"We are pleased to add a lodging industry leader who has had a distinguished development track record," said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., president and chief executive officer. "Steve's background in franchise operations, real estate development and his long tenure as a hospitality executive will be great assets for Choice Hotels' senior management team."

Schultz comes to Choice from La Quinta Inns, Inc., in San Antonio, where he served as executive vice president and chief development officer. Prior to that he served in a similar role for Embassy Suites, Inc., from 1986 to 1992, where he served with Ledsinger on the management committee. He joined Embassy Suites in 1983 as vice president and general counsel. Other lodging industry experience includes service with Holiday Inns, Inc., as a director of franchise and parent company development and an attorney from 1977 to 1983.

A 1968 graduate of Denison University with a bachelor's degree in political science, Schultz earned a JD degree at Vanderbilt Law School in 1971 and an MBA degree from Memphis State University in 1983. Choice Hotels International is the second largest hotel franchisor in the world, with almost 5,000 hotels open and under development in 36 countries. Choice's brands include Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites. Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Mainstay Suites are registered trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.