The International CHRIE Election Committee is pleased to announce the candidates for the 2025 ICHRIE Leadership Election.

Information on each candidate can be found below (in alphabetical order). The election period will run from 15 March through 28 April 2025. Only those members who are active and eligible will be able to vote.

*Click here to view the chart for eligibility. 

Meet this year's candidates:

Candidacy for Vice President (1/2) 

Henri Kuokkanen

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

I attended the 2012 EuroCHRIE conference in Lausanne as my introduction to CHRIE and joined the EuroCHRIE board in 2014 as the Swiss Area Consultant. Over the years, I served on the board as Director of Membership and Director of Education, stepping also in as interim Director of Conferences when needed. My EuroCHRIE presidential term spanned from summer 2020 to 2023.

I have volunteered for several ICHRIE projects, including the 2020 and 2021 DEI initiatives and the 2021 global and multicultural project. Additionally, I have organized local CHRIE events, such as the 2014 and 2015 Switzerland Research Days and the 2019 EuroCHRIE Small Group Meeting in Lyon. As the current Co-Editor-in-Chief of JHTC, I played a key role in transitioning the journal to Sage. As an editorial board member of JHTR, I was honored to receive the JHTR Outstanding Reviewer of the Year Award in 2023.

PLATFORM STATEMENT

I served on the EuroCHRIE board from 2013 to 2014, and since then, I have been Co-Editor-in-Chief of JHTC, a JHTR editorial board member, and part of the Research Marathon organizing team. These roles reflect my dual focus on research and education. With my experience in CHRIE board work, I believe I am well-positioned to strengthen these fundamental pillars of CHRIE to benefit our member schools and the industry.

Throughout my career, I have developed a thorough understanding of international organizations. At Nokia—then the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer—I gained global experience, which later continued in academic institutions with highly international students and staff. My personal life has followed a similar path; in addition to my native Finland, I have lived in Switzerland, France, and Canada, shaping my understanding of cross-cultural relations. 

I bring these competencies with me and look forward to contributing meaningfully to ICHRIE if elected.

>>> Henri's Campaign Video

Candidacy for Vice President (2/2) 

Carl Winston

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

Carl Winston has over 35 years of experience in a variety of executive level hospitality, event and tourism industry positions in academia and industry.   

He is the founding Director of the Payne School at SDSU. Launched in 2001, the School has earned a global reputation for its innovations, rigor, relevance and near perfect placement rate for graduates.  Winston created the first US based Master’s Degree in Meeting & Event Management in 2017.

Winston has served two prior CHRIE Board Terms as Director of Networking and Conferences. He is a passionate supporter for the CHRIE Future Fund.

He was also the founding Managing Director of the non-profit China Hospitality Education Initiative (CHEI). CHEI was launched in 2013 and supported more nearly 400 colleges and universities with 400,000 students.

Winston has been involved with more than 30 local, regional and international industry associations where he has served in leadership positions and Boards.

PLATFORM STATEMENT

>>> Carl's Campaign Video

Candidacy for Secretary (1/1)

Jean Hertzman

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

Jean Hertzman, Ph.D., CCE, CSW, CSS is a Professor and Director of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management at New Mexico State University. Previously, she was an associate professor and administrator for UNLV and a culinary educator at Sullivan University. She Hertzman holds an Educational Leadership Ph.D. from UNLV, a MBA from Tulane University and a BS Hotel Administration from Cornell University. Dr. Hertzman has been a member of ICHRIE since 2005 and is the current Secretary. She held many board positions for West Federation CHRIE including Director of Membership, Secretary, Vice-President, and President and Immediate Past President each twice, and served on ICHRIE committees. She is one of the founders of the Beverage Education Special Interest Group. She received the 2013 Chef Herman Breithaupt, the 2014 W. Bradford Wiley Best Research Paper of the Year, and three best conference paper awards.

PLATFORM STATEMENT

As described in my bio, I was an active leader of West Federation CHRIE for many years. It was my great pleasure to be elected ICHRIE Secretary in July 2023. I write agendas and take minutes for our Executive Committee, Full Board and Annual Business meetings. I am the chair of the Bylaws committee consisting of all the Federation Secretaries and ad-hoc members. I wrote the final versions of two sets of bylaws changes passed in July 2024. I assisted EuroCHRIE with the procedures for its recent vote to change the federation name to EMEA CHRIE. The Bylaws committee is now working on many other important changes to ensure there is appropriate information guiding our committees, member groups, and operating procedures as well as consistency and transparency throughout the document. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue leading this process, provide valuable input on board activities. and serve all our international members.

>>> Jean's Campaign Video

Candidacy for Director of Education (1/2)

Steven Rhoden

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

I am Dean of the University of Central Lancashire Business School and a Professor of Business Engagement. I am the Immediate Past President of EuroCHRIE, and I have been a member of ICHRIE for 20 years. I have previously served as EuroCHRIE Secretary and Area Consultant for the UK. I was also the conference chair of the 2015 EuroCHRIE annual conference. 

