As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, C. A. "Bud" Cataldo is responsible for the guidance and growth of Hostmark Hospitality Group's property operations, asset management, development and construction. An industry icon with over fifty years' experience in hospitality, Mr. Cataldo served in senior executive capacities with the Holiday Inn brand before launching an innovative hotel management firm, The Management Group, in 1975, one of the first hotel management firms to offer full-scope organizational support to every property department from the corporate office.

Mr. Cataldo's praise from the industry is earned for his focus on innovation, superior results and motivational leadership. He is renowned in the hotel and tourism industry as a visionary leader and successfully leads one of the foremost worldwide hotel management companies, Hostmark Hospitality Group. In 2007, he was instrumental in forming Shamrock-Hostmark Hotel Fund LP, a co-sponsored hotel acquisition fund with Shamrock Holdings of California. To date, $300 Million in assets have been successfully added to the fund portfolio.

As the founder of Hostmark Hospitality Group, Mr. Cataldo's vast expertise was garnered from close involvement with the development, construction, financing and opening of more than 350 hotels containing over 120,000 rooms during his illustrious career. He has served as chairman of the Greater Chicago and Illinois Hotel/Motel Associations, the Chicago Convention and Visitor's Bureau and as Director of the American Hotel/Motel Association. Mr. Cataldo was awarded the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Chairman’s Hospitality Award recognizing excellence in hospitality. He has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Roosevelt University’s Manfred Steinfeld School of Hospitality Management, as well as the Michigan State Industry Leader Award. 

Robert J. Cataldo, vice chairman and chief operating officer, maintains responsibility for all operations of hotels, resorts and restaurants in the company’s management portfolio and development pipeline. Mr. Cataldo also directs the company’s relationships with hotel owners, financial and institutional fund managers and hotel franchise companies.

Mr. Cataldo’s experience spans four decades and includes posts as general manager and as director of food and beverage with various branded and independent hotels, including the post of General Manager at the famed Ambassador West Hotel on Chicago’s Gold Coast. Mr. Cataldo has developed and held operational responsibility for more than 300 hotels and resorts with asset value exceeding $3 billion.

Among his many accomplishments, which include leading a dedicated executive staff at Hostmark, Mr. Cataldo's vast experience and foresight into consumer trends prompted the launch of Amalfi, Hostmark’s boutique hotel concept, as well as the company’s international expansion, creating and bringing the Hostmark hotel brand to the global market.

Known throughout the industry as having a "hands on" approach, Mr. Cataldo is a respected leader among hotel operators internationally. In 2008, Mr. Cataldo was awarded the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association's J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award in its inaugural year, recognizing enduring excellence in the hospitality industry. Mr. Cataldo serves on numerous academic and industry boards, including those of Roosevelt University’s Manfred Steinfeld School of Hospitality Management, as well as the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.

William D. Gingrich, II, executive vice president and CFO, began his career in the hospitality industry in 1979 after successfully working with a local CPA firm and obtaining his CPA certificate. His extensive hospitality experience includes new hotel development, business development, corporate financial and tax restructuring, acting as interim president of a national franchise company, and being the Chief Operating Officer for a Denver-based hotel company. 

With Hostmark Hospitality Group, he maintains oversight over financing, budgeting, tax structuring and risk management.  Additionally, Mr. Gingrich governs the acquisition and development components of all Hostmark Hospitality Group ventures.  He holds a degree from Western Michigan University, is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and Hospitality Financial and Technology Professional Organizations, and is the past president of the Colorado Association of Hospitality Accountants.

Peter D. Connolly, executive vice president of operations and development, has had a distinguished career in a variety of legal and business roles with prestigious travel and hospitality organizations. Mr. Connolly was of counsel to Jeffer, Mangel, Butler & Marmaro in its global hospitality practice, where he designed and documented hotel financial structures, including hotel condominium and traditional hotel structures, and negotiated management agreements, hotel purchase and hotel finance agreements on behalf of various developer and management company clients. 

