HFTP Global President Lisa Funk, CHAE gathers current and former HFTP Global Board of Directors to answer a simple question: Why did you apply for an HFTP Global Board of Directors position? This will be a two-part series.
If you’d like to apply to be on the Global Board, the deadline is March 1, 2012. Apply here>
Lisa Funk, CHAE
It’s that time of year again when HFTP calls for applications for the Global Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. You may be sitting there wondering if the time is now for you. If you are thinking about it – then the time is right!
Since joining the hospitality industry in 1997, HFTP has the one constant throughout the years.
When I needed education, I turned to HFTP.
When I needed a network of professionals, I turned to HFTP.
And when I need a certification that showed the industry I was a professional, I turned to HFTP.
I remember when I applied to be on the HFTP Global Board in the spring of 2005. My only thought was that I wanted to give back. Giving back by serving others as a director on the Global Board seemed like the best way to do that. It has been the best experience of my professional life and I encourage you to apply.
But you don’t have to just take my word for it. I thought you might want to hear from a few past and present board members as well. We are all here for you if you have questions. We serve at the pleasure of our membership.
Lisa Funk, CHAE is director of finance for Alexis Hotels and the HFTP Global president.
Terry Price, CHAE, CHTP, CPA
My primary motivation for running for the Board of Directors was to give back to an organization that had given me so much that made me a better professional in the hospitality industry.
However, I must say that I failed. The more I tried to give back, the more I gained.
The opportunity to work with a group of individuals from all sizes, shapes and segments of the industry with the sole purpose of providing a resource for our members and the rest of the industry was amazing. The knowledge, focus and friendships that I gained during my time on the Board is unmatched in my career.
Who I am today, as a professional in the hospitality industry, is directly related to my service as a Board member of HFTP. I encourage anyone to seek this opportunity because it will change your life and career.
Terry Price, CHAE, CHTP, CPA is an HFTP Global past president and served as a director on the HFTP Global Board from 2002-2005.
Derek Wood
I have been involved with the hospitality industry for nearly 30 years (my how time flies! – I know I started very young). I have attended every HITEC since 1998, and have been a speaker at most of them as well.
The industry has been good to me over the years, I saw an opportunity — by serving on the Global Board of Directors — to give something back to the business and the organization that has been an important part of my life for so long.
There is a bonding with the Board of Directors that I have not found elsewhere that I think that comes from the fact that everyone not only wants to be there, but is honored to serve.
The fact that the positions are unpaid is testament to the dedication of the members. After attending the Board meetings you really do get a sense that you are assisting in defining the future direction of HFTP.
As for the Board members themselves, they represent a cross section of the businesses that HFTP is involved in, they are all different characters, there are quiet ones and loud ones (no names of course – but they know who they are!) but they are all so genuine. What I did not realize before I was elected was the depth of personal friendship that everyone gains from being a part of the Global Board.
If hospitality is in your blood, then I urge you to consider applying for the position of Board Director for HFTP, its rewarding, fulfilling and so worthwhile.
Derek Wood is managing director of Derek Wood Associates Ltd and a current director on the HFTP Global Board.
Jessica Vint, CHAE
Beginning with participating in the Leadership Summit, I made so many friends and connections through HFTP. Serving on different HFTP committees not only allowed me to get more involved, but let me see more of the inner workings of HFTP and how much the association focuses on providing to its membership.
Aside from incredible encouragement from other HFTP members, the passion I feel for HFTP and all that they provide propelled me to apply for the Board. Listening to others about the interview process can be daunting and make you second guess yourself – but now that I serve on the Board – I serve with pride.
One goal during my tenure is to help make HFTP stronger as an association and to continue to communicate to members all that we have to offer.
Jessica Vint, CHAE, is regional controller at The Hotel Group and a current director on the HFTP Global Board.
Daniel Conti, CHAE, CAM
I applying for the Global Board because HFTP has enhanced my career by providing exceptional education and expanding my network of individuals to call on to assist me. I felt I wanted to pay back to the association by offering my services on the Board of Directors.
Also, some of my biggest industry mentors were former board members who continued to encourage me to run for the board.
Daniel Conti, Jr., CHAE, CAM, is director of finance for The Ritz Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter and HFTP Global Secretary. He also served as a director of HFTP Global from 2008-2011.
Jerilyn Schnitzel, CHAE, CHTP, CAM
I decided to run for the Board of HFTP because I love HFTP and I wanted to help the organization to grow. HFTP helped me grow as an individual and I wanted to be able to give some of that back to the organization.
As a club controller, it was a great experience to sit with industry leaders. All the board members were out to achieve one thing: What is best for HFTP.
The camaraderie and friendships you make with HFTP are unbelievable and forever.
Jerilyn Schnitzel, CHAE, CHTP, CAM, is owner of Schnitzel Hospitality Consulting. She has served two terms as director on the HFTP Global Board from 2003-2006 and 2007-2010.
Ralph Miller, CA, CBV, CHA, CHAE
Participation in the HFTP Board of Directors provides an opportunity to:
• Directly impact the level of professionalism in the industry;
• Develop life-long professional relationships at a national and international level; and
• Sharpen leadership skills with a dynamic and progressive international organization.
Ralph Miller, CA, CBV, CHA, CHAE, is president and owner of Inntegrated Hospitality Management Ltd. He is an HFTP Global past president and also served on the HFTP Global Board from 1999-2002.
