Founder and Chief Executive of Real Hospitality Group, (RHG) last year's 15th ranked hotel operating company in the United States. With properties located in 19 states, RHG has expanded from a start-up company to one of the most prominent hotel operators in only 9 years. RHG's leadership is represented on the board of directors of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, NYC & Company, Marriott and Hilton franchise advisory councils and several state lodging associations where we have presence. Real Hospitality Group's "Real Cares" division participates on a leadership level in organizations including, but not limited to: ECPAT, Feeding America and the National Cancer Institute. Several of RHG's team members have been nominated for their state's, as well as the AHLA's "Stars of the Industry" awards. RHG has also been awarded with "New Hotel Opening of the Year" and "Renovation of the Year" from Marriott International last year alone.

At Real, we believe that the industry is perfectly positioned to provide jobs to opportunity youth and adults who want a growing career. To that end, RHG prioritizes it's training and Promote from Within programs and serves as adjunct faculty, guest speakers and advisory board members to institutions that include the Florida International University, Farleigh Dickenson, The University of West Virginia and Central Connecticut University Schools of Hospitality Management.

Sanjay brings world class experience and boundless optimism to his role. He manages key owner relations across the RHG portfolio as well as some of the most high-profile assets in New York City. His vast market experience has included New York, Kentucky, Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. He also leads our extensive Marriott portfolio's best practice sharing program to enhance guest experience.

Sanjay champions the RHG Core Values through his leadership of the regional operations team in the New York office and drives operational excellence through evaluation, assessment, and action. Sanjay has an MBA from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and received his bachelor's degree from St. Stephen's College in New Delhi. He also earned a Hotel Real Estate Investment & Asset Management certification from eCornell. Sanjay is an active outreach participant for RHG's Real Cares Program. He leads fundraising contingents for ECPAT and various cancer and hunger organizations as well as volunteering his time in New Jersey community kitchens.

Louis Llach joined Real Hospitality Group in 2013 and is responsible for operational oversite 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. 

Before re-joining Real Hospitality Group, he 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.  

Lourdes' exceptional Sales and Marketing experience forms the foundation of her illustrious career spanning more than 25 years, where she has consistently demonstrated adept leadership across diverse teams. Her expertise in sales and marketing and her proficiency in contract negotiations and account management are always geared toward delivering tangible results. Her passion lies in talent development, as evidenced by her commitment to cultivating enduring partnerships.   As a seasoned professional, Lourdes boasts an extensive background encompassing independents, resorts, new builds, and branded hotels, enabling her to approach challenges comprehensively. Her exceptional leadership and mentorship skills have played a pivotal role in shaping her success, earning her prestigious accolades for transforming sales teams to exceed goals while nurturing top-tier sales leaders. 

Before rejoining RHG, Lourdes' impactful tenure as a Regional Vice President at a notable hospitality management company, she spearheaded the elevation of their New York City portfolio by centralizing the sales force, a testament to her visionary approach. Lourdes attended Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, NJ earning a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and Economics.  

Responsible for the successful administration of the organization’s Human Resources function, determines and directs HR strategies to support the company goals of productive and profitable business operations. Provides leadership and focus to advance the company’s vision and culture.  Drives organizational effectiveness and support for all major initiatives as set by the President and CEO.

Is the keeper of the culture and all people functions within the organization ensuring strategic planning and direction providing the organization with the best people and talent available and positioning the company as the employer of choice within the industry.

A career leader and expert in the field, Alma possesses 30+ years in Client Service Management, Manufacturing Support and Delivery Systems, Project Management, Global Communication Systems, and Human Resources.  Alma holds a dual B.A. in Human Resources Performance and Organization Dynamics, and a M.A. in Organizational Leadership.  She is on the HR council for the AHLA, a member of SHRM, and is active in education volunteering as a visiting business expert in classrooms for instructors at universities and local community colleges.

Dan brings over 20 years of hotel operation expertise to Real Hospitality Group. He has held General Manager roles across renowned brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Choice, and Hyatt, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of hotel operations.  Dan’s track record is marked by his excellence in P&L management, revenue optimization, sales, and brand stewardship.  Having managed hotels across diverse segments, including full-service, select-service, and corporate housing, Dan possesses General Manager Certification from the major brands.  He has been recognized for transforming underperforming properties through elevated guest service standards, cost control, and premium revenue growth.  Notably, his contributions have earned recognition from Hilton and Starwood. 

