Europe.

Olivier Macpherson

Noha Abdalla is the current Chief Marketing Officer at [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels). Noha has held this position since August of 2022. Prior to their current role, they served as the Chief Marketing Officer at MyEyeDr. from November 2020 to August of 2022. Noha also served as the Global Vice President of Digital and Content Marketing at Hilton from July 2018 to November 2020. 

Before joining Hilton, Abdalla spent seven years at [Capital One](/org/capital-one), where they served as the Vice President of Digital Brand Strategy and Social Media. Noha was with Discovery Communications for six years before that, serving as the VP of Marketing for Animal Planet. 

Early in their career, Abdalla worked as a consultant for the Corporate Executive Board and Mercer Management Consulting. Noha also spent a year as a Program Manager for the [American Red Cross](/org/american-red-cross).

Noha Abdalla has a MBA from [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university) McDonough School of Business and a BS in Economics from [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university).

Some of their coworkers include Dominic Dragisich - CFO, Raul Ramirez Sanchez - Chief Strategy & International Operations Officer, and Jonathan Mills - CEO, [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) Europe. Noha Abdalla reports to Patrick Pacious, President & CEO.

Noha Abdalla

Anna Scozzafava is the vice president and general manager, extended stay brands for Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. In this role, she is responsible for the strategy, growth and performance of the company’s extended-stay brand portfolio, which includes MainStay Suites, Everhome Suites, WoodSpring Suites, and Suburban Studios.

Previously, Scozzafava oversaw Choice’s corporate strategy, business transformation and technology planning functions, ensuring the company’s continued alignment between business and technology objectives. She helped to successfully outline Choice’s business objectives and technology blueprint as well as implement leading technology advancements to help maximize franchisee return on investment. Scozzafava has played a critical cross-enterprise role in several strategic areas, including the global growth of the company’s upscale brands, the execution of the Comfort brand transformation strategy, the acquisition and growth of the WoodSpring Suites brand, and most recently the launch of the company’s newest brand Everhome Suites.

Scozzafava was honored in the 2019 “Influential Women in Hospitality” issue of Hotel Management. Prior to joining Choice, Scozzafava worked at Corporate Executive Board (now Gartner), a leading technology advisory firm. Scozzafava earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington College and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019 for her achievements in women’s rowing, including the first ever All-American coxswain.

Anna Scozzafava

Robert Mcdowell is the current Chief Commercial Officer at [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels). Prior to this, they served as the Chief Operating Officer at C+H International, a travel agency focused on International outbound travel. In this role, they were responsible for managing the day to day operations of the company and increasing its profitability. Robert also negotiated and began the integration of an online fare distribution technology company to increase overall distribution penetration.

In 2008, Mcdowell joined [United Airlines](/org/united-airlines) as the Managing Director of Distribution and E Commerce. In this role, they were responsible for developing the company's e-commerce strategy and increasing its ancillary revenue. Robert also negotiated and signed an agreement with EzRez to develop online booking tools for United's travel web portal and leisure vacation website.

From 1995 to 2007, Mcdowell served as the Director of International Revenue Management at [United Airlines](/org/united-airlines). In this role, they were responsible for managing the airline's international revenue and maximizing its profitability. Robert also developed recommendations on the implementation of a revenue management system in conjunction with a reservation system to manage content and maximize airline commission agreements.

Robert Mcdowell has a MBA from the [University of Notre Dame](/org/university-of-notre-dame) in International Business and Finance and a BS in Business Administration from the [New York Institute of Technology](/org/new-york-institute-of-technology).

Robert Mcdowell reports to Patrick Pacious, President & CEO. They work with Simone Wu - SVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary & External Affairs, Dominic Dragisich - CFO, and Patrick Cimerola - Chief Human Resources Officer. A direct report to Robert Mcdowell is and Sarah Searls - Chief Customer Officer Role.

Robert Mcdowell

Dominic Dragisich is the current Chief Financial Officer at [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels). Dominic has over fifteen years of experience in finance and consulting. 

Dominic started their career at [Deloitte](/org/deloitte) Consulting as a Business Analyst. Dominic quickly rose through the ranks and became a Manager. During their time at [Deloitte](/org/deloitte), Dominic worked on a variety of projects for clients in different industries. Dominic gained a lot of experience in business process improvement, change management, and project management. 

In 2008, Dominic took a break from consulting to pursue their MBA at Nike. Upon graduation, they returned to [Deloitte](/org/deloitte) for a short time before taking on the role of Global Director of FP&A at [NII Holdings](/org/nii-holdings), Inc. 

