Driven by Excellence & Integrity

Ron Wilson, CHA, Chief Executive Officer. For over 34 years, Ron has led the growth of HIS by developing new hotels, conference centers, golf courses along with his passion of operating and renovating historic hotels.

Ron started HIS by assisting banks as a receiver and managing troubled hotels during the 1990 recession but started his career as a dishwasher, busboy, bartender, cook, banquet manager, assistant general manager, and general manager before moving into the corporate world of hotel finance and operations prior to starting HIS.

Ron holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from Walsh College, a Master of Ministry from Michigan Theological Seminary, and a BS degree in Hotel Administration from UNLV. He is a Certified Hotel Administrator and contributing author of “Financial Management for the Hospitality Industry” textbook published by Pearson Prentice Hall.

Ron is a licensed Real Estate Broker; approved State of Michigan Real Estate Continuing Education instructor; a speaker for the State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law section; and an industry recognized expert witness in complex hospitality litigation. Ron is a multi-engine instrument rated pilot with 2,000+ hours and was the 2015 USA Triathlon National Champion – Half Ironman for his age/group. Ron is passionate about the hospitality industry and developing the next generation of leaders. In his free time, he and his wife, Roxanne, enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, motorcycle trips, and serving at church.

Brian Barton was appointed Chief Operations Officer in 1999 and oversees the company’s entire portfolio. Brian has been employed with HIS since 1990 and has held several General Manager’s positions in all lodging sectors.

His background, solid leadership, and extensive operational experience in resort hotels, full-service hotels, limited-service hotels, and extended stay hotels have contributed to the remarkable growth the company has enjoyed. Brian has managed a variety of national lodging brands and several independent hotels throughout the United States.

Under Brian's leadership, the company has seen significant improvements in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. His strategic vision and ability to implement innovative solutions have been instrumental in navigating the company through industry challenges and market fluctuations. Brian's commitment to excellence and his proactive approach to management have fostered a culture of continuous improvement and high performance within the organization. In his free time, Brian enjoys traveling and boating on Lake St. Clair.

Drew is the Chief Financial Officer at Hotel Investment Services, Inc. and has been a cornerstone of the HIS team since 2008. He grew up in northern Indiana and began working at a young age as a dishwasher, cook, lifeguard, and sailing instructor. He is a proud alum of Cedarville University, holding dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Accounting and Marketing, and earning his CPA designation in 2009. Drew is also a long-time member of the MICPA.

Drew's expertise spans a spectrum of financial realms, from budgeting and forecasting to asset management. His strategic insight and adeptness in optimizing revenues and minimizing expenses have been instrumental in HIS's success. Moreover, Drew possesses an in-depth understanding of the hotel purchase and sale transaction process, facilitating informed decision-making.

In addition to his financial strengths, Drew is well-versed in navigating complex financial instruments such as New Market Tax Credits, Employee Retention Credits, and PPP loans. He is also knowledgeable in regulatory frameworks, including EB-5, J1, and H2B visas.

Beyond the work environment, Drew finds enjoyment in outdoor pursuits like skiing, golfing, and running. He also volunteers his time working for several non-profit organizations. However, his greatest joy lies in spending quality time with his wife, four children, and friends and family.

Recognized by Hotel Management Magazines inaugural list of top 40 over 40, Sam Barnwell joined the HIS team in 2020 as Area Director of Operations and was promoted to Chief Development Officer in April 2023. Sam grew up in Northern Michigan and lived on Mackinac Island year-round for 20 years. He currently lives in Traverse City, Michigan with his wife and two dogs. Sam joined the HIS Team via the purchase of his family owned and operated Hotel Iroquois by a long-time client of HIS. Sam has a degree in Culinary Arts, Emergency Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from the University of Denver.

Sam started his career as a teenage dishwasher at the Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs Michigan and lead the acquisition of the property in 2023 for an HIS client bringing his early days in a kitchen full circle. Sam is an active member of the community as a paramedic, Treasurer of the Mackinac Arts Council and Treasurer of the Mackinac Island Transportation Authority. Sam is passionate about hospitality and has grown up in the owner operator environment of a Conde Naste and Travel and Leasure award winning hotel, which allows him to ensure that our guests have a memorable experience, and properties are managed from an ownership perspective. Sam enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife, Lisa and their two dogs Duck(a fiesty Corgie) and Goose (the perfect yellow lab).

Tawnya Johnson joined the HIS corporate team in February 2020 and was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in April 2023. Before joining HIS, she spent 17 years as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Saint John’s Resort.