Dan's dedication extends to a seven-plus-year tenure with RHG, where he also serves as the company’s ProfitSword specialist.  He has extensive experience and expertise in utilizing this software, encompassing financial analysis, proprietary reporting, and various organizational tasks.  Dan guided the company's transition to a new GPO platform by leading training and compliance throughout the portfolio. 

Dan actively serves as the Vice President of the Ocean City Hotel and Restaurant Association holds a pivotal role in the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association Legislative Committee as a voting member, and generously volunteers with the local Junior Achievement Center.  

With approximately 20 years in the hospitality industry, Dena St. Clair has held roles in the hospitality digital marketing space since 2009. Dena’s background in hotel sales and operations enhances her ability to understand a property’s pain points and needs when weighing marketing solutions to deploy. Preferring to take an integrated approach, she works closely with the Sales and Revenue teams as well as Operations to guide marketing efforts.

Technology-minded and not afraid to take risks, Dena has helped multiple management companies evolve their digital footprint, shaping them through their branded and independent hotels, resorts, and restaurants, and she has brought that talent to RHG to help them flourish from both a top- and bottom-line perspective.

Dena holds the esteemed Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer designation. She is an active member of both HSMAI and the American Marketing Association and has been a founding member of multiple pioneering hotel brand committees for E-Commerce and digital marketing. 

Elizabeth Ardiles serves as a Regional Director of Operations, boasting an extensive and diverse background in operations.  Her track record reflects a remarkable proficiency in daily operations, including executing revenue management strategies and overseeing property renovations.  Additionally, Elizabeth possesses a demonstrated mastery of Human Resources, encompassing recruitment, training, and the ability to inspire and empower associates.

Elizabeth embarked on her professional journey in the industry in 2006 when she began her career as a Guest Service Agent. Over the years, she made remarkable strides, culminating in her appointment as the inaugural General Manager in 2016. Throughout her illustrious career, she has held key leadership roles in various renowned hotels across the dynamic landscape of New York City. Her exceptional expertise earned her the title of Manager of the Year in the early stages of her career. She received Real Hospitality Group’s Hotel of the Year and the prestigious President's Award, recognizing her exceptional accomplishments and contributions.

Her academic foundation includes studies at St. John's University in New York, supplemented by her certification as a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) from the American Hotel Lodging Educational Institute. Elizabeth Ardiles exemplifies excellence in hotel operations and continues to drive success within our organization.

As Regional Director of Operations, Ashley oversees the day-to-day property operations in Manhattan and upstate New York, which include managing relationships between the properties, brands, ownership groups, and various vendors. Through these daily interactions, Ashley ensures the highest profitability levels for her portfolio through P&L management, revenue management, associate engagement, and brand compliance. With over fifteen years of experience in Hotel Operations

Ashley has over fifteen years of experience in operations and joined RHG in December 2013 as a Hotel Manager of the Fairfield Inn Chelsea, where she improved overall guest satisfaction scores and oversaw the operations of one of the busiest Fairfield Inn properties in the country. From there, she moved to a renovated and rebranded full-service Hyatt property before opening the first Hyatt House in New York City in 2017. Prior to joining Real Hospitality Group, Ashley worked with West Paces Hotel Group in their conference department and Amsterdam Hospitality as a General Manager and then in a corporate role overseeing property standards and process implementation. Ashley is a graduate of Marist College with a degree in communications. Ashley, a certified hotel administrator, is the brand champion for all Hyatt properties within Real Hospitality Group.

Jim brings more than 20 years of hotel operations experience to Real Hospitality Group.  Prior to joining RHG, Jim served as Area Manager, with various branded hotels including Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, Hyatt, and IHG licensed properties throughout the United States.  He has a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of hotel operations, accounting and asset management. He has a proven track record in P&L management, revenue management, hotel sales and brand compliance.  Jim has earned numerous certifications and awards across several brands such as Spirit Award Winner TQS Hilton – top 10% in  Homewood Suites Brand, Most improved GSS within Marriott Brand, Crestline Hotels and Resorts Hotel of the year, 2 time Crestline Cup winner based on top line revenue, service scores, and house profit, ranked #1 in service 3 years in a row with BF Saul Company, managed hotels that were consistently in the top 25% of their respected brands.  Jim also was co-chair of the Crestline Hotels and Resorts GM Advisory Board.   Jim’s professional experience includes tenure with Crestline Hotels and Resorts, Hersha Hospitality, and Hilton Worldwide.  His expertise is in the full service, select service, and extended stay hotel arenas.

