Signing Off with Gratitude (and a Smile!)

Dear ICHRIE Friends and Colleagues,

After 4½ incredible years, it’s time for me to sign off from ICHRIE with an official announcement my family applauds – retirement! What a journey it has been — full of collaboration, creativity, and a shared passion for advancing hospitality education around the world.

When I joined ICHRIE, I knew I was stepping into something special, but I never imagined how much this community would come to mean to me. Together, we’ve weathered challenges, celebrated wins, and built new programs that continue to elevate our profession. I’ve learned so much from all of you — and found so many new friends along the way! 

From conferences and committees to spontaneous brainstorms that somehow turned into big ideas, I’ll carry these memories with me always. It’s been an honor to work alongside such dedicated, kind, and talented people who care so deeply about this industry and the next generation it serves. A very special thank you to the 6 ICHRIE Presidents, I was privileged to work with, and to an amazing ICHRIE office with the very knowledgeable and talented, Darla Hancock, Mary Richards, and Jennifer Herdt.  

As I step into my next chapter, please know how grateful I am for your friendship, encouragement, and trust. ICHRIE will always hold a special place in my heart — and I’ll be cheering from the sidelines as the organization continues to grow and thrive.

So, this isn’t “goodbye” … it’s more of a “see you in the next chapter!”  

With gratitude and warm wishes,

Fran Brasseux

Fran invites you to stay connected on LinkedIn!

Dear Fran,

On behalf of the entire ICHRIE Board and all our members, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! You didn’t just participate in our community—you strengthened it. Your commitment and leadership are a testament to being the best of ICHRIE, particularly during a challenging time as we came out of COVID.

We especially recognise the strong partnerships you cultivated, the initiatives (such as CommUnity) you have put in place, working with six Presidents and through hiring such a dedicated office team. Thank you so much for all you have done in the past 4 ½ years, and for the many contributions you have made to our ICHRIE community.

In the ICHRIE spirit of hospitality, may we wish you all the very best as you begin your “next chapter”.

J.S. Perry Hobson
President ICHRIE, and on behalf of the ICHRIE Board and Membership

These letters to ICHRIE Members were originally published in the 20 October 2025 edition of the weekly ICHRIE Member Monday eNewsletter.

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