From 1982 to 2000, Connolly was with the Hyatt organization as general counsel, where he was responsible for hotel operating legal issues, acquisitions, divestitures, financings, management arrangements and owner relationships. In 1996 and 1997, Connolly ran Hyatt’s development department, and was responsible for the acquisition and/or development of a number of Hyatt properties. Connolly retired from Hyatt in 2000 as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Information Officer of the company.

Mr. Connolly is a member of the bars of Illinois, the District of Columbia, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He is a graduate of Providence College and Catholic University Law School.

L.W. Biff Hawkey, Jr. brings a wealth of knowledge in real estate, law, and tax strategies to Hostmark Hospitality Group's operations and management functions. As such, Mr. Hawkey creates and oversees the design of financial restructuring opportunities, deal-sourcing, reorganization, and workout plans for clients, and has provided remarkable support and assistance to borrowers and lenders in foreclosure, bankruptcy and receivership situations.

His valuable insights have earned him notoriety within the Hospitality Industry, and he is frequently called upon by business peers as a keynote speaker.  Mr. Hawkey is the accomplished author of several books, holds B.A. and J.D. degrees, and is an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he teaches hospitality development and feasibility Master’s level classes.

Richard M. Quinlan, vice president of operations, began his career in the hospitality industry in 1960, and joined Hostmark after leading Henrici’s Management Corporation as principal and vice president. Through Mr. Quinlan’s direction and coordination, Hostmark properties are ensured the highest standards of quality and maximum profitability.  His expertise covers each area of a hotel’s operation, and his inventive food and beverage cost monitoring programs have long been considered "state of the industry.” He holds a B.S.B.A. degree from the University of Denver, where he majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

R. Haydn Kramer, Vice President of Operations, has over 18 years of diverse hotel experience, including more than ten years with Marriott International, Inc., in roles that utilized his talents in sales and marketing, as well as in leadership. During his tenure with Marriott as Regional Manager, he was responsible for 30 Residence Inn and Courtyard brand properties in Detroit, MI; the state of Indiana; and Atlanta, GA, and he was instrumental in the design and management of Marriott’s multi-brand sales effort in the Detroit market. Haydn was a member of the Marriott 2000 Task Force responsible for design and implementation of the model for Marriott sales worldwide, which included systems, structure and computer database design. He also served Marriott as Full Service General Manager and as Area General Manager.

In addition, Mr. Kramer has held a variety of executive positions with Concord Hospitality, including Vice President of Operations. An outstanding example of hospitality community involvement, Haydn has served in Convention and Visitors’ Bureaus in Houston, Toledo and Detroit. Mr. Kramer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California - Irvine in Planning and Public Policy with a minor in Journalism.

Brian Tkac, vice president of marketing & revenue, oversees marketing, revenue management and distribution activities for Hostmark’s portfolio of hotels and resorts. In this role, Mr. Tkac develops and implements initiatives that increase hotel market share, and continues to evolve Hostmark’s commitment to customer relationship management. Mr. Tkac oversees the firm’s communications and integrated marketing programs.

Mr. Tkac has over twenty years of experience in hotels and resorts, and joined Hostmark in 1994 after holding numerous executive sales and marketing positions, including corporate director of marketing and regional director of sales and marketing. In addition to these roles, Mr. Tkac has held executive positions with Interstate Hotels and Resorts,  where he participated in the transition of all newly acquired hotels and resorts, and has had extensive training with Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Carlson and IHG.  Mr. Tkac holds a Bachelors degree in psychology from Illinois State University and attended the Booth School of Business graduate marketing program at the University of Chicago.

He serves on advisory boards for Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and Carino Hotels.

Edward F. Richter, Hostmark’s vice president of sales, is a veteran of the field, and came to Hostmark from the Hilton Corporation. As Hilton's vice president of sales and marketing, he was in charge of all sales and marketing operations for corporate-managed Hilton Hotels in the Midwest and on the East Coast, as well as being directly responsible for Hilton’s national sales offices in the same areas. He helped in the development of conference center facilities at these properties, which created a new marketing thrust for the Hilton Corporation. Since joining Hostmark in 1987 as vice president of sales and marketing, Mr. Richter's cutting edge sales concepts have established Hostmark's group sales departments as the driving force within the convention and conference center industry.  His involvement for over 30 years with association and trade show markets has also helped strengthen Hostmark's position in these key sales areas.

