BUFFALO LODGING ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Corporate Director
- Corporate Director of Human Resources
Ashley Yawn was promoted to Corporate Director of Human Resources in 2021 and is responsible for overseeing Buffalo Lodging's overall people strategy including recruiting, culture, and employee relations.
In addition to graduating with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ashley has over 13 years of experience in hospitality, starting as a Whatever/Whenever Agent in Boston. After completing a Manager in Development program, she began as an HR Specialist, and her human resources career took off from there with multiple promotions over the years. Upon joining Buffalo Lodging as a Benefits Manager, her dedication, people skills, and knowledge propelled her upwards for more advancement and she's been a tremendously valuable asset to Buffalo Lodging's team.
Outside of work hours, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, and the rest of her immediate family, whether that entails beach trips in Plymouth, or grabbing a cone of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
Job Titles:
- President
- in 2019 As Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Chad joined Buffalo Lodging in 2019 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing until his promotion to President in March 2023. In this role, Chad oversees a portfolio of 50 hotels primarily under the flags of Marriott and Hilton brand families. Chad is actively involved in the development of enterprise and property-level operating and capital investment strategies to maximize the performance of the company, as well as pursuing opportunities to expand the portfolio.
A hospitality professional with more than thirty years of experience, he started in housekeeping, front desk agent, to general manager, and served in multiple Director roles over ten years to get to where he is today. Before joining Buffalo Lodging, he held key roles in a large 3rd party hospitality management organization as the Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Sales and Marketing as well as Regional Director of Revenue Management. Chad has an extensive hospitality background with great knowledge of various markets. His leadership skills are exactly what we need to continue Buffalo Lodging's growth and success.
When Chad is not working, he loves spending time at his cabin with his family skiing or mountain biking.
Job Titles:
- Director, Construction & Renovation
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Vice President of Finance
Nick joined Buffalo Lodging in May 2017 as Vice President of Finance, overseeing accounting for the entire portfolio of hotels and corporate offices. Nick is responsible for supporting financial performance, cash flow, operating objectives and risk assessment that supports the long-term strategy of Buffalo Lodging across the enterprise. A key part of the company's success includes the optimization of its financial systems, processes, and reporting, using leading-edge programs and technology.
Nick studied both Hotel Management and Accounting at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Nick's passion for hospitality started many years ago when he landed his first hotel job at Bally's Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Upon joining Buffalo Lodging, Nick was the Regional Director of Finance for TPG Hotels & Resorts, responsible for the financial direction of multiple brands in the Northeast and Midwest markets. His journey has taken him through different companies in various positions, proudly landing with Buffalo Lodging and working with a great group of individuals who all share the same vision.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys traveling with his wife, photography, but most of all, enjoys spending free time with his family. Nick and his wife, Cheryl, have a son and daughter, Anthony & Lauren. They also have two grandchildren, Henry & Felicity, and enjoy every opportunity to spend time with them. Nick & Cheryl also have a dog, Bruno, and three grand-doggies, Wembley, Daphne & Mia.
Job Titles:
- Director of Property Management and Maintenance
As Director of Property Management and Maintenance, Sam ensures hotels are well-maintained, free of safety hazards, and repairs and renovations are completed in a timely manner. Sam oversees the regional maintenance staff to assist with sourcing vendors, preventative maintenance, and ongoing repair plan for each hotel while staying within a budget.
In partnership with Benderson Development, Sam transferred to Buffalo Lodging Associates back in 2004. With over 18 years in experience of property management, Sam came to us with knowledge, drive, and property management experience.
In his free time, he enjoys taking his boat out on the water to go fishing where he resides in the Sarasota, Florida area. He admires golfing and traveling to the Caribbean with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- in 2010 As General Manager
- Senior VP of Hotel Operations
With the responsibility for Buffalo Lodging's hotel operations of 50 hotels, Tom oversees a diverse and growing portfolio, as the company continues to strengthen its presence across the regions. From Florida to New England, to the Midwest and beyond, Tom is focused on ensuring today's sophisticated consumer experiences the highest standards of quality, and the unmatched level of service that they have come to expect in every Buffalo Lodging hotel.
Tom joined Buffalo Lodging in 2010 as General Manager of the Homewood Suites in Beachwood, Ohio and subsequently held the position of District Director until his promotion to Vice President of Operations Southeast in 2015, and now his recent promotion as Senior VP of Operations of all regions. Tom has more than 40 years of hotel experience with Interstate Hotels and Resorts, Aircoa Hotels and Resorts and including 5 years working as a General Manager with Buffalo Lodging earlier in his career. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Hiram College in Ohio.
In his free time, Tom enjoys bicycling, gardening, Italian food and traveling. His most memorable trips were traveling internationally to Italy and France.
Job Titles:
- VP of Sales & Revenue Strategy