In this leadership role, Himelstein, who presently holds the title of senior vice president of sales and marketing for Marriott Senior Living Services, and prior to that, held the same post at Marriott Lodging North America, will guide the organization�s Executive Committee and Board of Directors for a one-year term, June 2001-2002.

�Bruce�s extensive hotel experience and solid background in sales and marketing leadership will be an outstanding asset to HSMAI as an organization, and to our chapters and members,� states Bob Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.  �A strategic planner with great vision and enthusiasm, he will be a driving force in continuing to build HSMAI as one of the industry�s power brands.�

In his role as HSMAI chairman, Himelstein will work to further HSMAI�s awareness and credibility as well as challenge the board and chapter leadership to create innovative and successful products and programs for its broad membership base of sales and marketing professionals.

Furthermore, Himelstein states: �One of my key initiatives is to develop a strategic partnership with the human resource community.  In broadening and strengthening our reach and influence, we look for their support and endorsement to increase our exposure and credibility, particularly with general managers.�

Throughout his 25-year career, Himelstein has held a number of positions in sales and marketing, from national sales to pre-opening resorts.  He started his career in hospitality at the Americana Inn in Albany, NY.

Among his many distinctions, he was the recipient of Marriott�s �Director of Sales of the Year Award,� and he was profiled in Lodging magazine�s �Who�s Who.�

Himelstein is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer on �Sales Basics,� �Sales Intensity,� and �Leadership.�

Active in HSMAI all throughout his career, Himelstein has served on the Executive Committee for the past two years, and also was an HSMAI Chapter president.

Himelstein takes over the top spot from William E. Weld, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Allegiant, who will remain on the Executive Committee as immediate past chair.

Serving on the seven-person HSMAI Executive Committee for the 2001-2002 term are:

• Chairman: Bruce Himelstein, CHME, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Marriott Senior Living Services
• Chairman-elect: Salvatore Dickinson, CHME, vice president of marketing, Meristar Hotels & Resorts
• Vice Chair: Erica Kasel, CHME, executive director of marketing, Leading Hotels of the World
• Vice Chair:  John W.R. Bradley, CHME, senior vice president, integrated marketing, Universal Studios
• Treasurer: Maureen O�Hanlon, managing partner, Marketing Arts Organization
• Immediate Past Chair: William E. Weld, CHME, vice president of sales and marketing, Allegiant
• HSMAI Foundation Chair: Cindy Estis Green, executive director, The Estis Group