Passing the Gavel
ORLA Welcomes 2011-2012 Board of Directors
In case you missed ORLA’s Convention in Bend this past September, association members participated in the annual meeting whereby they voted in the new Board of Directors for 2011-2012. Immediate Past Chair Bob Jensen, Big Green Events & Wild Duck Catering, officially passed the gavel during the opening evening dinner to Pat McShane who previously served as the association’s Vice Chair.
On behalf of the entire membership, we thanked Bob for his tremendous support and dedication of service on the Board these past few years. Through his leadership and guidance, we facilitated a merger of our two associations with operational continuity and focus on our mission. We also maintained a fiscally sound organization that weathered the early storms of the recession. Now, with the transition to a new Chair, we are extremely confident in Pat McShane and his continued leadership of the organization.
Your elected Board of Directors represents some of the more outstanding leaders in our industry, volunteering countless hours of their time and talents to ensure our members’ business interests are of top priority. With 23 directors total - 10 lodging representatives, 10 restaurant representatives, and three associate members – this governing board consists entirely of individuals who are successfully engaged in the business of owning, operating or managing businesses within our hospitality industry.
2011-2012 Board of Directors - Executive Officers:
Chair – Pat McShane
A 36-year veteran of the hospitality industry, McShane co-founded InnSight Hotel Management Group and currently serves as its executive vice president. During his stint as Chair of the Oregon Lodging Association, McShane was instrumental in leading the organization’s transition to the new association. He additionally serves on ORLA’s Lodging Committee, discussing issues and policy directly related to the lodging industry in Oregon.
As ORLA’s new Chair, McShane says he’s looking forward to furthering the association’s mission and adds a couple of specific goals. “In addition to making membership an even stronger value in the year ahead, I’d like to continue to chip away at the perception of the public and legislators that ours is just an industry of minimum wage positions with little advancement” said McShane. “I think we have a great story to tell of the numerous examples of individuals who have started at very modest levels and through hard work and sacrifice made a very successful career within the industry.”
Vice Chair - Kevin Bechtel
As Senior Vice President of Purchasing and Product Development for Shari’s Restaurants, Kevin Bechtel represents a significant segment of the restaurant industry in Oregon. Shari’s now operates 104 restaurants throughout the Western U.S., positioning it as one of the largest family casual chains in the Northwest. As a long-time advocate for the industry, Bechtel has been quite involved with ORLA over the years and continues to serve on ORLA’s Lottery Steering Committee.
Secretary - Ryan Snyder
Ryan Snyder is president of Martin Hospitality, a progressive management company currently operating six businesses on the Oregon Coast, including two lodging properties and three distinctive restaurants. As a lodging and restaurant operator, Snyder adds a unique perspective to the Board. Snyder previously served the roles of Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer on Oregon Lodging Association’s Board of Directors.
Treasurer – Ralph Matt
Ralph Matt owns and operates Best Little Roadhouse in Salem, Oregon. As a staunch advocate for the industry, Matt has been quick to step up and testify on legislative issues and continues to support the industry through his service and contributions. He currently chairs ORLA’s Policy Committee, helping direct priorities of the association’s government affairs team. | STEVE McCOID
CONNECT:
STEVE MCCOID • SMcCoid@OregonRLA.org
Visit the ORLA Board of Directors page for a complete list of members.