Angie Abston, CPA
Senior Vice President of Finance for TPG Hotels and Resorts
At TPG, one of the nation’s premier hotel management companies. Angie provides leadership and oversight of the accounting function for their Operations Headquarters. She has been in the hospitality industry since 2001 and in the accounting field even longer. Her experience includes select service, full service, and boutique hotels; resorts; retail; multifamily; general contracting and home building. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from LeTourneau University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and her Master of Accounting and Finance Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. She enjoys live music, traveling and watching NFL.
Scott Blair
Vice President Accounting, Shaner Corp
Scott Blair joined Shaner in 2004. As Director of Shaner Solutions, Scott is responsible for managing the large team of professional comprising the Shaner Solutions division at the corporate office in State College, PA. His team proudly serves a host of accounting clients throughout the U.S. and abroad. Previously Scott was an Accounting Manager for Shaner Solutions and also supervised the accounting efforts for numerous Shaner managed hotels.
Mark Brousseau
President, Brousseau & Associates
Over the past 29 years, Mark Brousseau has established himself as a thought leader on accounts payable, accounts receivable, payments, and document automation. A popular speaker at industry conferences and on webinars and podcasts, Brousseau advises prominent end-users and solutions and services providers on how to use automation to improve document- and payments-driven business processes. Brousseau has chaired numerous educational conferences and has served on several industry committees and boards. He resides in Center City Philadelphia with his wife and three sons.
Justin Call
Chief Legal Officer & SVP of Key Partnerships, Actabl
Justin Call is the Chief Legal Officer and SVP of Key Partnerships for Actabl. Justin was previously the General Counsel of TravelClick from 2008 to 2018 overseeing its sale to Thoma Bravo in 2014 and then to Amadeus in 2018. He was then General Counsel at Alice, which was acquired by Alpine in 2021 and then merged into Actabl in 2022.
David Disque
President - Payment Automation, Edenred Pay
David Disque is the President of Payment Automation for Edenred Pay, an Edenred company. For over 20 years, David's work with financial executives from world-leading brands has helped them to automate their corporate payment systems and move away from paper checks. David's visionary skills in the payables ecosystem of virtual cards, ghost cards, private network, and ACH enable him to lead teams to anticipate customer needs and develop innovative products that are consistently at the forefront of AP automation. David is a sought-after speaker in the payments industry, frequently sharing best practices for optimizing corporate invoice-to-pay solutions.
Adam Donevant, CPA
VP of Finance, Avocet Hospitality Group
Adam Donevant brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, starting with his tenure at Avocet Hospitality Group in September 2013. Before joining Avocet, Adam spent 9 years working in public accounting in his hometown of Myrtle Beach, SC. He is responsible for overseeing the accounting department, treasury management, internal controls, insurance, and financial reporting for all properties owned and managed by Avocet. Adam holds Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting and Finance from Coastal Carolina University.
Billy Gilchrist
Chief Development & Finance Officer, HDG
Billy Gilchrist was born and raised in Ocala, Florida. After high school, he attended the University of Florida and graduated with his bachelor's in finance and his masters in entrepreneurship. After several years in Jacksonville, Florida, he made his way back to Ocala and went to work in the banking industry. In 2018, Billy decided to make a career switch and joined HDG Hotels. He is the chief development and finance officer. Billy is responsible for managing all new development, acquisitions, dispositions, accounting functions, lending relationships, insurance relationships, and assisting with shareholder relations.