In 2013, Dominic left [NII Holdings](/org/nii-holdings) to join [Marriott International](/org/marriott-international) as their Senior Director, IR Business Consultancy. Dominic provided consulting and strategic leadership for all departments within Marriott. 

In 2014, Dominic left Marriott to join XO Communications as their Chief Financial Officer. Dominic was responsible for the company's finance functions, including accounting, tax, financial planning and analysis, revenue assurance, billing, credit and collections, real estate, internal audit, and treasury. Dominic lead initiatives for improving the company's business processes and overall performance. 

In 2017, Dominic left XO Communications to join [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) as their Chief Financial Officer.

Dominic Dragisich received their MBA from [Harvard Business School](/org/harvard-business-school) and their B.S. from the [University of Virginia](/org/university-of-virginia), both in the field of general management.

They work with David A. Pepper - Chief Development Officer, Noha Abdalla - Chief Marketing Officer, and Simone Wu - SVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary & External Affairs. Elizabeth Redmond - Chief Accounting Officer, Scott Oaksmith - SVP, Real Estate & Finance, and Raúl Ramírez - SVP, Head of International & Strategic Financial Planning report to Dominic Dragisich. Dominic Dragisich reports to Patrick Pacious, President & CEO.

Dominic Dragisich

Stewart W. Bainum is the current Chairman at [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels). Prior to this, they served as the Regional Area Director for [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) International from May 2016 to January 2019. In this role, they were responsible for driving performance in the areas of revenue generation, guest satisfaction, profitability and brand compliance for 45+ hotels throughout the state of Ohio. Stewart was equally dedicated to partnering with and mentoring Area Directors in the Midwest Region so that they may increase their effectiveness. Stewart was instrumental in the development of SmartRates, Choice's pricing optimization tool. Stewart also participates on several task forces that develop value added services for our hotel owners. Stewart is dedicated to maintaining positive relationships with hotel owners and hotel associates throughout Choice's portfolio.

Prior to their role as Regional Area Director, Stewart served as Area Director for [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) International from March 2013 to May 2016. Before that, they were the Regional Director, Property Operations for McKinley from September 2011 to January 2013. Stewart also served as Vice President Mid-Markets for BridgeStreet Worldwide from September 2002 to September 2011. Stewart began their career in 2001 as General Manager for Holiday Inn and Conference Center-Hudson/Akron and held this position until December 2002.

Stewart W. Bainum

Gordon Smith is the former Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of JPMorgan Chase. He reported to Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon and was a member of the firm's Operating Committee.  In this role, Mr. Smith oversaw all aspects of the company’s business and operations issues.

From 2012 to 2021 Smith was CEO of Consumer & Community Banking, a leading provider of banking, credit cards, auto finance, payments, mortgages and investment advice. It’s 122,000 people serve over 63 million U.S. households, including over 4 million small businesses through over 4,800 bank branches.

Smith joined Chase in 2007. He served first as CEO of Card and then of the Card, Merchant Services and Auto Finance businesses before taking over Consumer & Community Banking in 2012. Under Smith’s leadership Chase achieved #1 U.S. Credit Card issuer, #1 Retail Banking network, the #1 Business Bank and its Mobile Application was utilized by more than 55 million customers. 

Before joining Chase, he spent more than 25 years at American Express, where he led and managed several businesses, including the U.S. Domestic Consumer Card Business. From 2005 until 2007, he was President of the Global Commercial Card business. Smith previously served on the board of directors of Choice Hotels from 2004 to 2017. Smith holds a master's degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Gordon A. Smith

Ramírez has been a key member of Choice's finance team since 2017, when he joined as the company's vice president of strategic finance and financial planning and analysis. Prior to Choice, Ramírez was head of finance for [Verizon](/org/verizon-communications)'s XO business unit, and earlier in his career, he held senior finance, operational and leadership roles at XO Communications and Nextel International.

Ramírez received a Bachelor of Science in electronic and communication engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and a Master of Business Administration from the [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/org/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill). He completed a management executive program at the Kellogg School of Management at [Northwestern University](/org/northwestern-university).

Raúl Ramírez

Brian Kirkland is Chief Information Officer for Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies. In this role, he oversees the company’s Information Technology organization, and is responsible for leading overall IT strategy, infrastructure, development, all aligning with Choice’s business objectives.