For over 25 years, Colin Sanderson's achievements in sales and marketing have been associated with franchise, independent and resort hotels nationwide. He is known throughout the industry for his ability to quickly analyze sales and marketing teams' effectiveness and to implement creative and cutting-edge strategies to take advantage of the sales teams' strengths and market conditions. Prior to joining Hostmark Hospitality Group, Colin successfully served in leadership and senior level leadership positions with Kokua Hospitality, Intercontinental Hotels, Interstate Hotels and Bristol Hotels and Resorts.

Colin attended the University of Denver and graduated with a B.S.B.A. degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Joseph Sammartano, CFBE, vice president of food and beverage, directs Hostmark's food and beverage operations.  In this capacity, Mr. Sammartano is responsible for employee development and training as well as menu development and implementation.  He also supervises the company's quality assurance program, and has designed several innovative programs and cost control initiatives that have resulted in reductions in food cost, labor cost and other expenses, while increasing quality and guest satisfaction. Mr. Sammartano also directs the company’s creative department for hotel food and beverage as well as their free-standing restaurant division.
 
He was instrumental in the creation of On the Bone, the company’s trademarked steak house, as well as Gary Barnett’s and Jacque Demers restaurants. Mr. Sammartano is currently developing new concepts for several recently-acquired hotels in Tampa, FL, Andover, MA, and Palm Desert, CA. Mr. Sammartano has previously held executive positions with restaurant companies, country clubs and hotel management companies and has been involved in opening numerous hotel properties and free-standing restaurants.

As vice president of Human Resources, Christine Andrews is responsible for the direction of Hostmark's human resources/employee relations division.  Ms. Andrews has previously held human resources positions at several of Hostmark’s managed properties, and while with Hostmark, has implemented many human resources programs for our client properties. 

She has served on the board of Chicago's Hotel Human Resources Association, and  is an active member of the Society of Human Resources Management and Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers.  Ms. Andrews received her bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she majored in Hotel Administration and holds a Master's degree in Hospitality Management from Roosevelt University.

                            Corporate and Regional Staff

Roy J. Myles, operations manager, is responsible for due diligence and operational support functions in Hostmark acquisitions. He has developed a diverse leadership background in resort, full service properties, limited service properties, economy lodging and restaurants, with over 29 years of hospitality experience. Mr. Myles served with Marriott Corporation for 15 years. He has served as General Manager for several properties and has directed a region of 17 properties, including Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inns, Comfort Inns, Hilton, Holiday Inn and Super 8.

Roy has recently served as Chairman of the Board for the Chicago North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau and as Vice President of the Dublin, Ohio, Convention and Visitors Bureau. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Hotel and Restaurant Management with a minor in Sales and Marketing.

Peggy Feller, regional director of sales & marketing, is responsible for the Hostmark customized incentive program named W.A.Y., an acronym standing for “We Appreciate You” and is designed to recognize those individuals or companies who book reservations at Hostmark properties. This tool enhances the efforts of the sales offices to attract business and retain clients. Over the course of the next few years, the program will be pursuing partnerships with schools, charities, and other not-for-profit organizations. Ms. Feller has been with Hostmark supporting sales & marketing since 1996.  Prior to that she was a meeting planner for a major travel agency and an account executive with Gardner & Geldmacher, Inc., responsible for the development of incentive and service award programs for Fortune 500 companies.

Nancy Mazzocchetti is responsible for managing Hostmark’s accounting office and its interfacing activities with client hotels.  As corporate director of accounting, Ms. Mazzocchetti is responsible for the preparation of financial statements, payroll processing, cash management and the continuous monitoring and updating of Hostmark’s accounting policies and procedures.  She joined Hostmark in 1991 after previously holding positions with Westin Hotels and Guest Quarters Suite Hotels.  Ms. Mazzocchetti received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Loyola University, and holds a graduate executive certificate in Hospitality Management from Roosevelt University.