Allen Gracey
Executive Vice President, Edenred Pay
Allen Gracey is the EVP of Direct Sales and Marketing at Edenred Pay. Allen has 20 years of proven expertise overseeing Sales Enablement, BDR, and Demand Gen functions, specifically in Payments and Financial Services. He has 15 years of hands-on experience in finance and accounting and has managed regional sales offices and teams. Allen is committed to business development and growth. He's led successful expansion initiatives, launched national marketing campaigns, and contributed to sales and revenue generation for corporate payment SaaS software and applications. His stellar strategic sales and marketing team leadership has earned him several sales awards throughout his career. Allen, a CPA, holds an MBA from Auburn University and a BS in Accounting from Trevecca University. He's had several industry-specific conference speaking engagements, including AFP, CFMA, and IOFM. Allen's upcoming session will provide strategies for automating the payment process and highlight the importance of reducing manual tasks. In his free time, Allen enjoys golf, running, off-roading in his Jeep, and doting on his first grandchild.
Oliver Hoare
General Manager Lodging & Alcoholic Beverage, Avalara
With over twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry, lodging expert Oliver Hoare joined Avalara in 2021, as General Manager of Lodging, after previously serving as a senior executive at Expedia for the last decade. At Expedia, Oliver and his team grew bookings to over $1billion a year, and his experience in the Expedia Partner Solutions division working with air and travel sites that supply power to other travel sites via APIs gives him a unique, holistic understanding of the travel industry. Oliver has a wide range of expertise in the hospitality and lodging space, including stints at one of the largest global hotel chains, Accor, followed by British Airways.
Jack Macioce
Chief Financial Officer, North Star Lodging
Jack Macioce serves as Chief Financial Officer of North Star Lodging & Development. Jack joined North Star Lodging in 2019 and brought with him over 15 years of experience in accounting and real estate development and management. He has previously worked for a public accounting firm and has worked for a large, regional real estate developer and management company. Jack is responsible for the overall financial management of the company as well as the hotels managed by North Star Lodging with a focus on treasury management, internal controls, financial reporting, human resources, and operations. He has been able to scale the company’s accounting responsibilities by leveraging technology and forming strategic industry partnerships. In addition, Jack works collaboratively with partners, investors and lenders on acquisitions, development underwriting and feasibility, and financing. He provides support in compliance, debt management, and strategic analysis.
Arlene McCullough
SVP Accounting, Vision Hospitality Group
Arlene McCullough serves as Senior Vice President of Accounting for Vision Hospitality Group headquartered in Chattanooga, TN. Arlene was previously at Vision from 2015 – 2019 as Vice President of Accounting and rejoined the company in 2023 in her current role. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working for various owner operator, private equity and management companies, Arlene is well versed managing successful accounting teams and implementing process improvements. She is responsible for the overall financial management of the operating company at Vison as well as the hotels owned and operated by Vision Hospitality Group, with a focus on treasury management, internal controls and financial reporting. Arlene also provides additional support in debt compliance, development accounting and risk management and has spearheaded several projects to leverage AI and technology to make the overall accounting operation more efficient.
Bob Megargle
VP Sales, SIB
Bob joins SIB following a successful career spanning 22 years driving top-performing sales results, brand development, and mixed-use asset conversions for some of the country’s most notable hotel developments. Most recently, Bob served as the Area Managing Director of Beemok Hospitality Collection in Charleston, SC. There, he led the transformation of The Charleston Place Hotel with responsibility for developing, positioning, and growing revenue for a premier luxury hospitality, lifestyle brand.
In his role as Vice President of Sales, Bob will develop and lead the sales organization with responsibility for employee development, implementing best practices, and delivering increased growth. He provides subject matter expertise in the hospitality sector and participates in conferences, panel discussions, and regularly contributes to SIB’s hospitality-related thought leadership agenda. Prior to his role at Beemok, Bob oversaw the growth and success of multiple asset conversions for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Mardi Morris
Executive VP of Accounting and Finance Wurzak Hotel Group
Mardi over sees all financial and accounting at Wurzak Hotel Group. Mardi has 38 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including the financial, management and developmental aspects. She started working with high-end brands such as the Aspen Ski Company and Timbers Resorts. Prior to the Wurzak Hotel Group Mardi was the Chief Financial Officer of Terrapin Hospitality for 10 years. She was the instrumental figure in the company, growing from 7 hotels to over 80 in 10 years.
