Honoring a Legacy: Ron McCord Inducted into the Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame

The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) proudly honors the memory and enduring legacy of Ron McCord as he is inducted into the Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame.

​With over 50 years of distinguished service in hotel brokerage and property ownership, Ron left an indelible mark on our industry. For nearly three decades, he owned and operated the Sleepy Hollow Motel in Elm Grove, alongside five other lodging properties across Wisconsin and Texas.

Ron's influence extended far beyond owning his own properties. As Chair of the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association—now WHLA—he fought tirelessly for the advancement of our industry. His leadership helped shape an association and an industry that continue to benefit from the groundwork laid by leaders like Ron. 

Nationally, Ron served nearly a decade on the Board of Directors for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, co-founded the AHLA Council of Inns & Suites, and served two terms as President of Hotel Brokers International, where his contributions were recognized with the Noah L. Canfield Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Lifetime Membership.

Today, Ron’s legacy continues as his daughter, Jennifer Church, accepted this honor on Ron’s behalf. Jennifer has dedicated herself to many years of service to WHLA and serving on our board. 

As we welcome Ron McCord into the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Hall of Fame, we do more than recognize his career. We celebrate his true dedication to the hospitality industry as well as his leadership and service. His leadership will continue to inspire the Wisconsin Lodging industry.