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HFTP 2025-2026 Board Slate – Image Credit HFTP
After careful review and conducting in-depth interviews, the HFTP nominating committee comprising HFTP Global past presidents, advisory council chairs and chapter presidents has selected the HFTP members who will replace the outgoing directors of the HFTP Global Board and open executive committee position. Here is the official slate for the 2025-2026 HFTP Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
HFTP Global Executive Committee
- HFTP Global President James Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+ • Secretary and Treasurer / VP of Finance • Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
- HFTP Global Vice President Andrew Buwalda, CHAE • General Manager of IT, Finance and Operations • Deerhurst Resort
- HFTP Global Treasurer Barry Thomas, CHTP • SVP, Hospitality Tech — Luxury & Lifestyle • Accor
- HFTP Global Secretary Shannon McCallum • VP, Hotel Operations • Resorts World Las Vegas
- HFTP Global Past President Justin Taillon, MBA, Ph.D., CHTP, CHIA • Professor and Department Head • Highline College
- HFTP Executive Advisor Sherry Marek • CEO • Aiken Street
New HFTP Global Directors
- HFTP Global Director Ajay Aluri, Ph.D. • Founding Director, Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab • West Virginia University
- HFTP Global Director Bryan Hammer • VP, IT • Belmond Hotels
- HFTP Global Director Tessa Leverett • Controller • Desert Highlands
- HFTP Global Director Nishant (Neal) Patel, CHIA, CHO • Founder and CIO • Blue Chip Hotels
About the New HFTP Leaders
Dr. Ajay Aluri is the founding director of the Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab and an associate professor at West Virginia University. A long-time HFTP member, member of the HITEC Advisory Council, and frequent speaker at HITEC, he bridges academia and industry through research, education, and emerging hospitality technologies. His work focuses on preparing future leaders for the digital transformation of the hospitality sector.
Bryan Hammer is a seasoned hospitality technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving IT strategy across global luxury travel brands. He oversees the development and implementation of IT standards, cybersecurity, and PCI compliance for hotels, trains, safari camps, and cruises in over 50 locations. Bryan manages hotel IT design budgets exceeding £1M per project and global technology portfolios of over £10M, delivering scalable, secure, and innovative solutions worldwide.
Tessa Leverett is the controller at the Desert Highlands Association and an active HFTP member since 2022. Tessa has volunteered with the association as a member of the Annual Convention Education Advisory Council. With a master’s in accounting, she brings fresh perspective and leadership to the hospitality finance industry through her volunteer work and advocacy for young professionals.
Shannon McCallum is vice president of hotel operations at Resorts World Las Vegas, bringing over 30 years of hospitality leadership across major U.S. and Canadian markets. Shannon is a long-time HFTP member, a current Global Board Director, and has served on the HITEC Advisory Council, including as council chair. She is known for driving innovation, mentoring future leaders, and championing industry collaboration through technology and operations.
Nishant (Neal) Patel, CHIA, CHO is the founder and CIO of Blue Chip Hotels and a long-time leader in the hospitality industry, having served as AAHOA Chairman and various leadership roles within HFTP, including as a member on the HITEC Advisory Council. With a focus on technology and advocacy for limited-service hotel owners, he brings deep industry insight and a commitment to expanding collaboration across hospitality networks.
In accordance with Article X, Section 3, of the bylaws, should the slate above remain uncontested, the HFTP Global Secretary will cast a single ballot at the HFTP Annual Business Meeting at the HFTP 2025 Annual Convention, October 22-24 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The secretary will then declare the mentioned individuals as duly elected.