A highly organized and proficient sales professional, Tawnya has a proven track record of increasing market share. She excels at balancing her time between selling and managing/developing employees, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication.

Tawnya's success in developing and implementing direct sales and marketing initiatives is a testament to her ability to provide guidance to solicit and cultivate new business, communicate effectively with established accounts, and increase overall revenues. She is adept at inspiring teams to achieve results, implementing effective goal-setting procedures that involve individual input to create challenging yet attainable sales goals. Her creative selling techniques, self-motivated work habits, and strong leadership capabilities make her an invaluable asset to HIS.

In addition to her marketing expertise, Tawnya provides crucial operations support. She collaborates closely with the operations team to streamline processes, enhance customer experience, and ensure that marketing strategies align with operational goals. Her comprehensive understanding of both sales and operations allows her to implement initiatives that drive efficiency and effectiveness across the organization.

In her free time, Tawnya finds her greatest joy in spending time with her husband and their daughter and enjoys golfing, boating, and being outdoors at her lake house.

Mike Zorn joined HIS in 2024. He moved to Michigan in 2021, joining the team at Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island as Senior Vice President of Resort Operations. Most recently, he led the transition of the iconic Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan, through an ownership change and renovation design. Mike is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Hospitality Administration. His past experiences enable him to drive top and bottom-line results by achieving balanced scorecards.

Mike's career spans 22 years with Hyatt, Hilton, and Davidson before joining HIS. His past experiences have brought him all throughout the country, starting in his home state of Florida, with stops in Honolulu, Kauai, Las Vegas, Hilton Head Island, Waikoloa, Mackinac Island, and Rochester, MI. Mike is a member of the Owner Advisory Committee, serving on the Visit Detroit Board of Directors, and he resides in Lake Orion with his wife Cari, daughters Kaia, Khloe, and 2 English springer spaniels. Mike's passion is serving others while making hotel programming memorable through unique and exciting activations. Mike is an outdoorsman who enjoys golfing, hunting and enjoying his newfound home in Michigan. His greatest moments are from times spent with his wife and two daughters.

KC Baker, Senior Vice President of Accounting, has been with HIS since 1990. She specializes in all facets of accounting, including implementing robust internal controls, progressive accounting systems, and efficient networks. These initiatives enable the corporate staff to collect, understand, and consolidate financial information, ensuring that all properties operate cost-effectively and profitably.

KC’s objectives include improving cash flow and providing timely reporting for each of HIS's managed branded and independent hotels. She oversees associate compensation, insurance, medical benefits, and retirement options, reviewing these quarterly to ensure they are valued, competitive, and affordable for owners, associates, and corporate staff. KC also manages all human resource and risk management practices, benefits administration, development programs, labor and contract negotiations, legal compliance, and provides consultation on training and development. She maintains a close relationship with General Managers at both managed and owned properties to ensure the best programs are offered to associates, helping them protect, improve, and achieve their potential.

KC studied Accounting Management at Oakland University, Hotel Management at Washtenaw Community College, and Liberal Arts at Eastern Michigan University. She received an associate's degree in liberal arts from Schoolcraft College. KC began her hotel career with Motor Hotel Management (MHM), now Richfield Hospitality, starting as a Midnight Desk Clerk. KC enjoys spending her free time traveling and enjoying life with her husband, friends and family.

Angela McGillis, CRME, was appointed Vice President of Revenue and Digital Marketing in 2020. She joined the company in 2004 as part of the opening management team for the DoubleTree by Hilton, Bay City, MI. Her primary responsibility is to optimize the financial performance of our portfolio through analysis, strategic planning, and proactive decision-making. Weekly meetings are held with each hotel team, including front desk, sales, marketing, and GM, to ensure a cohesive adaptation of revenue strategies.

Angela excels in initiating projects independently, leveraging her robust analytical abilities, and fostering effective communication. Prior to joining HIS, Angela was a Sales Manager at Hampton Inns in Midland and Mt. Pleasant, MI. She holds a BBA in Hotel, Restaurant, and Resort Management from Northwood University and a Master’s degree from The DeVos Graduate School of Management and is a member of HSMAI. Angela is a talented baker and enjoys creating beautiful treats for friends and family. She spends her time reading and gardening and enjoying life with her husband.

Stephanie Naylor, Corporate Controller and Director of HR, started with HIS in 2004 as the on-site Controller and Director of Human Resources for Doubletree Hotel in Bay City MI. In January 2014 she was promoted to Corporate Controller and October 2021 the title of Corporate Director of HR was added. Stephanie is currently responsible for numerous properties profit and loss statements, payroll, benefits, assets, and bank statements in the HIS portfolio.