My research interests include transport and tourism, the experience economy, cultural tourism and tourism/hospitality education. I have published research papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at international conferences, including ICHRIE. I am a reviewer for leading tourism and management journals.

I am a Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE), Senior Fellow of Advance HE and a Member of the Institute of Travel and Tourism, and the Institute of Place Management. I also serve as a Quality Assessor for the UK’s national Office for Students. 

PLATFORM STATEMENT

As a passionate educational leader, I have benefited from ICHRIE’s global community and commitment to advancing hospitality and tourism education. I seek to give back by contributing to our field's growth, as Director of Education, through impactful initiatives.

My vision is to strengthen ICHRIE’s role as a global leader in educational thought leadership. I am committed to supporting faculty in integrating industry-engaged, technology enhanced innovative pedagogies that enhance student learning and employability. 

I will champion the creation of a community of practice—Learner Experience and Outcomes Scholars (LEOS)—to advance educational scholarship and career prospects, especially for early-career academics. Working collaboratively with all Federations' Directors, I will ensure this community of practice reflects the global diversity of learners' needs. By fostering collaboration and mentorship, we can shape the future of hospitality and tourism education.

I would be grateful for your support and look forward to the opportunity to serve.

>>> Steven's Campaign Video

Ruth Smith

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

Dr. Ruth Annette Smith, a globally certified hospitality educator and industry professional, serves as the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Hospitality Management at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Holding an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, an M.S. in Hospitality Management, a B.A. (Hons.) in Hospitality Management, and a B.Ed. in Technological Studies and Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Smith's educational journey spans across the USA, England, and Canada.

Proudly recognized as a Propel HBCU Faculty Fellow and a UNCF Faculty Fellow, Dr. Smith demonstrates her commitment to advancing education. Beyond the classroom, she has held the positions of VP, President, IVP, and Director of Education for SECSA Federation of ICHRIE. Fueled by a fiery passion for teaching, service, scholarship, research, and creativity, Dr. Smith tirelessly advocates for student success. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her transformational leadership and pedagogical expertise, making her a beacon of inspiration and leaving an indelible impact on those she encounters.

PLATFORM STATEMENT

I would be honored to undertake the role of ICHRIE Director of Education for the 2025 term, dedicated to propelling the advancement of teaching and learning and in hospitality and tourism education. My previous experience as a SECSA Federation leader has enhanced my ability to inspire, motivate, and engage fellow educators. The unique experiences and insights gathered during my tenure, coupled with my diverse international background in both education and industry, position me effectively to address the global needs of ICHRIE's educators. I am enthusiastic about steering hospitality education into the 21st century and collaborating on pedagogical resources that cater to the engagement needs and learning styles of Generations Z and Alpha learners, equipping them for the challenges of the industry.

Driven by a passion for both technological and academic progress, I am committed to reinforcing ICHRIE's foundation of teaching and learning. Through extensive collaboration with ICHRIE members and industry partners, I aim to contribute to the global evolution of hospitality education.

Candidacy for Director of Networking (1/2)

Saehya Ann

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

Dr. Saehya Ann is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism at California State University, East Bay. With over 10 years of experience as a hospitality educator, Dr. Ann is committed to fostering students’ sustainable education and hands-on learning experiences. Dr. Ann's research primarily focuses on human resources management within the service industry.

Dr. Ann has been an active and dedicated member of the ICHRIE community, supporting its mission through six years of service on the West Federation CHRIE Board. During this time, Dr. Ann has held various leadership roles, including Immediate Past President (2 years), President (1 year), Vice President (1 year), and Director of Research (2 years).

Dr. Ann looks forward to the opportunity to further contribute to the growth and development of the ICHRIE community.

PLATFORM STATEMENT 

As a candidate for Director of Networking, I am dedicated to creating a dynamic and inclusive network that fosters professional growth and meaningful connections for ICHRIE members. I will focus on enhancing collaboration among the Networking Committee, the SIG Council, and ICHRIE members, ensuring our networking initiatives meet the evolving needs of the community. By promoting SIG activities and coordinating with departments like Member Services and Marketing, I will align our efforts to maximize impact.

With 11 years of active involvement in ICHRIE, including six years of service on the West Federation CHRIE Board, I have held leadership roles such as Immediate Past President, President, Vice President, and Director of Research. I’ve also contributed to various ICHRIE committees and served as a panelist for webinars. These experiences provide me with a deep understanding of ICHRIE’s goals, enabling me to strengthen and grow our network effectively.

I am excited to leverage my experience and passion for connection to empower members and foster a thriving ICHRIE community.

