Kelli Nienaber has been appointed Sr. Vice President of Industry Advancement of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA). She’ll continue serving as Executive Director of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. In this expanded role, Nienaber will oversee ELFA’s research agenda. Nienaber brings broad experience across ELFA, having served in leadership roles spanning government relations, membership, the Foundation, and research since joining the organization in 2006.

Linda Griffin has been appointed as Hilton’s Area General Manager, Canada. She will oversee hotels across Ontario, Québec and British Columbia. Griffin will provide leadership and oversight for Hilton Québec, Hilton Toronto, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Belleville, and Hampton Inn by Hilton Chilliwack. She studied hospitality and tourism Management at Ryerson Polytechnic University, now Toronto Metropolitan University

John Wickham is now the General Manager of The Washington Inn in Santa Fe. He has more than 15 years of experience in hospitality, nightlife, and guest relations and returns to Santa Fe after several years in the Texas Hill Country. Wickham will oversee operations for both AdobeStar Vacation Rentals and The Washington Inn. Recently, he was general manager and hotel director of the historic Prince Solms Inn.

Tony Pallas has been promoted to Choice Hotels International’s Chief Technology Officer. Pallas will lead enterprise technology, engineering, and SkyTouch Technology, Choice Hotels’ hotel operations and property management technology platform. He was chief commercial and technology officer of Choice Hotels’ hotel property management system business. He also served as executive sponsor and chief architect for CHARLIE, an AI-powered solutions Choice Hotels unveiled during its annual convention.

Paul Fitzgerald is now General Manager of Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Virginia. Fitzgerald brings more than a decade of experience across several Hilton properties, most recently serving as hotel manager at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, where he oversaw operations across all departments. His career includes food and beverage roles at Hilton Boston Logan Airport, the former Madison Washington DC, A Hilton Hotel, and Washington Hilton.

Jessica Sibley is now Visit Orlando’s Sr. Director of Convention Sales. With more than 17 years of group sales experience, Sibley was director of sales for the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. She began her career at Reunion Resort, where she also served as group sales and catering sales manager. Sibley holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration from Florida State University.

Michelle Gomez has been appointed Executive Chef of Dream Inn Santa Cruz. Gomez’s culinary journey began at just seven years old, working alongside her father in his Mexican restaurant. Gomez worked with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where she contributed to pre-opening culinary operations. She is actively involved with Les Dames d’Escoffier, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting women in the professions of food, wine, and hospitality.