The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA), which works to advance and protect North Carolina’s $20.2 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, today announced that Joel Griffin of Griffin Stafford Hospitality in Charlotte, N.C. has been elected to the Board of Directors for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The AH&LA Board represents all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and REITS, management companies, independents, and state associations.

“It is an honor to serve alongside distinguished leaders of our nation’s lodging industry,” said Griffin. The power of collaboration from all facets of the industry helps to position us to optimally address the many challenges we face. ”

“After serving for many years on the North Carolina’s Restaurant and Lodging Association Board of Directors, Joel has a real insight into the important roles state associations play in working with AH&LA to meet the evolving needs of the industry,” said NCRLA President & CEO Lynn Minges. “Joel’s keen business insight and collaborative approach will be a huge asset in helping to guide the future of our nation’s lodging industry.”

Entering his second term as Chair, Jim Abrahamson, CHA, CEO, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, welcomed the new Board members during the annual meeting in New York. “Our Board reflects the depth and breadth of our entire industry, uniting us all around a common goal to advance our industry’s mission and I look forward to engaging them on the issues so crucial to our future success. Both new and returning members are an outstanding asset and highly valued within our industry,” he said. “I look forward to building on the momentum we have made in the past year and working with the Officers and the AH&LA team to elevate the characteristics unique to the hospitality industry.”

The AH&LA Board meets twice yearly to discuss a broad range of industry and association-related issues. The new Board was appointed by the AH&LA Nominating Committee in accordance with AH&LA’s Bylaws.