Jim is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management. In his role with RHG, Jim oversees hotel operations with a focus on owner relations, profitability, team processes that impact daily guest service scores, RevPar growth, and identifying team members for growth within the organization.

Jim is a member of Ocean City Development Corporation which helps area business owners on the development and design of their businesses in the downtown area of Ocean City.  Jim serves as a mentor/advisor for Real Hospitality’s Mentorship Program for the mid-atlantic region.

Michael Marsch joined our team in 2023 as the Regional Director of Operations, currently overseeing a portfolio of properties that include Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton brands.  He has had a lengthy career in the hospitality industry including over 24 years with Hyatt Hotels where he held positions of Controller and General Manager at several properties. He has spent a significant amount of his career operating large full-service convention hotels but has also held area manager positions overseeing full service, focused service and independent properties.  Most recently Michael was Vice President of Operations for the Merani Hotel Group where he oversaw an international portfolio of six properties and was involved in the construction and development of two of those properties.

Coming up in the industry through the area of accounting and then moving into operations, Michael brings a unique and valuable perspective to the company.  Michael obtained his BA in Business Management from the University of Mount Union, earned his CPA certification from the University of Illinois and his MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

He has been an involved community member, holding board of director positions with the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Rochester and the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association.  He was also the past president of both the Buffalo and Rochester Hotel Associations.  Michael donates blood religiously and has donated over 6 gallons during his lifetime.  He is also actively involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Michael currently resides in Pensacola, Florida.

Liz Hardy joined Real Hospitality Group in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She is based out of the Atlanta area, and currently overseas a portfolio of full-service properties and resorts for RHG, across the United States.

Prior to her career in corporate revenue management, Liz dedicated 15 years of service in Marriott and Hilton managed hotels, gaining experience in various markets, including airport, convention, resort, urban and suburban areas. She is results driven and passionate about team member development, working closely with area directors of revenue management to mentor and cultivate strengths in others.

Liz believes in the power of partnership and has built strong relationships with her asset managers and property teams. Her extensive background in both revenue management and hotel operations brings a comprehensive perspective to our team, ultimately driving success and innovation for RHG.  

Andrew Imhoff joined Real Hospitality Group in 2018 and brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He is based in Fort Lauderdale and is responsible for revenue management of the RHG Florida portfolio and various hotels in other major markets.

Before joining Real Hospitality Group, Andrew worked for over ten years at Hilton corporate managed hotels and resorts, starting as a Front Desk manager and leaving as an Area Director of Revenue Management. He has worked with multiple major brands & independents ranging in size from small boutique properties and luxury resorts to large convention hotels. He has successfully led the opening of numerous new hotels and transitioned from independents to brands from operational and revenue management roles.

Andrew has been recognized as a Certified Hilton Corporate trainer, a Certified Hospitality Supervisor by American Hotel & Lodging Association, and a Certified Revenue Management Executive by HSMAI International. As an active member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and HSMAI South Florida chapter, he has served as a panel speaker. Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science from the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University. 

Mark Raghunauth joined Real Hospitality in 2019. Mark possesses over 10 years of extensive knowledge of the vibrant NYC market, with a deep understanding of sub-markets such as Times Square, Midtown, Long Island City, Lower East Side, Queens, and Brooklyn. Additionally, proficient in major markets such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Denver, Detroit, Baltimore, Rehoboth, and Virginia Beaches. He has a history of revenue management for a wide range of prominent hotel brands, including IHG, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Red Lion, Red Roof, Choice, and Independent Hotels.

Mark currently oversees a diverse portfolio of hotels, totaling 3,200+ keys. He is entrusted with the primary responsibility of driving direct brand channel production and optimizing RevPAR. His strategic approach is grounded in up-to-date market data and business volume trends while ensuring accurate forecasts for the hotels.

