About Us
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) is building tomorrow's hotel industry- and the talent to fuel it. In our increasingly complex business, research and education are crucial to ensuring the lodging industry continues to thrive.
Created by a group of forward thinking hoteliers in 1953 as the charitable, not-for-profit affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the Foundation initially focused on providing scholarships to a small group of promising hospitality students. Over the past half-century, the vision has expanded and the Foundation has taken on a much greater mandate: ensuring a strong and viable future for the entire lodging industry.
To date, we have distributed more than $17 million, and in 2012, we expended almost $1 million. These funds are awarded in the way of scholarships and research grants, as well as invested in key programs, such as workforce development and school-to-career, that directly affect the long term goals and success of the hospitality industry.
The Foundation relies solely on contributions from generous individuals and companies who want to give back to the hotel industry and ensure a successful future. We hold events and fundraisers throughout the year to garner interest and support in our efforts. We encourage you to peruse our Website to see all the different avenues through which we support the industry. While we have accomplished a lot, there is still more to do and your contribution makes a huge impact. For more information on making a donation, click here.
AH&LEF 2011 audited financial statements and 2011 Form 990, “Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax,” provides details of its operations and financial positions. For additional information contact Min Zhao, at mzhao@ahla.com.
The Foundation’s mission is to identify, cultivate, and support the human talent, research, and initiatives most vital to the progress and prosperity of the lodging industry. We achieve this through:
- Scholarships:
Since its inception, AH&LEF has invested more than $9 million in scholarships, both for students and professionals seeking to advance their skills.
- Funding Essential Research:
Our research addresses critical issues such as room tax, ADA, and technology advancement, and we award grants to make these studies happen.
- School-to-Career Programs:
Through the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program, high school students can learn about the wide array of lodging careers and gain entry-level skills.
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A $3 million endowment is dedicated to developing and supporting programs that attract and train potential new employees, as well as encourage existing staff to remain in the hospitality industry.
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Joori Jeon, CPA, CAE - President & COO, and AH&LA Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Responsible for raising the Foundation's profile as the premier charitable fundraising engine of the industry. |
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Michelle Poinelli - Senior Vice President of Foundation Programs
Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Foundation's programs. Staff liaison to the Fund Development, Scholarship, and Research & Project Funding Committees. |
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Kelsey Allagood - Foundation Assistant
Provides administrative support for the Foundation. |
To view a current list of AH&LEF board members, please click here.
Various committees are in place to advise the strategic direction of the Foundation.
To view a list of current AH&LEF committees, please click here.
Click here to view past AH&LA and AH&LEF press releases.
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation
1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005-3931
(202) 289-3100
FAX (202) 289-3199
Please direct general inquiries regarding the Foundation to Kelsey Allagood at kallagood@ahlef.org.
For any fund raising and research grant questions, please contact Michelle Poinelli, senior vice president of Foundation programs, at mpoinelli@ahlef.org .
Send us your feedback!
AH&LEF welcomes your comments, especially on how we can improve our Website.
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