"John is a person who earns respect the old fashioned way - through commitment and hard work. When John is involved, his dedication is visible and contagious," said Michael Kasavana, Ph.D., CHTP, NAMA Professor, School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University.

Cahill was a driving force behind the establishment of the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) certification, and was part of a group 13 individuals who earned the first CHTPs in its first year, 1994. He is also the 1993 inductee into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. Cahill served as president and vice president of the HFTP Fairfield/Westchester Counties Chapter, of which he is a cofounder, and served as HFTP International President from 2001-2002. He has served on numerous HFTP councils, been a frequent author for HFTP's The Bottomline, and a speaker at HITEC and the Annual Convention & Tradeshow.

"I was speechless when I heard the news and thrilled to be joining the ranks of the seven previous outstanding honorees," said Cahill.

Cahill�s career in technology spans 40 years, with the last 32 in the hospitality industry. He is currently the chief information officer for Affinia Hospitality. 

The Paragon Award is an annual award that honors individuals, selected by a panel of their peers, who selflessly contribute their time and energy to further the goals of both HFTP and the industry. Past Paragon Award recipients include: Alice Banks, CHAE (1999); Henry "Buddy" Weeks, CHAE (1999); Frank Santos (2000); Katherine Cavanagh, CHAE (2001); Raymond Schmidgall, Ph.D., CPA, CHAE (2002); Frank Wolfe, CAE (2002); Leonard J. Bartello, CPA, CHAE, CHTP (2003).

Based in Austin, Texas, HFTP is the professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses. The association provides continuing education and networking opportunities to more than 4,000 members around the world, and produces the premiere hospitality technology shows HITEC and ONHTEC. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hotel Accountants.

HFTP®, HITEC® and ONHTEC® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.