The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2015 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has announced the appointment of Emily Smith as director of development. Ms. Smith will operate out of Benchmark’s regional offices in Washington, DC. Jarrad Evans, vice president, business development & strategy, made the announcement.

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Emily to Benchmark Hospitality International,” said Mr. Evans. “Not only does she bring immense experience and business relationships to our company, she will contribute significantly to our eastern US growth, as well as support business development initiatives throughout the country and beyond.”

Emily Smith was most recently director of investment & portfolio analysis and asset management for RLJ Lodging Trust of Bethesda, Maryland. She previously served as vice president for HVS – New York, a global hotel consulting firm located in Mineola, New York. Ms. Smith has also held positions with the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and international positions for companies in Egypt and Japan.

Ms. Smith holds a Master of Science degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. She has also attended the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. Ms. Smith resides in Washington, DC.