At the core of LodgeWorks is our body of accomplished partners. Each partner exemplifies the spirit and the values of our organization.
Our Partners
Rolf Ruhfus
Chairman and CEO
Rolf Ruhfus
38 years
It’s all about the team and the opportunity to do something larger organizations cannot. Our senior team is experienced and nimble and has the freedom to move quickly for the right opportunity. Our field teams always take care of the guest. It’s a joy.
Rolf is involved in development efforts, oversees all investor and financial relationships and is personally involved with all LodgeWorks hotels and their teams.
Mike Daood
President
Mike Daood
24 years
I’m honored to be part of a team so competent, trusted and steeped in legacy. I share the responsibility with my trusted partners, who are also my friends, to sustain our precious culture and advance our spirit of creativity… the qualities I most admire: honesty, gentleness, decisiveness and intellect.
Mike leads development efforts and oversees all of LodgeWorks’ corporate and field administration.
Don Marvin
EVP, Development and Construction
Don Marvin
36 years
Even after 28+ years in this business, it is still a rush like no other to direct a hotel project from beginning to the last detail and wow our clients and competition.
Don oversees all LodgeWorks hotel construction projects and is involved in all company development efforts.
Roy Baker
EVP, Finance and Treasurer
Roy Baker
39 years
I never planned on leaving public accounting but when the opportunity to work for the people who started LodgeWorks arose, I made the change and after 30 years still know it was the right decision.
Roy is responsible for the overall financial administration of LodgeWorks, including all accounting and tax activities.
Gregory Epp
EVP — Corporate Operations
Gregory Epp
20 years
As one might expect, I have a passion for numbers and really pay attention to details. I learned these values at an early age growing up as a son of a sole proprietor. What I found when I joined LodgeWorks is that we have the same attention to detail both in our hotels and for our guests.
Greg oversees the financial performance and operations of all LodgeWorks hotels.
Cheryl Gilliam
SVP — Brands and Marketing
Cheryl Gilliam
31 years
I love the chance to create experiences – and that’s what great brands do. Our guests see a composite of thousands of choices that resonate as a brand. Done well it seems so simple. As brand innovators and incubators, we not only get to make it up – we get to make it work.
Cheryl is responsible for LodgeWorks brand, marketing and media efforts.
Blaze Brigman
SVP — Field Operations
Blaze Brigman
25 years
I was attracted to the hospitality industry as a career path at a young age. Being the seventh of eight children taught me many lessons about personalities, team building and successful “HR chemistry.” I really enjoy being with our team leaders and staff where I feel I make a difference in operational efficiencies and maintaining the growth of our LodgeWorks culture.
Blaze leads and oversees the daily operations for the LodgeWorks hotel portfolio.
Liz Thompson
SVP — Sales and Revenue
Liz Thompson
30 years
I have always been driven and inspired by the results of successful direct sales. It is what motivates me every day… I find the process of reaching out to customers, meeting their needs and building long term partnerships that make their lives easier the most rewarding aspect of my position.
Liz oversees the sales leadership and revenue generating aspects of the portfolio.
Katrin Klages
VP Finance
Katrin Klages
22 years
A management team, which is also personally invested in each hotel project, ensures a true partnership among all parties involved. It makes it much easier to convince investors of the strength and integrity of our experienced team.
Katrin manages investor and financial relationships.
Seth White
VP and CFO
Seth White
13 years
I’ve always enjoyed building things and seeing the results of quality built projects. In addition, I’m a numbers/results oriented person. LodgeWorks allows me to use my passion for ground up development and ultimately ensuring the successful operating results of those projects.
Seth oversees the financial performance, operations, and capital purchasing of LodgeWorks hotels.
Maria Whiteman
VP Business Affairs and General Counsel
Maria Whiteman
7 years
Having a seat across the table from LodgeWorks on many projects, I knew I wanted to be a part of this special team. The innovation, collaboration and respect among the entire group makes being a part of this partnership something that I do not take for granted. The best part of my role is that I get to work with all aspects of the business, from concept through development and operations.
