Shaping The Future Of Hospitality

Rob Smith is a transformative force in the hospitality industry.

Rob Smith is a seasoned hospitality executive with nearly 30 years of industry experience currently serving the Denver-based Hotel management firm Stonebridge as their Chief Executive Officer & President. Prior to this role, Smith was the President of Aimbridge Hospitality’s Full Service, Luxury, & Resort Division where he spent 12 years expanding their portfolio. Earlier in his career, he spent almost two decades in the Caribbean managing large Resorts, Spas, and Casinos.  

Rob also served as the President of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and the Aruba Convention Bureau; a public role where his leadership is credited in contributing to the island’s growth as a premier travel destination. In addition to his executive role, Smith currently holds Board positions with several leading industry organizations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Marriott Rooms Advisory Board, and the Westin Brand Advisory Board. 

Rob states his most significant role is husband to his wife of nearly three decades, Diana and father to their four children. 

C.J. Chapman provides comprehensive legal and risk management leadership at Stonebridge, protecting owner assets and ensuring compliance across a complex, multi-state portfolio.

C.J. Chapman has joined Stonebridge Companies as General Counsel. He will provide in-house legal advice for Stonebridge and oversee the firm's risk management group. 

C.J. is a Denver native and brings nearly two decades of experience as a general counsel and shareholder. Most recently, he served as general counsel to Elevation Capital, a venture fund based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 

He previously served as executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary to BellRock Brands Inc., a publicly traded company on the Canadian Securities Exchange, which he took public in November 2018. Prior to that role, Chapman was a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, where he practiced in its real estate and corporate departments.  

C.J. is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. 

Kevin Dingle leads Stonebridge's business development team and strategy across all property types and geographies.

With over two decades of hotel real estate experience, Dingle was most recently a Senior Vice President of Development and Acquisitions with Aimbridge Hospitality. Prior to joining Aimbridge, Dingle co-founded Compass Lodging Advisors, a hotel acquisitions and asset management firm. Dingle began his real estate career with Crow Holdings, where he served as Vice President of Acquisitions and was involved in over $750 million worth of acquisitions, dispositions, and refinancings. 

Dingle holds a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo and a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from the University of Houston. He is also a CFA Charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Paul leads Stonebridge's operations strategy and performance across the company's portfolio, driving operational excellence, business intelligence, and long-term owner value.

Paul Eckert joined Stonebridge in 2026. He is a transformational hospitality executive with more than 30 years of experience leading luxury hotels, resorts, and lifestyle properties. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Operations & Business Intelligence for Davidson Hospitality Group, and oversaw a portfolio generating more than $400 million in annual revenue and has directed over $120 million in transformational capital investments. 

Throughout his career with Aimbridge Hospitality, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, White Lodging, and Omni Hotels & Resorts, Paul has built a reputation for operational excellence, strategic growth, and developing high-performing teams. Known for his balanced leadership style and passion for mentorship, he consistently delivers strong financial performance, elevated guest satisfaction, and innovative operational results.

Mark Hays brings 40 years of hospitality experience to his role overseeing all accounting functions at Stonebridge.

Mark Hays joined Stonebridge Companies in November 2020 as Chief Accounting Officer. He is responsible for strategic accounting operations over the entire hotel portfolio. Mark has over 45 years of hospitality experience including nearly 15 years with Two Roads Hospitality/Destination Hotels where he served as Chief Financial Officer from 2013 to 2019. 

Mark was a key player in the merger between Destination Hotels and Commune Hotels, which became Two Roads Hospitality, and played a key strategic role in the successful sale of Two Roads, to Hyatt Hotels. Prior to Two Roads, Mark served as Corporate Controller and Regional Controller for Sage Hospitality from 2000 to 2005. Mark also previously served as General Manager of the Embassy Suites Denver Tech Center and Holiday Inn Garden of The Gods, with Meristar Hotels. Mark holds an MBA and Bachelor of Science in Financial Accounting from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. 

Adam Snow brings 25 years of strategy leadership to Stonebridge, where he drives focus, alignment, and continuous improvement across every function of the organization.

Adam Snow joins Stonebridge as an Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer. He has 25 years experience in strategy, focusing the last 10 years on senior-level strategic positions with several hospitality companies (hotels, restaurants, and theme parks) where he led data and analysis-driven initiatives to streamline decision-making and drive profitable growth. 

Adam graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering from University of Pennsylvania, and his MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. Adam will play a key role in shaping Stonebridge’s long-term vision and driving innovation across its national platform. 

Chris Cheney leads Stonebridge's fully integrated Commercial Services team, overseeing Sales, Revenue Management, Marketing, and Business Intelligence as a unified function focused on driving topline revenue across the portfolio.