Mark's journey in the hospitality industry has been characterized by a series of achievements in various roles, including Revenue Management and Operations. Throughout his career, he has consistently maximized revenue through strategic pricing and inventory allocation, driving overall revenue goals for hotels. As a highly driven and results-oriented professional, Mark leverages his extensive market knowledge and experience to lead revenue management initiatives and contribute to the overall success of hotels under his purview.

Sherry joined Real Hospitality Group in 2019 and has over ten years of experience in Revenue Management. She brings valuable expertise in maximizing room revenue, profit, and market share. Her responsibilities include overseeing processes related to demand, revenue, forecasting, opportunity analysis, and inventory management.

She has vast experience in the New York City market, particularly in Midtown, Nomad, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Lower East Side, Long Island City, and Brooklyn. She also has considerable knowledge of other major markets, including Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean City. Sherry specializes in managing Independent assets and various brands within the Marriott and Hilton chains.

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Geraldine Burgos is an award-winning sales professional known for creating bottom-line impact through targeted sales, marketing initiatives and team leadership.  Geraldine began her career with IHG’s Candlewood Suites brand and later worked for the Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn brands,  all in the New York City market.  She then joined Hyatt and opened the Hyatt Centric Midtown 5^th and later became the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hyatt Regency JFK.  At Real Hospitality, Geraldine specializes in managing independent assets and various brands within Hyatt, IHG and Marriott chains.

With a Master’s degree in Communications & Information studies and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism & Mass Media from Rutgers University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing.

Steve joined Real Hospitality Group in 2022, bringing an impressive 35-year track record of leading revenue, sales, and marketing teams across the United States. His career has seen him take the helm of teams representing various hotels, ranging from select service to extended stay, premium, and luxury categories. Steve serves as a key figure overseeing a diverse portfolio of hotels in New York City and various strategic markets, where his primary focus is driving topline revenues and market share. 

Steve has a results-driven sales approach firmly rooted in the art of coaching and mentoring. He believes in empowering sales associates to exceed business goals while simultaneously honing their individual skill sets, ensuring their professional and personal growth. 

John D’Aguanno is a Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Real Hospitality Group, where he oversees all sales and marketing efforts across a portfolio of independent and branded properties.  He has a unique concentration across the Marriott brand, including some of our most high-profile assets in New York City and Outer Boroughs.  John brings over 20 years of hospitality sales and marketing experience both on the property and above property, with a vast knowledge of Marriott, Hilton, and IHG brands as well as independent properties.  John has held previous Corporate and Regional Sales roles managing a region of 30 hotels across 10 states.  He is an exceptional leader with proven success in building a team culture that is family oriented and a driver in sales and marketing efforts.

John also has an extensive background in the Food & Beverage side of the industry, beginning at the young age of 16 years old as a Banquet Server and then quickly working his way up the chain to become a Maitre d’hotel and Operations Manager for large catering facilities and full-service hotels.  He was given an opportunity in the early 2000s to become a Junior Hotel Sales Manager and has never looked back!

John’s well-rounded background and exceptional interpersonal skills have made him an expert in building quality relationships and powerful sales techniques and strategies.         

JoAnne has been a part of the RHG team since 2010. Her experience includes supervision of multi-unit accounting services for hotel and owner portfolios, treasury management duties, coordinating credit card services, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, tax filings, and systems management.

JoAnne is a long-standing member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, which supports the local fire dept and the youth cadet program, and has held the office of Treasurer for the last 7 years. She also holds the elected position of Worcester County Points Coordinator for the Maryland State Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary since 2006.

Katie oversees Real Hospitality Group’s internal audit program, training, and support related to on-property accounting functions. She also oversees the management and ownership transition process, is a property management system specialist, and boasts valuable years hotel operations experience. 

She hosts monthly webinars and encourages continuous training throughout the RHG portfolio. Katie also oversees the internal audit program and works diligently with her team to implement and enforce compliance with controls relating to cash, credit cards, purchasing, labor, authorization and access levels, and inventories for all departments.    

