Nancy Mendelson
Rachel Humphrey
Lan Elliott
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Nancy started NEM Global in 2012, a consultancy specializing in the revitalization and transformation of organizations, destinations and individuals, helping clients define, articulate, and communicate their unique voice. In addition, she serves as an advisor and contributor to hertelier, an online media platform that enlightens and inspires women in hospitality to pursue, navigate and nurture their careers at every stage. A career communicator, Nancy has held key positions in hospitality, broadcasting, publishing, advertising, event and media production, working with major corporations and global brands.
Rachel Humphrey is a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, dedicated to advancing women in leadership roles. She is the Founder of the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and serves as a Board Member, Principal, and Interview Host for It’s Personal Stories. Prior to her retirement in August 2021, Rachel served as the EVP & COO of AAHOA, the nation's largest hotel owners association. She was also the Interim President & CEO in 2019, after spending over 20 years as a trial lawyer before joining AAHOA in 2015. Widely recognized for her leadership and impact, Rachel has been named one of the most "Influential Women in Hospitality," "Top 50 Women in Travel," "100 Most Powerful People in USA Hospitality," and "100 Most Inspirational People in Hospitality."
Lan Elliott is an experienced hotel real estate and transactions executive, representing hotel owners and hotel brand companies for over 30 years. Lan's hotel ownership experience includes Acacia Hospitality LLC, a hotel investment company she co-founded, and 10 years at Host Hotels & Resorts, where she closed on over $7 billion of transactions. Lan previously held roles at IHG, W Hotels, and KPMG.
Lan is dedicated to advancing women in hospitality leadership. In 2024 she led and launched the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance’s Speaker Directory, an industry-changing resource to drive greater diversity across conference stages, and she commended teaching Introduction to Hotel Ownership at university hotel schools to foster more diverse leadership in hospitality real estate. Lan was named one of IHI’s 100 Most Inspirational Leaders in Hospitality Travel. She is also a speaker and podcast guest, contributor to trade publications, and serves on conference and hospitality school advisory boards. |