November 1, 2012 (Austin, Texas) — Today, Raman (R.P.) Rama, CHA, CHAE, CHTP officially starts his term as Global President for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professional (HFTP), with a directive to lead the association in carrying out its strategic goals. Rama is the vice president and CTO/CIO for JHM Hotels based out of South Carolina. A member for 22 years, Rama was recently honored at the HFTP Annual Convention & Tradeshow this past October in Orlando, Fla.

“I have the vision, experience and principles to lead HFTP to a bright future,” said Rama. “I am honored to represent the association as it looks to expand its services globally, as well as expand our members’ pool of resources through collaborations with international industry organizations.”

During his one-year term Rama will follow-through on the strategic plan established by the association’s Global Board in Spring 2011. This includes branching out geographically in regions with vibrant hospitality businesses. The expansion would serve two purposes: to provide important educational and networking resources for hospitality finance and technology professionals across the globe, as well as build the value of the association as a global resource.

In alignment with the plan, the HFTP Global Board voted to open an office in India to serve its growing Asian membership. The association is also developing the Global Hospitality Accounting System Users Guide, with assistance from hospitality schools in China, Switzerland and India. The guide is designed to be used internationally by hospitality organizations.

“This is going to be a big challenge,” said Rama. “I don’t have all the answers, and I will rely on the input from the HFTP executive committee, board of directors, past presidents and staff to present HFTP to the global community. I will also reach out to members for new ideas and input to take HFTP to the next level.”

As part of his service, Rama will also represent HFTP at industry events in multiple countries including, China, the U.K. and Germany. In addition, he will meet with HFTP members at chapter meetings and educational conferences in the United States. Rama is also looking to reach out to hospitality-focused and ownership associations (such as the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations in India – FHRAI, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association – AAHOA, Latino Hotel & Restaurant Association – LH&RA and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners and Operators – NABHOOD) with the goal of collaboration and sharing resources.

As a co-owner of JHM Hotels, which runs 40+ properties and over 7,000 rooms, Rama has 30+ years of experience in the hospitality industry. At JHM Hotels, he is responsible for managing the IT infrastructure and planning, as well as establishing the company’s management information system and technology initiatives. He holds three hospitality industry certifications: CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator), CHTP (Certified Hospitality Technology Professional) and CHAE (Certified Hospitality Accounting Executive).

Also today, the Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) officially begin their 2012-2013 term. The association leaders represent a variety of hospitality industry segments (clubs, hotels, academics and management companies), and will use their professional expertise to help guide the association as it carries out its strategic plan. Upcoming goals for the association include growing globally, developing the Global Hospitality Accounting System Users Guide, and maintaining top-notch education and resources for the hospitality finance and technology professional community.

The 2012-2013 Executive Committee members include:

The 2012-2013 Board of Directors include:

HFTP, Austin, Texas, USA and Maastricht, The Netherlands, founded in 1952, is the global professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, clubs and other hospitality-related businesses. HFTP provides first class educational opportunities, research, and publications to more than 4,800 members globally including, the premiere hospitality technology conference HITEC--founded in 1972. HFTP also awards the only hospitality specific certifications for accounting and technology ---the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in the USA as the National Association of Hotel Accountants. For more information, visit www.hftp.org.