Slyne Louissaint brings 18 years of Hospitality Human Resource experience to our team.  She supports the day-to-day Human Resource operations of our Northeast portfolio and is responsible for overseeing the administration of human resource policies, practices, and systems according to RHG standards along with strategic planning of the human resource function in alignment with the RHG and our owner’s vision and mission. She is involved in the training and development of hotel department management staff as well as dealing with the many challenges of human resources and employment. She is the trainer and mentor for our in-house internship program.

Slyne has held HR Manager and Director status in both select and full service hotels.  Her brand experience includes Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Wyndham and Independent Boutique Hotels. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University and is nearing the completion of her Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources through Keller Graduate School of Management.

Slyne is an Adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University where she teaches Advanced Human Resources Management to future hospitality professionals; a hospitality course designed to provide students with a broad yet comprehensive overview of the policies, practices and procedures for effectively attracting, selecting, developing and retaining quality associates in the hospitality and tourism industry.

As the Director of Talent Acquisition and Development, Lynn leads the overall strategic design, development, implementation, and integration of all talent processes including full-cycle Talent Acquisition, Talent/Career Development, and Leadership Development.

Specifically, Lynn supports the RHG Human Resource function in the recruitment and selection of the best talent at all levels of the organization; analyzing training needs and implementing training and development programs to ensure the highest levels of service and guest satisfaction. Lynn ensures the delivery of supervision and leadership development programs and ensures the implementation of HR practices including career development, mentorship, succession planning, and recognition programs.

Lynn’s background includes 30 years of human resources experience in recruitment and training, compensation & benefits, associate, and labor relations/mediation, EEOC case preparation, staffing level planning, and quality assurance. She is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University Olean, NY.

Lynn is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, a Certified Human Resources Executive with the AHLA, and an Active Volunteer for Dress for Success, an organization that helps empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support.

As President of Real Hospitality Group Asia, Norman is fully accountable for developing and managing its portfolio in Asia. He will bring RHG's decades of third-party management and asset management experience and expertise to cultivate the fast-growing Asian market.

Norman brings decades of experience & expertise in the hospitality industry, working with a wide range of internationally renowned hotel groups, including HNA Group, NH Hotel Group, Hyatt Hotel Group. With comprehensive international education and career background, Norman's steps have taken him across the United States, China, Spain, and Australia.

An industry veteran with a wealth of knowledge and passion, Norman has expertise and experience in lodging investment and asset management. Prior to joining RHG Asia, he played a very significant role in HNA Group's acquisition of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Before HNA Group, Norman played an intricate part in NH Hotel Group's quest to establish its China office to support its growing portfolio of over 350 hotels located in 28 international markets. 

Norman holds a Securities Qualification Certificate (SAC) and possesses solid knowledge and experience in the field of security, corporate investment, mergers, and acquisitions. He is an active member of various associations and has been the keynote speaker on industry summit and forums

Bernard Chong brings over 30 years of experience and expertise in the hospitality industry with specialization in hotel operations, per-opening and project development at group level focusing on both strategic and operation aspects. Mr. Bernard Chong educated from L’école hôtelière Les Roches in Switzerland. At an early stage, he has worked in a variety of positions in the hotel restaurant, guest services, front office and corporate office, with vast practical and management experience.

Bernard Chong has comprehensive experience in various industries group, including Raffles International Limited, Redwood Technology Limited, Cairnhill Group Holdings Pte Limited, Ascott Limited, Meritus Hotels & Resorts, Soluxe Hospitality Group and Jiangsu Golden Land Group. Prior to joining RHG, he was the Vice President of Operations for Greater China, Millennium & Copthrone International Limited, in charge of Operations, Sales & Marketing and Business Development.

George is responsible for Human Resources and Administration for Real Hospitality Group’s Greater China team, leading the team to establish a talent system and corporate culture, promoting organizational innovation and management efficiency, and supporting the realization of its strategic goals and vision.

George graduated from the University of Leeds with an MBA degree. He has been engaged in human resources for over ten years. Before joining RHG, George worked in the world's largest commercial properties, holding, managing, and operating enterprise and had a leading role in Human Resources management. He organized and implemented several human resources integration projects, institutional innovation campaigns, and organizational reform related to enterprise mergers and reorganization during this tenure.

George is a member of the CHRMA. He is active in working with other experts and agencies to help organizations across the private, public, and social sectors create change that matters.