Mike Patel Recipient of Ellis Island Medal of Honor
Former AAHOA Chairman
MAY 28, 2008. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) congratulates 1998-1999 Chairman Mike Patel for his remarkable achievement in being named a Recipient of the 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. "AAHOA is proud to recognize this impressive accomplishment by a man who has played such a significant role in AAHOA's success," said AAHOA Chairman Ash Patel.
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is presented each year to Americans who have demonstrated personal and professional excellence, while maintaining a connection with their heritage. Past recipients include Elaine Chao, Bill Clinton, and Henry Kissinger.
For more information, please visit www.neco.org/medalist.htm.
Mike Patel is president of Diplomat Hotel Company, an Atlanta-based firm founded in 1981 with his brother, R.C. Today, Diplomat operates several hotels in the southeast, and also owns related businesses in travel, commercial insurance, real estate, and hotel software. In addition, Patel serves on the advisory committee for Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality, and is also a member of the State of Georgia's Minority Business Council. During the Clinton administration, he served as a commissioner on the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.




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