Professional Association of Innkeepers International [PAII] elects new leadership

Contact: Ingrid Thorson
Phone:800-468-7244
E-mail:ingrid@paii.org

June 15, 2012– Charleston, SC-Jay Karen, CEO of theProfessional Association of Innkeepers International [PAII],announced therecent election of new leadership and members to theBoard of Directors. "Weare excited to welcome the newest leaders and members to the Board and look forward to setting our strategic goals for the next 5 years with this accomplished group.”

The changes and additions included the election of new Chair, Kristie Rosset, co-owner of Lookout Point Lakeside Inn (Hot Springs, AR) to replace AnneMarie DeFreest who served as Chair, and will continue active service as a regular board member. Kristie formerly served as PAII’s Board Vice Chair and Chair of PAII’s Education Committee.

Carol Edmondson, Principal Consultant of Innkeeping Specialists (Brewster, MA), was elected to fill the Vice Chair position.

As the board bid a fond farewell to retiring members JoAnn Bell, co-founder of PAII and Dan Brown, owner of Swift House Inn (Middlebury, VT) after many years of service, they also elected three new members:

Kathryn White, owner and innkeeper at The Beechmont B&B (Hanover, PA) and former Advisory Council member. With this new position, Kathryn has also been appointed as the Chair of the Education Committee.

Lynnette Scofield, owner of William Henry Miller Inn (Ithaca, NY). Lynette also serves on PAII’s Education Committee and is a former Advisory Council member.

Peter Sharp, owner of Fairview Inn (Jackson, MS). Peter also most recently served as President of the Bed & Breakfast Association of Mississippi.

New Chair, Kristie Rosset expressed what an amazing privilege it is to serve stating, "PAII and the Board of Directorsfaced challenges in navigating the economic challenges of the past few years. Now we are poised for growth as an association and industry. As we create a new strategic plan, the Board of Directorsand CEO Jay Karen seek to position B&Bs and inns as THE popular choice for travelers desiring fantastic hospitality and accommodations. It’s a great time to be a professional innkeeper.”