March 12, 2012 - Ottawa -- The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is pleased to announce the election of Hank Stackhouse as the new Chair of the HAC Board of Directors. Mr. Stackhouse’s new role is effective as of the Association’s Annual General Meeting held in Toronto on Monday March 5, 2012.

Hank Stackhouse is an accomplished industry veteran with 30 years of experience in the Canadian Hospitality Industry. As the recently retired President and Chief Executive  Officer of Delta Hotels and Resorts, Canada’s leading hotel management company, Hank lead a team of over 8,000 colleagues and oversaw a portfolio of 46 hotels and resorts with more than 13,000 guest rooms across Canada.

Hank is an active member in industry affairs and has served as a member of the HAC Board of Directors since February 2006. His many years of hands-on experience and his dedication to the industry make him ideally suited to take on the role of HAC Chair.

“Mr. Stackhouse’s commitment to the success of the Canadian Lodging Industry is an invaluable asset to the HAC and to everyone working within the industry”, said Tony Pollard President, HAC. “I look forward to working with Hank and the rest of the Board to ensure the industry’s need and goals are met.”

Six new corporate board members have also been elected to serve as corporate officers. They include:

• Robert Pratt – President Coast Hotels & Resorts
• Nora Duke – President & CEO Fortis Properties
• Irwin M. Prince – President & COO Realstar Hospitality
• Philippe Gadbois – Senior VP Sales & Marketing Atlific Hotels & Resorts
• Satinder Dhillon – Vice President Operations, Westmount Hospitality Group
• Vito Curalli - Managing Director of Sales Canada, Latin America & International Sales Hilton Worldwide

In 2011, The HAC underwent a thorough strategic review resulting in the right-sizing of the Board of Directors from 42 members to a smaller and more effective group of 18. It was through this strategic review where it was once again confirmed that The Hotel Association of Canada’s primary role is to serve as an advocate on behalf of the interests of hotels in Canada.

About the Hotel Association of Canada
The Hotel Association of Canada is the national voice and resource for the Hotel and Lodging Industry in Canada. For nearly 100 years, it has worked to enhance the prosperity of the Canadian Hotel and Lodging Industry through strong member engagements, effective government advocacy, and the provision of value added programs and services. The Hotel Association represents more than 8,400 hotels, motels and resorts that encompass the $16 billion Canadian hotel industry which employs 284,000 people across Canada.
www.hotelassociation.ca.