BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 2005) -- Danny Hiatt, general manager of the AAA Four Diamond Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Ala., has been named chairman of the Alabama Hospitality Association (AHA). 

AHA represents the various components that make up the hospitality industry in Alabama, including hotels, motels, inns, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds, vacation rental homes and condominiums, attractions, tourist destination organizations, and industry-related services companies.  In his new role, Hiatt will oversee the organization's education process, membership services, legislative and government relations, informational services, and promotion of the industry for its members.

"Being named chairman of the Alabama Hospitality Association is the highest honor someone in this profession can receive," said Hiatt, who leads a staff of more than 300 employees at the 329-room Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria.  "I am deeply honored and thrilled to represent the interests of the state's hospitality industry, helping administer invaluable services to make our industry better."

The skilled planner and hospitality leader has more than 29 years of experience with long-term success in property management and upward mobility.  Earlier this year, under his leadership, the Wynfrey received its 19th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award.  In 2004, the hotel hosted the state's first simulated AAA "white glove inspection" (ratings evaluation).  Lodging Hospitality magazine has added credibility to his leadership by citing the Wynfrey Hotel in the Top 20 Performers financially as The Best in the Business in the suburban category.  He has been elected chairman of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau and has served as President of the Birmingham Lodging Association for three years.

Hiatt is a member of the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce.  In 2000, the Alabama State Hospitality Association named him Hotelier of the Year. 

The Wynfrey Hotel, which is conveniently framed by the 2 million-square-foot Riverchase Galleria shopping mall, is a popular destination for conventioneers, business travelers, leisure travelers, shopping enthusiasts, social groups, honeymooners and golfers.  Highlights include three ballrooms and 18 meeting rooms totaling more than 32,000 square feet; Shula¹s Steak House fine-dining restaurant; the more casual Chicory Grille; Ivory¹s, a piano-accented lounge; the Chancellor¹s Club, a private concierge level; and a spacious lobby complemented with Italian marble floors and fine art. 

Rebecca Dinstuhl
The Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria
(205) 444-5707
[email protected]