HFTP Announces 17-Member Hospitality Leadership Slate for 2026-2027

By Rebecca Stone

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals announced a 17-person leadership slate for 2026-2027, comprising six Global Executive Committee appointments and 11 Global Board of Directors. HFTP said its new and returning members bring expertise across finance, technology, research and operations.

HFTP plans to use that mix to support members with insights, resources and educational opportunities. The association also expects the board to advance strategic objectives, promote professional growth, elevate industry standards and provide top-tier programs to its global membership. The slate is broad. The stated remit is more specific: finance and technology.

Who leads the 2026-2027 slate?

Andrew Buwalda, CHAE, vice president of hospitality operations at Freed Corp, will lead the HFTP Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors for 2026-2027.

“I'm excited to work alongside our incoming 2026–2027 HFTP Global Board of Directors and Executive Committee,” Buwalda said.

“We are fortunate to have a fantastic group of talented and dedicated industry leaders, and I'm looking forward to what we can accomplish together as we continue delivering value to our members and stewarding HFTP's growth and impact across the hospitality industry.”

Who sits on the Global Executive Committee?

The six-member committee pairs association governance with operating, academic and advisory experience from hospitality groups, a resort company and an independent resort advisory firm.

• Andrew Buwalda, CHAE — Vice President of Hospitality Operations, Freed Corp.
• Barry Thomas, CHTP — Senior Vice President of Hospitality Tech, Luxury & Lifestyle, Accor
• Ian Millar, CHTP — Senior Lecturer, IT, EHL
• Tessa Leverett — Controller, Desert Highlands Association
• James Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+ — Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President of Finance, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
• Scot Campbell, CHTP — Principal, Integrated Resort Advisors

Who joins the Global Board of Directors?

The 11-member board stretches from hotel and resort technology to clubs, sports operations, academia and enterprise systems, giving the association several vantage points on member needs.

• Ajay Aluri, Ph.D. — Founding Director, Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab, West Virginia University
• Christopher Begley, CHTP — IT Area Manager of Field Services, Operations, Sonesta Hotels
• Mike Blake, MBA, CPA — Vice President, IT, KemperSports
• Arthur Burger, CHAE+ — Principal, Art Burger Consulting
• Jeff Dekruif, CCM, CHAE, PGA Associate — CEO, Financially Astute Clubs
• Sarah Ford, CCM, CHAE — General Manager, The Headliners Club
• Mark Gage, MMBA — Vice President, IT/IS, Tanzerra Resorts
• Michael Goldrich — Founder and Chief Advisor, Vivander Advisors LLC
• Bryan Hammer — Vice President, IT, Belmond
• Neal Patel, CHIA, CHO — Managing Partner, Blue Chip Hotels
• Kevin Yarnell — Business Solutions Manager, U.S. Commercial, Cisco

Across both bodies, the affiliations span hotel operations, resorts, clubs, sports, education and enterprise technology. Hotel representation includes Sonesta Hotels, Tanzerra Resorts, Belmond and Blue Chip Hotels, while KemperSports, Cisco and several consultancies extend the slate beyond operating properties. HFTP describes the incoming directors as both new and returning, although the announcement does not identify each individual's status.

What does HFTP oversee?

Established in 1952, HFTP maintains headquarters in Austin, Texas, and offices in the European Union and India. Its international network supports the hospitality industry's finance and technology segments through members and stakeholders.

The association offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities, conferences and events. HFTP produces international programming throughout the year, including HITEC, which the association calls “the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand.”

HFTP also oversees publication of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. Across its combined websites, the association reports more than 140,000 site visitors a month. Readers can find leadership information and participation opportunities on HFTP.org.

For 2026-2027, the practical measure will be whether the slate turns its cross-sector expertise into stronger education, research and professional development for HFTP's global membership.