Executive Leadership
John A. Mann | President & Chief Executive Officer John leads Hospitality Specialists, Inc. with a unique blend of legal acumen and operational vision. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois College of Law, John leveraged an extensive background in civil litigation and labor law to transition into the hospitality sector. As co-founder alongside his brother, he applies his rigorous legal perspective to ensure the company’s strategic growth remains grounded in sound advocacy and principled management.
James L. Mann, CPA | Vice President & Chief Financial Officer James L. Mann oversees the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Like his brother, James is an alumnus of the University of Illinois and its College of Law. A Certified Public Accountant since 1972, his career is defined by deep expertise in tax and business planning. His sophisticated approach to financial modeling and asset management provides owners with the stability and precision required in today’s complex economic landscape.
Angela Mann | Chief Operating Officer Angela Mann provides the strategic leadership and executive oversight that drives Hospitality Specialists, Inc. across all brands. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, she serves as the central force of the corporate office, unifying accounting, operations, sales, revenue management, and human resources into a cohesive, company-wide mission. Her authority is rooted in an exhaustive career trajectory, having mastered every level of the industry from General Manager to Vice President of Operations. This comprehensive experience allows her to lead a diverse portfolio with a holistic perspective, ensuring brand standards and ownership objectives are harmonized with operational excellence. Whether overseeing complex new developments or scaling internal training programs, Angela translates high-level vision into sustainable, portfolio-wide success.
Robb Carter | Vice President of Operations Robb Carter provides high-level operational support tailored to the unique needs of each property in the portfolio. With a career spanning roles as General Manager and Senior Director of Operations, Robb specializes in the "human" side of the business: customer service excellence, team building, and training. He also spearheads pre-opening activities for new builds, ensuring that sales and operational workflows are optimized from day one. Robb studied Hospitality Management at San Jose State University.
Rae Richardson | Vice President of Construction & Renovation Rae Richardson is the vital link between vision and reality for new development and capital improvements. As the primary consultant for owners, architects, and franchisors, she manages the entire lifecycle of hotel construction—from site planning and architectural review to the procurement of FF&E. Her meticulous oversight of internal layouts and mechanical systems ensures that every Hospitality Specialists project is built for operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Patrick Tepen | Controller Patrick Tepen oversees the accounting department, ensuring the financial integrity of every property under management. A graduate of Illinois College with a degree in Accounting, Patrick manages the preparation of financial statements and end-of-month reporting, providing owners with the transparent, timely data necessary for informed decision-making.
Corporate Operations & Administration
Elijah Steinmetz | Senior Director of Operations Elijah Steinmetz brings a proven record of operational success and a comprehensive skill set to the senior leadership team. Rising from line-level roles to Regional Manager, he possesses a deep understanding of the drivers of profitability. Elijah’s expertise includes new hotel openings, sales and marketing oversight, and renovation management. Having studied Hospitality Management at Tiffin University, he specializes in aligning property-level execution with corporate goals to ensure every asset remains a market-leading success.
Wayne Burgher | Director of Operations & Product Enhancement Wayne Burgher focuses on elevating the guest experience and property standards. With a background as a Task Force Manager and General Manager, he holds a Certified Guest Service Professional designation from AHLA. A graduate of Kirkwood Community College, Wayne also serves as a professional mentor, helping shape the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Mackenzie Carlin | Director of Operations, Sales & Sustainability Mackenzie Carlin drives property performance through a multi-faceted lens of sales, marketing, and sustainable operations. From property auditing and revenue analysis to serving as a traveling task force specialist, Mackenzie provides critical opening support and special project management. She began her tenure at the Courtyard Milwaukee Airport and is an alumna of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Sue Johnson | Director of Human Resources Sue Johnson ensures the company’s most valuable asset—its people—is managed with precision and care. Transitioning from an accounting background, she balances empathetic leadership with rigorous financial responsibility. Sue oversees all HR operations, including payroll management, benefits administration, and garnishments. Additionally, she serves as the primary expert on regulatory compliance, navigating the complexities of the ACA, Worker’s Compensation, and COBRA to ensure seamless and compliant workforce operations.
Dave Mathews | Director of Engineering Dave Mathews ensures the physical assets of the company are maintained to the highest technical standards. With extensive experience as a construction superintendent and hotel engineer, Dave provides "bench" maintenance support, technical troubleshooting, and CPO-certified pool operations. He is instrumental in training new maintenance personnel and overseeing site renovation proposals.
Joy Elmore | Staff Accountant Joy Elmore is a key member of the financial team, overseeing the essential accounts payable workflows. She manages invoice entry, posting, and the credit application process, ensuring seamless financial interactions with vendors and partners.
Jay Mann | Staff Accountant Jay Mann brings property-level operational experience to the accounting department. Certified by the Wyoming Technical Institute, Jay handles daily report reconciliations, annual business renewals, and the management of state hotel and visitor bureau tax liabilities.
Join Our Team
At Hospitality Specialists, Inc., our success is built on the talent and dedication of our people. From property-level service to corporate leadership, we are always looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
Ready to grow your career with us? View Current Openings