Concurrently, the company announced that Louis G. Schaab has been appointed senior vice president finance and treasurer of the REIT.  Previously, Schaab was senior vice president of finance and accounting of MeriStar Hotels  Resorts, the REIT�s paper clip operating company.

�John has contributed significantly to the company�s growth in his role as CFO. Going forward in his new, broader role, he will focus on optimizing the benefits available under the recently passed REIT Modernization Act,� said Paul W. Whetsell, MeriStar Hospitality chairman and chief executive officer. �Initially, he will concentrate on acquiring the REIT�s existing outstanding leases and seeking growth opportunities for our REIT and its taxable subsidiary. Due to the heavy finance-related nature of a REIT, his background as CFO will enhance our ability to employ traditional and creative ways to grow both internally and externally.�

Emery joined CapStar, MeriStar�s predecessor company, in 1995 as director of finance, rising to the position of treasurer in 1996 and CFO in 1997. Prior to 1995, he worked for the accounting firm Deloitte Touche L.L.P. He holds a BS in accounting from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Emery is a Certified Public Accountant.

In his new role as senior vice president and treasurer of the REIT, Louis Schaab will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the company�s debt, finance and treasury functions, as well as assisting in the financial structuring of future acquisitions and merger transactions. �Lou�s appointment reflects our company�s in-depth bench strength and will give us additional expertise in our important finance functions,� Whetsell said.

Schaab has 12 years of accounting and finance experience. He joined MeriStar in 1998 as vice president of accounting and was subsequently promoted to senior vice president of finance and accounting for MeriStar Hotels  Resorts. Previously, he was a senior
manager with KPMG Peat Marwick specializing in the hospitality industry. Schaab holds a BA in accounting from James Madison University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Washington, D.C.-based MeriStar Hospitality Corporation owns 116 principally upscale, full-service hotels in major market and resort locations with 29,348 rooms in 27 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. The company owns hotels under such internationally known brands as Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott, Westin, Radisson and Doubletree.