�Since joining Choice in 1992, Gary has led the transformation of our various systems and the development of our Internet and web technology,� said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., president and chief executive officer. �He has played a major role in the creation and rollout of successful technologies to support our hotel property management system, interfaces with global distribution systems, our reservations support system and our Guest Privileges frequent guest program.�
In his new role, Thomson will have overall responsibility for all information systems design development and technology.  He will report directly to Ledsinger.

Prior to joining Choice, he spent 11 years with AT&T Bell Laboratories in various technical and management positions.  A 1980 graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in electrical engineering, he began his career as a design engineer with Stromberg-Carlson, a telephone systems manufacturer.

Choice Hotels also announced the appointment of Wayne W. Wielgus as senior vice president, marketing, effective September 18, 2000.

Wielgus, 46, was senior vice president, marketing, at Best Western International in Phoenix, where he was responsible for all sales, marketing and advertising.
�We are delighted to add an industry leader of Wayne�s stature to our senior management team,� said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., president and chief executive officer.  �Choice welcomes his leadership in helping us reach more consumers, deliver more business to our franchisees and build even stronger hotel brands.�

In his new role, Wielgus will have responsibility for marketing, sales, advertising and reservations.  He will report directly to Ledsinger.  At Best Western, he helped to revamp the Gold Crown Club frequent guest program and form alliances with major airlines to build customer loyalty.

A 20-year industry veteran, he has also served in executive marketing positions with Forte Hotels, Inter-Continental Hotels, Ramada Hotels and Holiday Inns.  He is a 1977 graduate of Fairfield University and earned an M.B.A. degree from Memphis State University in 1986.

Choice Hotels International is the second largest hotel franchiser in the world with 4,303 hotels open, representing 343,511 rooms, and another 685 hotels under development, representing 58,191 rooms, in 39 countries as of June 30, 2000.  Its Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites brands serve guests worldwide.