Hailing from Wichita, Kansas where he attended Friends University and chased storms, Chris Cheney has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years and has held management roles in the areas of hotel operations and revenue management with independent and branded hotels. Cheney joined Stonebridge Companies in 2007 as a General Manager in Anchorage, Alaska. 

He relocated with Stonebridge in 2009 to Denver, Colorado to open and operate the Hilton Garden Inn Denver Cherry Creek as General Manager before joining the corporate team in 2011 as Director of Revenue Management. Since then, he has served as the Vice President of Revenue Management, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Analytics, and Senior Vice President of Commercial Services. In his new role as Executive Vice President of Commercial Services, Chris will lead the company’s Sales and Marketing, Revenue Management, Digital, and Business Intelligence teams through a period of dynamic growth and strategic innovation.  

Cheney’s current and past industry service and advocacy includes HSMAI Americas Board, HSMAI Greater Denver Chapter President, Denver Tourism Improvement District President Elect, Marriott Franchise Revenue Management Advisory Board, Anchorage Commuter Rail Coalition, AHLA Consumer Disclosure Task Force, and numerous Customer Advisory Boards for key technology partners. 

Kelli Joseph brings 20 years of human resources experience to Stonebridge, having supported hotels across the United States, Caribbean, and Canada before joining the company in 2024.

Kelli joins Stonebridge with over 20 years of Human Resources experience. She began her career as a Human Resources Director in the retail industry, after graduating from Pennsylvania State University. She is well versed in leading multisite teams successfully in areas of associate engagement, training, and talent acquisition. Kelli has supported hotels in the United States, the Caribbean, and Canada and has assisted in the opening of many hotels across the US.  

Nasim Mansurov has been a cornerstone of Stonebridge's technology infrastructure since joining the company in 2012.

Nasim Mansurov has over 20 years of proven top-level management experience in Information Technology, with a strong emphasis in ERP, hotel IT management, ISP management, telecommunications and infrastructure, datacenter management, project management, software development, virtualization and hosting. Currently serving as the Vice President of Information Technology, Mr. Mansurov oversees all aspects of the company’s technology, current and emerging, as well as Telecom. 

He is responsible for strategic evaluation of new systems that are proposed for the company and for providing technical training and support to all hotels. Mr. Mansurov fluently speaks four languages and received numerous awards and scholarships in the past. He earned his B.S. degree in Management and Marketing from University of Colorado, Boulder. 

Orkun Aydin brings 25 years of hospitality experience to his role as Senior Vice President of Operations at Stonebridge.

Orkun Aydin has joined Stonebridge as senior vice president of operations. In this role, Aydin will oversee a diverse portfolio of full-service hotels and resorts, supporting operational performance, guest experience and owner value across all assigned assets. 

With over two decades of hotel and resort leadership experience, Aydin joins Stonebridge from Aimbridge Hospitality, where he served as senior vice president of operations within the full service division. During his tenure, he led a broad portfolio of full-service, resort and Caribbean properties, driving both operational excellence and financial performance. Prior to Aimbridge, Aydin held executive roles with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, serving as area general manager for several high-profile assets, including the Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa, a Walt Disney World Resort; DoubleTree by Hilton at Universal Studios; and The Westin Tampa Harbour Island. 

Marco Selva brings 25 years of hospitality experience spanning luxury, lifestyle, and resort hotels to his role as Senior Vice President of Business Development at Stonebridge.

Marco Selva has joins Stonebridge Companies as the Senior Vice President of Operations and Business Development. Selva will focus on expanding Stonebridge's luxury, lifestyle and resort portfolio in the Southeastern United States, Caribbean, and Latin America and will open a Miami office.  

Before joining Stonebridge, Selva held senior roles in business development, operations and strategy at top-tier hospitality firms, including Starwood Hotels Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Ennismore, and luxury brands such as St Regis and Ritz Carlton. His deep understanding of the global luxury and lifestyle segments and extensive experience in the Caribbean and Latin America will assist in growing Stonebridge's portfolio. 

Lou Llach is a seasoned hospitality operator with more than 30 years of industry experience, including over 17 years in above-property leadership roles.

Louis Llach is responsible for operational oversight while also spearheading business development projects in targeted markets. Previously serving as Regional Director of Operations for the Company, Louis brings more than 25 years of experience to his position.  

In his previous experience, Lou held senior leadership roles for Highgate Hotels, TPG Hotels & Resorts, and Helmsley Enterprises. Louis collaborates closely with his brand counterparts in operations, sales, and revenue management to consistently lead hotels to exceptional performance by focusing on top-line revenues to drive profitability, market penetration, brand development, and associate and guest satisfaction. Louis has an excellent track record of leading diverse teams that achieve superior results that ensure the owner and brand's visions are in complete alignment. Louis attended the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University.  

