WSH&LA Board of Directors

Karl brings to the Board over 28 years of experience, nationally and internationally, in the hospitality industry, lending a unique perspective as a leader of Best Western properties regionally, and of a thriving resort area that has had great success with city government. Karl, who serves on the Editorial Review Committee for WSH&LA’s Visitors’ Guide, as well as President of the Leavenworth Lodging Association, and remains dedicated to serving his industry on both state and local levels.

Rob has over 17 years experience in the lodging industry having served as controller, director of development, mergers and acquisitions and director of finance. Rob is the CFO for Port of Bellingham, a diverse countywide port operating transportation terminals, marinas, real estate developments, public parks and trails, environmental stewardship programs and economic development services. Rob also serves as Chair of WSH&LA’s Finance Committee, and was an instrumental member of WSH&LA’s Retro Due Diligence Committee.

Chairman-Elect
Paul Ishii
General Manager
Mayflower Park Hotel
Seattle, Washington  98101
(206) 623-8700
Fax: (206) 382-6996
pjishii@mayflowerpark.com

Paul has more than 20 years of hospitality experience and a long history of community service, and has been General Manager of the Mayflower Park Hotel since 1998. He serves on WSH&LA’s Political Action Committee, was WSH&LA’s Stars of the Industry Award recipient for General Manager of the Year in 2006, is a past president of the Seattle Hotel Association, and has served on the Washington State Tourism Advisory Board.

Vice Chairman
Todd Thoreson, CHA
Regional Vice President of Hotel Operations
and Area General Manager, Spokane Hotels, Red Lion Hotels Corporation
(509) 777-6340
Fax: (509) 325-7324
todd.thoreson@redlion.com

Todd has over 20 years of lodging industry experience, and has been on numerous boards and hospitality organizations throughout his career. He has advocated both for and against lodging tax initiatives, and also has given presentations to city council and state legislative members promoting the economic benefits derived from investing in the hospitality industry. With his open mindedness, industry perspective, collaborative spirit and board experience, Todd is working diligently to help WSH&LA's Board accomplish the many goals lying ahead for the organization.

Treasurer
Andy Olsen
Managing Director
The Chambers Group, Inc.
(206) 441-5522
Fax (206) 441-1775
clodging@aol.com

Andy has 34 years of experience in the hotel industry with a combination of consulting, management and university-level teaching. He served for many years on WSH&LA’s Board as an Allied Director, and then as a Lodging Director. Operating four hotels in Western Washington, Andy’s varied background provides him with a relatively unique perspective. His main focus is in the areas of education, the annual convention and legislative issues.

Secretary
Cindy Fanning
Vice President of Operations
Silver Cloud Inns & Hotels
(425) 637-9800
Fax (425) 637-1900
cindyf@silvercloud.com

Cindy has more than 20 years of hotel experience, working at both the corporate and property levels. She has served on a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and was a Chamber of Commerce board member. Cindy has tracked WSH&LA’s recent efforts to revise Liquor Control Board laws. She is interested in the legislative process, and in working with teams to improve conditions for the industry. Cindy is passionate about attracting new members, while maintaining current memberships, and working on strategies for future growth of the Association.