HARRISBURG, Pa., July 29, 2003 — Officials of Hersha Hospitality Management today announced that the company has hired Frank Shandor as director of operations for the company’s eastern region and Robert Sullivan as director of operations for the central region.  Both will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company’s hotels in their respective areas. 

“As our organization continues to grow, it has become increasingly important for us to add quality depth to our operational base, as well,” said K. D. Patel, Hersha Hospitality Management president.  “With their combined hospitality experience of more than 60 years, both are eminently qualified to help take Hersha Hospitality Management to the next level.  They fill out a great executive committee of a management team that also includes Craig Stechman, corporate director of sales; Sal Shariar, vice-president of field operations; Tracy Kundy, vice president of finance & administration; Jay H. Shah, managing director; and K.D. Patel, president.”

Frank Shandor is a 33-year hospitality veteran who has held a variety of positions within the industry.  Most recently, he was senior director of franchise training & field services for InterContinental Hotel Group, where he oversaw the training organization for more than 100 field-based and corporate staff members.  Additionally, he has been corporate director of sales & marketing for Va.-based Victor Management Company and partner/general manager of the Holiday House Hotel & Entertainment Complex in Monroeville, Pa.  He is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s University.

Prior to joining Hersha, Robert Sullivan managed the 300-room Holiday Inn Harrisburg East in the Pennsylvania state capital.  He had held a variety of positions within the industry, including director of operations for the 363-room Tulsa Marriott at Southern Hills in Oklahoma, director of operations for the 200-room Hilton Woodbridge in central New Jersey, and corporate director of food & beverage for the 14-property Tara Hotels system.  Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance from Framingham State College, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana State University.  Additionally, he is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA).

Hersha Hospitality Management is one of the nation’s leading third-party management firms.  The Harrisburg, Pa.-based company’s portfolio is concentrated along the Eastern seaboard with 22 hotels and over 1,700 rooms.  The company focuses on upscale, mid-service and premium limited-service brands under such flags as Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree Club, and Holiday Inns.