Stephanie trains new property accountants and payroll processors. She performs on-site internal audits at all the properties annually. She completes various accounting procedures and cash management/reconciliations for the properties, as well as projects associated with streamlining work and efficiency. Her HR responsibilities include payroll software knowledge, candidate recruitment, employee benefits and retention.

Stephanie has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from SVSU. She worked in corporate accounting for over 20 years, starting as a flower wholesaler, the Accountant for the Bay City Mall and prior to HIS, worked in manufacturing accounting for Magline Inc’s multi-international and domestic plants. Stephanie cherishes creating lifelong memories with her family, whether it's through special celebrations, traveling to new destinations, or simply enjoying quiet moments together at home.

David Hotycki joined the corporate team as Area Revenue Manager in 2014. He was promoted to Regional Director of Operations/Revenue Management in April 2023 and transitioned to the IT Director and Operations Support role in 2024. His areas of hospitality focus include property systems management and integrations, business intelligence dashboard management, network infrastructure maintenance, and management of end user support services. Before joining the corporate team, David was an on-property General Manager for 16 years at focused service and extended stay products. He has previously been a certified revenue manager for IHG and Hilton and performed revenue management for branded and independent properties that we manage. In 2004, he obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a focus in Sales & Marketing from Eastern Michigan University. His hobbies include fishkeeping, boating, traveling, DIY projects, and learning about current technology and computer systems.

Chiara joined the HIS team in 2024 as Operations Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for the hospitality industry. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where she earned a B.S. in Education with a major in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning. This solid educational foundation has equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic and fast-paced world of hospitality management.

Before joining HIS, Chiara spent five years on Mackinac Island, working at the renowned Hotel Iroquois. Her time there was marked by a dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences and a keen eye for detail. Her efforts contributed to the hotel's reputation for excellence, setting a high standard that she continues to uphold in her current role. Most recently, Chiara expanded her professional repertoire by performing Quality Assurance (QA) inspections across various hotel and restaurant brands. This role allowed her to develop a critical understanding of industry standards and best practices, further enhancing her ability to ensure top-tier service and operations.

Outside of her professional life, Chiara is an avid explorer who loves spending time with family and friends. She enjoys discovering new places and cultures, which fuels her creativity and passion for hospitality.

Carley started with Hotel Investment Services in 2014 at the property level for the Hilton Garden Inn Laramie. In 2020 she joined the corporate team as the Corporate Accountant & Revenue Analyst. Carley completes various accounting tasks such as journal entries, ledger balancing, check runs, and bank and tax reconciliations for the properties. She also assists on the revenue management side, putting together revenue packets and making rate adjustments.

Always having had a passion for the hospitality industry, Carley obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Black Hills State University in 2014. She has excelled in both accounting and revenue management and loves working with numbers each day. Outside of work, Carley enjoys being a busy mom of her two young kids, time with friends and family, camping, football games, and dart league.

Lisa Patrico has been a vital part of our HIS corporate office since 2014 when she came on the team as Executive Assistant. She serves the corporate staff assisting with various duties including report preparation, accounting assistance, technical support, and many various responsibilities as the office manager.

Since graduating from Rochester Christian University with a legal research degree, Lisa has worked as an Executive Assistant to the Chief of Surgery at Crittenton Medical Center where she gained experience in Human Resources and AP along with other varied administrative duties.  Lisa came to us from Woodside Bible Church where she served at the Senior Pastor’s Administrative Assistant.

Lisa has been married to her husband Joe since 1989 and has 4 grown children, a great son-in-law, and grandchildren who hold her heart. She is a nature lover and enjoys reading, watching football, traveling to see her sons in Northern MI, and spending time with her family at their cabin in the thumb of MI.

Kristen Kessler joined HIS in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant, serving as the first point of contact for guests and providing key support to the corporate office and HIS-managed properties. In her multifaceted role, Kristen provides invaluable support to the corporate office and HIS-managed properties. She expertly manages incoming and outgoing mail, oversees shipping logistics, and tackles an array of administrative tasks with efficiency and attention to detail. Whether coordinating deliveries, organizing office supplies, or running essential errands, Kristen’s efforts ensure seamless operations across the organization. Known for her adaptability and resourcefulness, Kristen thrives in the dynamic environment of hospitality, where no two days are the same. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to anticipate the needs of the team make her an indispensable asset to HIS. Kristen is a dedicated mom of young children and a loving wife who values the joy and chaos that family life brings. Outside of work, Kristen finds her greatest happiness in spending time with her family, whether it's playing games, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying the small, everyday moments together.