Chad Goodnough brings 25 years of executive-level sales and marketing experience in hospitality to his role as Senior Vice President of Sales Strategy and Innovation at Stonebridge.

With over 25 years of sales leadership experience, Chad is a highly experienced, results-driven leader with a proven track record of driving superior market share and increasing RevPAR in competitive markets. Responsible for sales strategy and innovation associated with the ongoing operations of the Stonebridge Companies portfolio, Chad's combination of sales and marketing expertise translates into efficient and profitable results.  

Prior to joining Stonebridge Companies, Chad served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for HRI Hospitality, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Remington Hospitality, Vice President of Sales for Aimbridge Hospitality, and held a variety of leadership positions with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.

Jamie drives Stonebridge's business development initiatives, expanding the company's third-party management portfolio while cultivating strategic partnerships and owner relationships.

Jamie joined Stonebridge Companies in May 2023 as VP of Business Development. He is responsible for growing the company’s third-party management presence through the signing of HMAs and strategic M&A. He is also responsible for delivering on Stonebridge’s owner relations efforts. Over his first 2 years, Jamie has been integral in advancing the firm’s strategic growth initiatives, helping drive the company through some of its most successful years. In 2025, Jamie was promoted to Senior Vice President. 

Jamie has been in the hospitality industry for eight years, in a variety of investment & feasibility, development, retention, and real-estate roles while at Radisson Hotel Group (formerly Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group) and Choice Hotels. Prior to Radisson, Jamie was in wealth management for ten years. Jamie received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.  

Skip Adams leads Stonebridge's Food & Beverage strategy across the portfolio, driving operational excellence, innovative concepts, exceptional guest experiences, and increased value for owners.

Skip Adams has joined Stonebridge as Vice President of Food & Beverage. In this role, he will lead the strategic direction and operational performance of food and beverage programs across Stonebridge’s portfolio, focusing on concept development, profitability, and guest experience while driving value for ownership groups. 

Skip has held multiple general manager roles across complex, high-volume assets with responsibility for properties generating more than $20 million in annual revenue and significant meeting and event operations. His experience leading full-service hotels provides a strong operational foundation, with a deep understanding of how food and beverage integrates into overall hotel performance and asset value. 

Earlier in his career, Adams held senior leadership roles including an area director of operations, where he oversaw a diverse portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, and branded full-service segments. In these roles, he was responsible for driving operational strategy, supporting property-level leadership teams, and delivering results aligned with ownership objectives. He also served as director of food and beverage at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, a four-star, four-diamond property, where his leadership helped elevate the hotel’s culinary and beverage programs to national recognition. 

Matt Friend brings 30 years of hospitality experience to his role leading risk management at Stonebridge.

Matt Friend serves as Vice President of Risk Management for Stonebridge Companies. He is responsible for minimizing risk to the company by leading the company’s risk management strategy, negotiating insurance programs, managing claims, implementing loss prevention programs, and administering contract protocols. 

He has over 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently serving almost nine years as Director of Risk Management for Red Robin International. Mr. Friend is Past President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Board of Directors and is an Affiliate Faculty member at Regis University, College of Professional Studies in Denver, CO. Matt earned his Master’s of Science in Management from Regis University and his Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. 

Kate provides leadership for Stonebridge's hotel accounting operations, partnering with finance teams across the portfolio to deliver accurate financial reporting, disciplined stewardship, and exceptional owner service.

Kate Hembree joined Stonebridge in 2019 and was selected for her role as VP, Controller of Stonebridge Corporation in 2021.  As VP, Hotel Accounting, Kate oversees the Accounting functions for the Stonebridge hotel portfolio.  Prior to Stonebridge, Kate spent much of her career working for Hyatt Hotels Corporation in Finance at multiple locations.  Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Restaurant Resort Management from Colorado State University. 

Jeff Hinkle brings 20 years of hospitality experience to his role as Vice President of Revenue Management for the Western region at Stonebridge, including 12 dedicated years in revenue management.

Jeff’s hospitality career spans more than 20 years in on-property and corporate roles. In 2013, he joined Stonebridge Companies, where his commitment to guest satisfaction and creating inviting atmospheres has shaped his service-oriented career. Jeff held positions in the corporate office as Revenue Manager, Director of Revenue Management, and Associate Vice President of Revenue Management before being promoted to Vice President of Revenue Management in 2023. 

Jeff's excellence in the field was recognized when he received the Outstanding Corporate Associate Award from Stonebridge Companies in 2017. He has further honed his expertise by earning the Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) recognition from HSMAI and completing the Hotel Revenue Management Certification from eCornell. Beyond his career achievements, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors in the beauty of Colorado. 