Mr. Kirkland joined Choice Hotels in 2015, where he led engineering development and operations at the company’s Phoenix-based technology headquarters. Mr. Kirkland notably guided Choice’s efforts to successfully design and launch the industry’s first new global reservation system in 30 years, choiceEDGE.  Subsequently, he kicked off a multi-year cloud transformation and migration strategy for which Choice Hotels is the first major hotel company to commit to going all-in on the cloud with Amazon Web Services (AWS).  Recently, leveraging cloud capabilities Mr. Kirkland is leading Choice’s innovation and modernization in technology.

Prior to joining Choice Hotels, Mr. Kirkland held key leadership positions at leading technology companies, GoDaddy and Media Temple (acquired by Go Daddy in 2013), most recently serving as vice president of engineering. There, Mr. Kirkland helped integrate the company’s IT structure as well as directed engineering. Earlier in his career, he held various software development positions at Hewlett-Packard and Intel.

Mr. Kirkland earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in business administration from Arizona State University. He is currently a member of Arizona’s Information Technology Authorization Committee (ITAC) and Arizona State University’s Executive Council for the Department of Information Systems. He also serves on the Executive Leadership Group for Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG).

Brian Kirkland

Scott Oaksmith leads several strategic areas of the company, including real estate investment and asset management, as well as the company's treasury operations.

Scott Oaksmith

John Bonds

Janis Cannon is Senior Vice President of Upscale Brands and a member of the senior executive team for [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s leading lodging franchisors. In this role, she is responsible for the overall performance and growth of the company’s upscale portfolio and leads the brand strategy and positioning of Cambria Hotels and the Ascend Hotel Collection.

Since joining [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels) in 2016, Ms. Cannon has increased Cambria’s hotel openings and pipeline developments by more than 50 percent, driven revenue in key urban markets, and grown the Ascend Hotel Collection, recognized as the industry’s first “soft” brand, to more than 250 properties worldwide.

Prior to joining [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels), Ms. Cannon spent more than 25 years in branding, sales, marketing and hotel operations. She most recently served as Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Upscale and Lifestyle Brands at IHG, where she developed and implemented brand strategy, and facilitated development projects and positioning efforts for the company’s portfolio. Previously, she held senior leadership positions as Deputy Commissioner in the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Global SVP at Swissotel Hotels and Resorts.

Ms. Cannon earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communication from [Valdosta State University](/org/valdosta-state-university). She was named as Female Executive of the Year by Hotel Interactive Inc. in 2019 and recognized by Hotel Business Magazine as one of the industry’s “Top 10 to Watch” in 2018. She currently serves on the Executive Planning Committee for NYU’s International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.

Janis Cannon

Raul Ramirez Sanchez

Donna F. Vieira

Ervin R. Shames

Bainum is a management consultant and also serves as a director at SunBridge Capital Management, LLC

Brian Bainum

Patrick Pacious

David A. Pepper

Patrick Cimerola

Simone Wu

John P. Tague has a long and successful history in the transportation industry. John began their career with [ATA Airlines](/org/ata-airlines) in 1991 and quickly rose to the position of CEO. In 2003, they took over as president of [United Airlines](/org/united-airlines) and helped lead the company through a successful turnaround. Tague retired from United in 2010 and took a position as chairman and CEO of Cardinal Logistics Management. John was with Cardinal for less than three years before taking over as CEO of [Hertz](/org/hertz) in 2014. Tague retired from [Hertz](/org/hertz) in 2017 and is currently serving as director at Choice Hotels International.

John P. Tague

Maureen M. Sullivan

Liza K. Landsman

Monte J. M. Koch

William L. Jews

Searls joined Choice in 2009 as the first member of its enterprise-wide analytics function, leading the design of the analytical solutions and tools that still drive Choice's strategic business decisions today. She played a pivotal role in aligning the company's business intelligence group and, in 2015, became vice president of digital commerce, overseeing ChoiceHotels.com, [Choice Hotels](/org/choice-hotels)' mobile app and emerging digital consumer experiences.

Prior to Choice, Searls spent 10 years with America Online and Time Warner, where she led various analytical functions and areas within corporate development and business affairs. She received a Master of Business Administration from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business and a bachelor's degree from [Wesleyan University](/org/wesleyan-university) in Middleton, Connecticut.

Sarah Searls

The executive team of Choice Hotels has a long history of experience in the industry, with most members having worked for major companies in a variety of positions. Many on the team have also received advanced degrees from some of the top universities in the country. This experience and education has given them the skills necessary to lead Choice Hotels to success in the future.

CEO and Executive Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Choice Hotels

Leadership Team

Board of Directors

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