Sharon K. Mitchell, Regional Controller, graduated from DePaul University Chicago with a B.S. in Accounting. She began her career with Topel Forman as a Public accountant, a position which offered diverse experiences in accounting, including hotel auditing operations and food & beverage operations. She was also involved in accounting functions for the food & beverage outlets for one of Chicago’s former racetracks, Sportsman’s Park.

Joining Hostmark Hospitality Group in 1995, Sharon is now responsible for preparing, analyzing and reviewing financial statements for resorts, full service and limited service hotels. She provides training and development for controllers including hotel and corporate accounting staff. With extensive knowledge as an auditor, Sharon capably performs internal hotel audits. Her proficiency also allows her to handle various types of hotel transitions, and her years of skill allow her to manage properties with distinct requirements, such as foreign currency, fiscal yearends and HOA, among others. 

William W. Tracy worked with Hostmark Hospitality Group in 1999 on a joint venture takeover of a major hotel chain and then joined the Hostmark team as Regional Controller, where he oversees the accounting and reporting functions of various hotels and resort properties. He has been in the hospitality management accounting field since 1975. During those years, his emphasis has been on the development and improvement of reporting systems; he works closely with the Hostmark property management teams to assist in their reporting requirements. Mr. Tracy obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Central Florida and an MBA in Finance from the University of Tennessee.

Chris Gutzler, corporate director of M.I.S., oversees and directs all areas of information systems at Hostmark, and ensures the company maintains and aligns technology with operational strategies to maximize and enhance business objectives. Previously, Mr. Gutzler held positions with a real estate investment trust and functioned as regional director and then director of M.I.S. for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. He attended the University of North Texas, where he majored in Accounting and Information Systems.

Steven Fenili, corporate director of construction,  is responsible for project management/construction for the firm.  Mr. Fenili began his hospitality career in 1975 with Holiday Inn Worldwide, and served both in hotel operations and the corporate area.  He has been recognized as an industry leader, and managed numerous renovations, technical advancements and mechanical enhancements for hotels throughout the country. As a Certified Engineering Operating Executive (CEOE) and qualified OSHA trainer, Mr. Fenili shares his technical expertise with property personnel to further enhance their operational skills, insuring Hostmark remains an industry leader in these areas.

James F. Giglio, director of purchasing, is responsible for overseeing the recurring purchases at all Hostmark properties, ensuring that vendor prices are optimum for all properties. Mr. Giglio is also responsible for setting the quality standards for items purchased, varying by type of hotel franchise. He establishes National Contracts/Preferred Vendors with suppliers, creating a critical upstanding relationship with these vendors. Mr. Giglio joined Hostmark in 1981 with extensive experience in all facets of hospitality food and beverage operations as well as back-of-the-house operations and functions.

Del Suguitan is responsible for the financial analysis of development and repositioning opportunities for Hostmark, and also helps coordinate the due diligence and transactional support functions  in Hostmark acquisitions.  Ms. Suguitan’s hospitality background stems from several years in operations and her participation in the opening of the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago.

She also has a background in extended stay accommodations as a site manager with Habitat Corporate Suites, and as a certified paralegal, previously worked as a real estate paralegal for several law firms in Chicago. Ms. Suguitan graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management, and has recently completed dual Real Estate MBA and Master’s of Hospitality Management degrees from Roosevelt University.

A native of Seattle, Aaron Riffe began his tenure with Hostmark Hospitality Group in February 2008. In his position as Business Development Analyst, Mr. Riffe is responsible for analyzing the viability of possible business opportunites. In an effort to increase the accuracy and timeliness of this analysis, he has been intimately involved in adding flexibility to the process and model used to evaluate potential opportunities. Prior to joining Hostmark, Mr. Riffe gained operational and management experience in numerous disciplines with the Renaissance Hotel brand. Mr. Riffe holds a Master's Degree in Hospitality Management from Roosevelt University Chicago, in addition to a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago.