WSH&LA Board of Directors

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 currently the CFO of MTM Luxury Lodging, which manages six independent, luxury properties in Washington State. Rob also serves as Chair of WSH&LA’s Finance Committee, and was an instrumental member of WSH&LA’s Retro Due Diligence Committee.

As the Vice President of Hotel Operations for Red Lion Hotels, Matt brings more than 20 years of hotel experience, including Regional Director of Operations, General Manager, and Director of Food and Beverage to the WSH&LA Board of Directors. Matt provides a unique perspective to the Board, from managing hotels in Western, Central, and Eastern Washington to previously serving on the Vancouver, WA Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Matt represents WSH&LA on the State Tourism Advisory Committee.

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.

Vice Chairman
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.

Treasurer
Matt Van Der Peet
General Manager
Westin Bellevue Hotel
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 638-1000
Fax: (425) 638-1040
Matt.VanDerPeet@Westin.com

Matt Van Der Peet brings over 25 years experience in hotel management to his position as general manager of The Westin Bellevue. Prior to returning to the Northwest, Matt served as the general manager of the AAA five diamond St. Regis Hotel, Houston in Texas. Matt’s extensive experience in the Seattle market includes numerous positions with the Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers, including his most recent position as hotel manager from 2000 to 2004. He has also served as the opening director of operations for the W Seattle from 1999 to 2000.

Secretary
Todd Thoreson, CHA
Vice President of Hotel Operations
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.

Marc has served the lodging industry in a general manager capacity for over 25 years, including his current position of General Manager of The Woodmark Hotel & Spa in Kirkland.  He previously held a seat on WSH&LA’s Board of Directors and was slated to serve as President when a position took him out of state.  Marc’s experience in managing properties in both the east and west regions of the state is beneficial to WSH&LA.