Robert Steele Named AH&LA Educational Institute President/COO
SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. Robert L. Steele, III, general manager of the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, has been appointed president and COO of the Educational Institute (EI) of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation, effective mid-November. Steele succeeds Roy Kennington, who is retiring at the end of the year after 18 years at EI, the last two as president/COO. EI is a subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA).
As president and COO, Steele will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Institute, as well as develop the overall vision and strategies in conjunction with the board of trustees. Steele's responsibilities also include representing EI as its spokesperson and leader, formulating profitable and productive strategic business alliances to enhance EI, increasing penetration of the international markets, and enhancing marketing efforts within the industry.
'With more than 30 successful years with Hyatt Hotels, as well as having spent the last four years as an AH&LA officer, we feel Robert is especially well-suited to further EI's mission of providing training and certifications for all levels of hospitality staff,' said AH&LA President and CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. 'His experience has given him an understanding of this industry's unique training needs, as well as the necessity to give operators a competitive edge and help staff strengthen their skills.'
Steele has spent his entire career with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, serving as general manager of the Hyatt Regency Baltimore, Baltimore, Md., Hyatt Regency Washington, Washington, D.C., and Hyatt Fairlakes, Fairfax, Va., prior to his current position. Steele is the immediate past chairman of AH&LA, having held the position of 2007 chairman of the board. An active and long-time supporter of AH&LA, Steele has served on various committees and boards, including the Strategic Planning Committee, Multicultural & Diversity Advisory Council, Membership/Sales & Marketing Committee, Credit Card Advisory Council, Financial Management Committee, Lodging Industry Rating Advisory Committee, ADA Task Force, Audit, Certification & Credentials Committee, Engineering & Environment Committee, Human Resources, and Loss Prevention Committee.
Steele is a graduate of Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tenn., where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. A native of Memphis, Tenn., Steele resides in Tampa Bay, Fla. with his wife Sheila. They have two sons and one daughter.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