Kathey Palmer
Chief Growth Officer, Inova
Kathey Palmer is Chief Growth Officer for Inova Payroll responsible for driving the company’s growth engine including marketing, positioning, branding, communications, and strategic partnerships. She has focused her career on building successful sales and marketing teams, promoting strong partner and client relationships, and expanding revenue growth and profitability. Prior to joining Inova in 2021, Kathey has spent 20+ years in the HCM industry and held senior sales, marketing, and business development leadership positions with Asure Software, ISystems, BenefitMall, CompuPay and PayMaxx.
Kathey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Economics from Mississippi University for Women and Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Alabama.
Michael Prall
Vice President of Business Development, Paymerang
Michael Prall is Vice President of Business Development for Paymerang, a FinTech Automation Company located in Richmond, VA. In his role, Mr. Prall works to expand Paymerangs reach in the Lodging, Club, Resort and Hospitality markets. Michael has over 25 years of experience in Finance, Banking, Wireless and Software Technology having previously worked with US Bank, Tracfone Wireless and The Home Depot. He has been the keynote address speaker for several Fortune 500 companies and his thought leadership and insights provide companies a better understanding of how to utilize financial technology automation in their day to day operations.
Kerry Ranson
President Operations, Raines Co
Kerry V. Ranson is leading the Company's vision to grow and further diversify the portfolio. Kerry will leverage his extensive industry experience and well as the relationships he has cultivated over the 26 years in the hotel industry to further the growth of the Raines Company portfolio of managed properties nationwide. Kerry has grown management firms into highly successful companies. Formerly Co-founder and CEO of HP Hotels a third party hotel management company and President and Chief Operating Officer of Expotel Hospitality Services, a New Orleans-based hospitality ownership, management and development company, he also held the prestigious position of 2015 Chairman of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Owner's Association. Born and raised in New Orleans, Kerry's entrepreneurial spirit was evident at an early age. Beginning his career in the food and beverage arena with Ruby Tuesday's, Kerry entered the lodging side with Mirage, opening the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi and also spent time with Wilson Hotel Management Company. In 1999, Kerry joined IHG as an Area Director, before joining the start-up team of HP Hotels and was instrumental in its founding in 2002 with six hotels, which grew to more than 35 hotels in 16 states. After joining Expotel Hospitality as a partner in 2010, Kerry had grown the portfolio from 10 to 22 hotels in six states and moved Expotel to a TOP 50 Management Company 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015. Kerry's extensive client relationships span over well-known groups such as the Laurus Corporation, Stratford Hospitality, The Berger Company & Hotel Capital, to name a few. Kerry is well recognized in the hospitality industry by both peers and industry experts.
Jordan Rush
SVP Sales, Inova
With 19 years of industry experience, Jordan Rush practices a consultative approach that focuses specifically on the client's needs. Thus, he delivers the optimum payroll, TLM, and HR solutions to Inova clients that help them save time and money. His hands-on approach doesn't stop after the sale; Jordan frequently reaches out to clients to make sure they are satisfied with the value they receive from Inova.
Jordan leads one of Inova's national HCM sales teams. Loyalty, honesty, transparency, and personalized service are extremely important to Jordan's business philosophy, and he treats every client— no matter how large or small—with the same personalized service. Like the rest of Inova's Executive Team, Jordan has a reputation for going the extra mile for our clients.
Jordan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Economics from Wheaton College.
Elizabeth Schillo
Chief Revenue Officer, Netchex
Elizabeth leads all go to market functions across Sales, Marketing, and Partnerships across at team of 85 team members. With 20 years of experience in the HR Tech Space, she was drawn to the opportunity to bring together talent strategy and employee engagement to accelerate growth and automation initiatives for our clients and their employees. Prior to this role, Schillo led Sales and Customer Success for CareerBuilder SMB and all Canada operations, led Sales and Customer Success at Torch/ Everwise (Learning Management Software) and Dice/Clearance Jobs (Tech and Cleared Recruiting). Her commitment for training, leadership, and serving customers has enabled her teams to develop strong customer relationships. She holds a master of arts degree from Wheaton College and a bachelor of arts degree from Lee University.