 >>> Saehya's Campaign Video

Candidacy for Director of Networking (2/2)

Frank Tsai

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

Dr. Frank Tsai is an Associate Professor of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He earned his Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration from Texas Tech University, an M.S. in Hotel and Food Service Management from Florida International University, and executive training from Le Cordon Bleu.

With over 10 years of experience in fine dining and travel services, Dr. Tsai has developed strong skills in leadership, mentorship, and industry engagement. He has held teaching and administrative roles in both the United States and Taiwan, offering a global perspective on hospitality education.

Currently, Dr. Tsai serves as the Director of Member Services and Marketing for the Northeast North American (NENA) Federation of ICHRIE, where he promotes the value of NENA-ICHRIE and assists with fundraising for Federal Conferences. Committed to student success and industry growth, he is passionate about building professional networks and creating opportunities for students.

PLATFORM STATEMENT

As Director of Networking, my goal is to foster meaningful connections through websites, social media, and Special Interest Group Council. By leading the Networking Committee and collaborating with Federation Directors, SIGs leadership, and ICHRIE’s Conference, Member Services, and Marketing teams, I will promote ICHRIE’s value and create dynamic opportunities for professional growth beyond our annual conference.

I am committed to:

• Enhancing Year-Round Engagement through digital platforms and interactive discussions.
• Strengthening Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to support research and collaboration.
• Collaboration Across ICHRIE Federations to unify networking efforts.
• Expanding Global Connections to foster cross-regional engagement.

With a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, I aim to strengthen the ICHRIE network, creating valuable opportunities for members at all career stages and generations. Together, we can build a more connected and engaged hospitality and tourism education community.

Candidacy for Director of Marketing (1/2)

Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

Dr. Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch is a Professor in the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University.  She received her doctoral degree in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  She has served in numerous leadership roles for both the ICHRIE and SECSA Federation boards and has been the recipient of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Faculty Collegiality Award. Dr. Kitterlin-Lynch is currently the Associate Editor for the International Hospitality Review, as well as the co-host of the Checking-Inn podcast.

PLATFORM STATEMENT

During my over 15 years as a member of ICHRIE, I have had the honor of serving in numerous leadership roles:  

• ICHRIE SECSA Director of Networking, 2022-2023
• ICHRIE Director of Member Services, 2020-2021
• ICHRIE SECSA Immediate Past President, 2018-2019
• ICHRIE SECSA President, 2018-2019
• ICHRIE SECSA Vice President, 2017-2018 
• ICHRIE SECSA Director of Research, 2015-2017

I have enjoyed many years of serving both my region and ICHRIE as a whole, and would be happy to once again be of service to our members.  Thank you to those who nominated me for the Director of Marketing position and thank you to our members for your consideration.

  >>> Miranda's Campaign Video

Candidacy for Director of Marketing (2/2)

Godwin-Charles Ogbeide

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH

Dr. Godwin-Charles Ogbeide is a hospitality and leadership professor at MSU Denver School of Hospitality, where he leads the Day Leadership Academy. He serves as Editor of the Cogent Business and Management Journal, founding Director of the Event and Tourism Institute at Indiana University-Indianapolis, and an editorial board member for numerous journals. A dedicated ICHRIE member for over 20 years, Dr. Ogbeide served as ICHRIE Director of Membership from 2012 to 2016, leading initiatives like the Emerging Nation Membership and the ICHRIE Mentoring Program. He was President of KOMA CHRIE (2010–2011), CentralCHRIE Federation President (2017–2018), and served on the ICHRIE Board from 2012 to 2018. Currently, he is on the ICHRIE Future Fund Committee, the Board of Governors for Eta Sigma Delta (ESD), the ESD Undergraduate Research Symposium Chair, and the West Federation CHRIE Director of Conference. As a passionate servant leader, he remains committed to advancing ICHRIE’s mission.

PLATFORM STATEMENT

If honored as ICHRIE Director of Marketing, I will collaborate with the ICHRIE Board to enhance membership engagement through webinars, workshops, mentorship programs, and a digital hub for teaching resources while promoting training on emerging technologies and innovative teaching methods. To elevate industry-relevant research, I will share findings via newsletters, blogs, social media, infographics, videos, and author insights. I will collaborate with industry associations for co-branded content and showcase ICHRIE members’ research at industry conferences and webinars while leveraging press releases and social media to increase visibility. One of my main goals is to bridge academia and industry, positioning ICHRIE as a hub for cutting-edge research and professional development in hospitality and tourism. We need our industry support and sponsorship for research funding/grants; as a former ICHRIE board member with extensive leadership experience across organizations, I will bring valuable expertise to advance this goal and other ICHRIE strategic goals.

  >>> Godwin-Charles' Campaign Video

 Candidacy for Director of Conference (1/1)

Jennifer Forney

BIOGRAPHY/BIOSKETCH