�As an advocacy group we feel it�s very important to have a go-to person on staff for issues of franchising and legislation,� said Fred Schwartz, president, AAHOA.  �Steve�s qualifications and experience made him a standout candidate for the job.�

For the six years prior to joining AAHOA, Parker � who holds a bachelor�s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University, a master�s degree in taxation from Emory University and a law degree from University of Texas �was in private law practice in Atlanta.  From 1991-1995, he served as the chief legal and operating officer of the Southeastern Legal Foundation, a regional public interest legal center dedicated to advocating free market principles in the courts.  During his time as an assistant attorney general for the state of Georgia, Parker focused on trial and appellate practice in federal and state courts, including an oral argument in the United States Supreme Court.

�Steve has really hit the ground running,� Hitesh Bhakta, chairman, AAHOA, said.  �We are excited to welcome him to the team and know he will quickly become a valued asset to our members and organization.�

Founded in 1989 and representing more than 7,000 members, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) is a leading force in the hospitality industry and one of the most powerful Asian-American advocacy groups in the United States.  Together the members own more than 20,000 hotels across the nation, which have 1 million rooms representing over 50 percent of the economy lodging properties and nearly 37 percent of all hotel properties in the United States.   AAHOA supports its members through year-round educational programs and advocacy in the legislature, media and hospitality industry.