WHLA Announces 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee

WHLA is pleased to share the results of the 2025 Annual Meeting held November 3 in Wisconsin Dells and to announce the election of the 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee. This leadership group will play a critical role in driving WHLA’s mission of advocacy, education, and industry advancement in the year ahead.

Newly Elected Lodging Directors

The following individuals have been elected as Lodging Directors, commencing three-year terms on January 1, 2026:

• Luke Baumbach  - Aqua Aire Motel
• Eric Grimm  - Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
• Aaron Hammer - Legacy Hotel
• Sean Patel  - Hotel Mead and Three Bears Resort
• Chris Scheel  - Madison Marriott South
• Dave Sekeres - Lake Lawn Resort
• Sheryl Tharman  - Red Crown Lodge

Executive Committee Members

The 2026 Executive Committee brings experience, balance, and a shared commitment to serving the industry.

• Board Chair: Amy Boston, Holiday Inn & Holiday Inn Express Stevens Point
• Chair-Elect: Victor Ravago, Bravo Hospitality Group
• Vice Chair: Krissy Sigmund, Chula Vista Resort
• Secretary/Treasurer: Larry Robe, Knickerbocker on the Lake
• Past Chair: Rory Madsen, Gordon Lodge
• Advocacy Delegate: Amy Supple, The Edgewater
• DEI Delegate: Katie Neufeld, Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Associate Directors

Two Associate Directors have been appointed for 2026–2027, bringing valuable insights from Wisconsin’s hospitality education community:

• Angela Steinhauer, Mid-State Technical College
• Jay Jones, UW–Stout

Committee and Task Force Leadership

Committee leadership is a vital part of WHLA’s success. The following individuals will serve as chairs for 2026:

• Executive Committee: Amy Boston
• Nominating Committee: Victor Ravago
• Room Tax Task Force: Jay Schumerth
• Membership Committee: Michael Carstedt
• Publications Committee: Luke Baumbach
• Legislative/Tourism Committee: Krissy Sigmund
• Legislative Action Task Force: Krissy Sigmund
• Conference Committee: Ryan Batley
• Events Committee: Dave Sekeres
• Awards Committee: Larry Robe

Acknowledgment of Outgoing Board Members

The following individuals conclude their Board service on December 31, 2025. Their contributions over the years have helped advance WHLA’s mission:

• Jon Jossart, Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee
• Aaron Wolf, Comfort Suites Green Bay
• Kevin Gallagher, Marcus Hotels & Resorts
• Randy Kliment, Aileron Management
• Randee Talwar, Days Inn & Suites Madison
• Noah Rosenberger, UW - Stout School of Hospitality

​With a strong board, engaged committees, and an active membership, WHLA is well-positioned to support Wisconsin’s lodging professionals in the year ahead. We invite members to take part in this work by signing up for a committee or task force and lending their voice to industry initiatives.

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