Executive Profiles

Rolf Tweeten - Chairman

Mr. Tweeten is the Chairman of Alliance Hospitality Management LLC as well as the founder and President of Axis Hospitality Inc. Beginning his career with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout School of Hotel Administration, he joined the Marriott Corporation and completed their Management Training Program. After holding various managerial positions at full service Marriott Hotels in the midwest and southeastern United States he transitioned to hospitality real estate consulting. Mr. Tweeten held managerial positions in the hospitality real estate consulting divisions of Deloitte & Touche, LLC and Ernst and Young, LLC. He is an expert in the operational, market, and financial analysis and valuation of hospitality-related real estate.

Over the past 20 years he has become a fully integrated developer, owner and manager of premium branded hotels with a current portfolio of over 50 hotels in 16 states. Mr. Tweeten's aptitude for operating hotels in niche markets has been crucial to the success and remarkable growth of his companies. He has been responsible for every aspect of hotel operations and development.

Joseph F. Smith - President

Mr. Smith is a 25 year veteran of the industry. Mr. Smith has held a variety of industry positions including Senior Vice President of Asset Management for Boykin Lodging Company (NYSE:BOY), Regional Vice President of Operations, General Manager of Marriott Hotels in Cleveland, and Columbus, OH as well as Corporate Food and Beverage Director. Mr. Smith was most recently the President of Boykin Management Company. Mr. Smith has been a member of IACC (International Association of Conference Centers) and HAMA (Hotel Asset Managers Association). Mr. Smith holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Smith has held previous positions with TGI Friday's and American Airlines.

Jon Schade - Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Mr. Schade joined Alliance Hospitality in January, 2004 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining Alliance Hospitality, he worked 10 years for the public parent company of Choice Hotels International in Silver Spring, MD in various capacities in development, acquisition, operations and marketing. Mr. Schade's previous experience includes the development, construction and opening of 22 full and select service hotels for a major real estate developer throughout the US and Canada. Mr. Schade began his career in operations and was a hotel General Manager and a multi-unit supervisor with over 30 years experience in the hotel industry. He holds a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Brandywine College, Wilmington, Delaware.

Karen McWilliams - Vice President of Revenue Management

Ms. McWilliams joined Alliance Hospitality in its start-up phase. Previously, she was with Meyer Jabara Hotels, where she served as the Corporate Director of Revenue Management for three years. Prior to that, she was employed with Bristol Hotels and Resorts, as an Area Director of Revenue Management in Boston, Mass. Ms. McWilliams spent her first years with the company in Hartford, CT as the Director of Revenue for the Omaha and Quad City region with responsibilities for the revenue management and transient sales initiatives in 11 hotels, representing over $45 million in total revenue. Karen also served as Director of the Omaha Central Reservation Office. Karen is an active member of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) as well as the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE). She is an expert in retail pricing models and third party Internet booking conduits and guides the portfolio in retail pricing strategies and daily revenue management practices. A highlight in the revenue development department is a two-day themed learning experience that is targeted at all levels of understanding from novice to expert and is offered twice per year to any team member interested.