The appointment marks a return to the Benchmark organization for Mr. Cornwell.  From 1980 - 1982 he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Benchmark Hospitality.  He left to assume responsibilities as Vice President of Marketing for Kindred-Watts, a developer of country clubs, restaurants and city clubs.  In 1987, Mr. Cornwell launched Cornwell Associates, an executive search firm which he ran for eight years.  In 1995, he relocated to Singapore and became Vice President of Pacific Golf, a provider of project management and technical expertise in the construction of golf courses with operations throughout Asia. 

One of the nation�s most exclusive boutique properties, The Big EZ Lodge opened late September, 1999, under the management of Benchmark Hospitality.  The extraordinary Lodge blends the finest in American antiques and original fine art appointments with the tradition of the 19th-century American Arts & Crafts period.  Several of  the individually decorated guest rooms feature river-stone fireplaces and all provide breathtaking mountain views.   The Lodge offers superior meeting facilities as well as high-speed Internet access and lap-top computers in each guest room.  Superb dining for up to 25 persons is available in the Lodge�s main dining room.   Recreational amenities include an enormous free-form outdoor hot-tub spa accessed by heated paving-stone walks, a fitness center, championship 18-hole putting course, downhill / cross-country skiing in season at the Big Sky Ski Resort located nearby, and year-round fly-fishing considered some of the best in the world.

With headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, Benchmark Hospitality is a recognized leader in resort, conference center and conference hotel management.