Anne Sesso
President, Hospitality Asset Management Services
Anne Sesso is President of Hospitality Asset Management Services. She is an experienced CPA and PMP with over 30 years of industry experience. Anne has worked with M3 customers for over 15 years providing outsourced accounting services, policy and procedure recommendations and financial analysis.
Barry Schwartz
Chief Financial Officer, HCW
Barry Schwartz, CPA is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of HCW based in Branson, MO. HCW is a billion dollar Development Company with projects in Missouri, Kansas, Arizona and Indiana. During Barry’s career, he has served in both the public accounting side of the industry, as well as a member of the Executive Management team on the development side. From 1999-2004 Barry served as Chief Financial Officer of Grandvista Resorts, a large firm that specialized in the vacation ownership industry owned by HCW. Barry graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Brian Thayer
Vice President & General Manager of Sales, AvidXchange
As vice president and general manager of sales for AvidXchange, Brian Thayer specializes in helping companies streamline accounts payable operations and create efficiencies through automation and best practices. Throughout his ten-year tenure at AvidXchange, Brian has worked with hundreds of companies, helping them evaluate and implement automation solutions. He is passionate about helping businesses become more efficient, reducing their environmental footprint, and positioning organizations to grow without negative financial impact. Brian received his BS in Business Administration and Business Management & Marketing, from Bryant University.
Nathan Waltrip
Director of Business Development, ReactorNet
Nathan Waltrip leads ReactorNet's business development efforts through sales initiation, Project management and customer assimilation all the way through the Account management process. If it involves a potential customer or a customer of 23 years Nathan plays a key role in the success of that customer and continues to work towards providing value. Nathan has been with the ReactorNet team since its inception. He is a student of the procure-to-pay process, using his industry knowledge and years of experience to help clients optimize their business processes.
Jon Sykora
Trintech
Jon Sykora has a background in accounting, having held roles in external audit, internal audit, corporate accounting, and corporate IT. He has bought, implemented, and administered a Trintech solution before joining the Trintech family. After nearly a decade in product management for both Cadency and Adra, Jon moved into a global partner pre-sales role to continue achieving Trintech growth. He is passionate about bringing solutions to customer problems and enjoys the challenge each prospect brings.
Tanya Venegas, MBA, MHM
Chief Experience Officer, HotStats
Tanya Venegas, MBA, MHM is the Chief Experience Officer for HotStats. HotStats provides monthly P&L benchmarking & market insight for the hotel industry. In this role, she establishes global initiatives for the organization and leads the team in providing HotStats customers with an exceptional experience throughout the entire customer journey. Before joining HotStats, Tanya was the Executive Director and HFTP Fellow of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Research Institute at the University of Houston. Tanya is on the HFTP Greater Houston Chapter board and has served on multiple HFTP councils and committees. In 2021, Tanya received the Paragon Award from HFTP which is given to an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the global hospitality finance or technology industry. She regularly speaks at industry events and has written numerous articles for global hospitality finance and technology publications.
Rob Smith
Chief Financial Officer, Crescent Hotels & Resorts
Rob Smith has over 30 years of experience in the hotel business working for two of the largest independent management companies, Interstate Hotels & Resorts and Carnival Hotels & Resorts, before joining Crescent in 2015. As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Smith has oversight of all corporate and property financial operations. Mr. Smith has extensive on-property experience, as he has held the position of Director of Finance at eight different properties over his career. Prior to joining Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Smith held several different financial positions with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, ultimately being promoted to Executive Vice President of Global Finance with oversight of more than 400 hotels worldwide, as well as numerous corporate and international entities.