Maria is responsible for the legal affairs of the Company, including the legal aspects of real estate development and financing.
We’ve been together a long time. There is a tremendous amount of experience and trust among our team. You rarely find that combination anywhere. – Rolf Ruhfus
Our Team
Ann Zele
VP of Finance and Accounting
Ann Zele
31 years
Ann develops and oversees hotel, corporate and partnership accounting systems, accounting data and financial reporting, as well as providing analysis and data for partner decision-making.
Jeff Thomas
Director of Construction
Jeff Thomas
13 years
Jeff manages the portfolio’s construction from ground breaking to completion ensuring all requirements, installations and inspections are met.
Jennifer McPherson
Director of Human Resources
Jennifer McPherson
18 years
Jennifer provides support for Human Resources, including employee relations, performance management, payroll and benefits.
Jennifer Regan
Director Brands and Marketing
Jennifer Regan
13 years
Jennifer manages the day-to-day marketing efforts for Archer Hotel and supports our other great brands.
Joyce Provencher
Director of Hotel Accounting
Joyce Provencher
31 years
Joyce manages the hotel accounting department for LodgeWorks, encompassing accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial statement preparation, and internal audit.
Kayme Pumphrey
Marketing Manager
Kayme Pumphrey
Less than a year
Kayme manages the day-to-day marketing efforts for Archer Hotel and supports our other great brands.
Leanda Weaver
Director of Corporate Accounting
Leanda Weaver
30 years
Leanda manages the corporate accounting department, including accounts payable, banking responsibilities and preparation of corporate financial statements.
Lily Shawver
Social Media Specialist
Lily Shawver
3 years
Lily manages social platforms, develops digital content and assists with marketing campaigns.
Luke Catlin
Director of IT
Luke Catlin
6 years
Luke oversees all IT Systems and hotel connectivity across the LodgeWorks portfolio.
Maria Skubal
Director of Field Accountancy
Maria Skubal
34 years
Maria leads internal audits and provides operations support for the LodgeWorks portfolio.
Marko Poznanovich
Regional Revenue Manager
Marko Poznanovich
10 years
Marko guides daily revenue management, strategy and implementation for a portion of the LodgeWorks portfolio.
Matt Aarstad
Regional Revenue Manager
Matt Aarstad
6 years
Matt is responsible for daily revenue management, strategy and implementation for a portion of the LodgeWorks portfolio.
Megan Gederian
Brand Manager
Megan Gederian
7 years
Megan is a key field liaison ensuring a consistent brand experience across the hotel collection.
Michelle Fiorletti
Director of Revenue Management
Michelle Fiorletti
12 years
Michelle oversees the revenue strategies and implementation for the LodgeWorks portfolio.
Michelle Holle
Director of Tax
Michelle Holle
20 years
Michelle oversees the tax department and is responsible for investor and hotel income tax compliance.
Nate Specchio
Brand and Operations Specialist
Nick Langerot
Senior Project Manager
Nick Langerot
4 years
Nick manages hotel construction from groundbreaking to opening, working to ensure the highest quality by managing all requirements, installations, inspections and general contracting standards.
Sandie Vogt
Operations/Sales Manager
Sandie Vogt
24 years
Sandie supports and manages the day-to-day efforts of our sales and operational teams.
Scott Neumann
Field Food and Beverage Manager
Scott Neumann
5 years
Scott assists in food and beverage operations at our hotels and is responsible for menu creation and development for the suburban Archer Hotel locations.
Sheila Keaton
Senior Copywriter + Editor
Sheila Keaton
3 years
Sheila develops copy and coordinates content for websites, blogs, newsletters, advertising and sales collateral, online marketing and presentations.
Shelby Kaufman
Digital Marketing Specialist
Shelby Kaufman
6 years
Shelby supports the portfolio in the day-to-day interactive efforts.
Suzanne Chance
Sr. Director of Digital Marketing
Suzanne Chance
25 years
Suzanne leads the interactive strategy and execution for LodgeWorks, managing initiatives to drive revenue to the hotel’s website and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends in digital marketing and e-commerce.