Alina Keller brings 20 years of hospitality experience to her role as Vice President of Revenue Management for the Eastern region at Stonebridge, with a background that includes time as a General Manager.

Alina's journey in hospitality began in 2006 when she embarked on a graduate internship in Hotel Operations in Ocean City, MD. Over the next decade, she honed her skills and expertise, progressively assuming management roles and distinguishing herself as a capable leader. She notably held positions as a general manager for various Marriott and IHG branded select service hotels, gaining invaluable experience in running successful hotel operations. 

With her dedication, hard work, and innate talent for revenue management, she was recognized for her potential and entrusted with leading roles in the revenue management department. Under her guidance, the company's revenue management strategies have thrived, contributing to the overall success and growth of the organization. 

Alina's academic qualifications have also played a significant role in shaping her career trajectory. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Tourism and a Master's degree in Management of Human Resources, both earned from the esteemed Babes-Bolyai University in Romania.

Andrea leads Stonebridge's treasury strategy, managing debt and liquidity to protect financial strength, support operational success, and create lasting value for owners.

Andrea began her career in accounting before pivoting to treasury and finding her true passion. In her nearly 20 years of treasury experience, Andrea has held positions at several publicly traded REITS, private equity firms, and S&P Global. She is responsible for debt and liquidity management across the portfolio. 

Andrea holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Denver, and an MBA with an emphasis in Finance and Accounting.

JoAnne provides leadership for Stonebridge's hotel accounting operations, supporting financial reporting, operational excellence, and disciplined financial stewardship across the portfolio.

JoAnne Wagner is Vice President, Hotel Accounting with Stonebridge Companies, previously with Real Hospitality Group for 14 years as Director of Accounting & Finance.

She has been in the Hospitality Industry for 45 years, starting in the Food & Beverage division before moving into the Hotel division.  While learning the different positions at the hotel, Joanne attended college at night to earn her accounting degree, to apply her accounting knowledge to the lodging industry.  Joanne's experience in all aspects of hospitality has enabled her to cultivate strong relationships personally and professionally with associates and owners. 

Outside of work, Joanne is involved with our local Fire Department and currently holds the position of President of the Ladies Auxiliary.  She is active in supporting the Cadet program for future firefighters.  She also belongs to the Maryland State Fireman's Auxiliary and holds the position of Tax Coordinator for Worcester County.

Kathy Merrow brings 20 years of marketing experience to her role as Director of Digital Strategy at Stonebridge, where she leads the digital direction for hotels across the managed portfolio.

Kathy has over 20 years of experience in the marketing and digital strategy disciplines. She leads digital marketing strategy for a diverse portfolio of hotels across all brands. With a strong background in media strategy, performance marketing, SEO, SEM, and brand management, she is known for delivering measurable results that drive revenue and growth. She partners closely with ownership and cross-functional teams to align marketing strategy with business objectives, while staying ahead of industry trends and emerging opportunities. 

Kathy is an active member in HSMAI and a holder of the Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer designation. She currently serves on the HSMAI Marketing Advisory Board and was named the 2025 HSMAI Greater Denver Marketer of the Year. 

Dena St. Clair brings 15 years of marketing experience to her role as Director of Digital Marketing and eCommerce at Stonebridge, where she focuses on driving direct channel performance and online revenue growth across the portfolio.

With over 25 years in the industry, Dena has held roles in the hospitality digital marketing space since 2009. Her background in hotel sales and operations enhances her ability to understand a property’s pain points and needs when deploying marketing solutions. Technology-minded and not afraid to take risks, she has helped multiple management companies evolve their digital footprint. Dena sits on the HSMAI Ohio Chapter Board and has been a founding member of multiple pioneering hotel brand committees for digital marketing.  

Ben Seidel leads Stonebridge's East Coast performance and development strategy, driving operational excellence, portfolio growth, and long-term value for owners.

Ben founded the Real Hospitality Group before joining the Stonebridge Companies' team as Principal and a member of the firm's Board of Directors. He will contribute his deep experience to help grow and scale the combined company's presence throughout the country.  In addition to his company responsibilities, he further serves the hospitality industry as an Executive Committee member for both the American Hotel and Lodging Association and the Maryland Lodging Association, and serves as a steering committee member of NYC & Co, one of the nation's top destination marketing organizations for the city of New York. 

He received his PhD in Business and Economics, Hospitality from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore Campus. Additionally, Ben is a member of the Society of Fellows for the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Pointe, NY. He is a founding member of the Hospitality Management degree program at Central Connecticut University, as well as the chair of the University of West Virginia's School of Hospitality Management, and teaches regularly there. Additionally, he serves as a guest speaker supporting the Master's degree program in Hospitality Asset Management at Florida International University in Miami.