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    Shila Bowron Leadership
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    • Shila Bowron Leadership Series
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      • Previous Speakers
    • Hospitality Hall of Fame

    previous speaker

    Spring 2023

    Jeff Kennedy

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    FOUNDING PARTNER MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ

    Jeff Kennedy graduated from The University of Alabama in 1996 with a degree in marketing. In pursuit of a lifestyle focused on food, fun and adventure, he moved to Vail, Colorado. After working at various restaurants throughout the valley, he, along with partners, Ben Gilbert and Mike Fernandez, founded Moe’s Original BBQ. The brand, now at 54 locations, aspires to spread its Southern heritage and continue to grow at an aggressive but manageable pace.
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    Hospitality, and the desire to broaden its importance, have become Kennedy’s primary focus. He believes that hospitality “is all about creating a space and vibe, in all aspects of life, that almost forces comfort and inclusion.” Kennedy uses this thought process through a multitude of avenues to help inspire himself, his team and others to take hospitality, as well as personal and professional development, to another level.

    A recipient of the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Vail Centre for Leadership, Kennedy is also on the Executive Board of the Vail Valley Partnership.
    In his free time, you can find him with his wife, Meredith and two daughters, Gracen and Libba Jayne, somewhere outdoors – eating well, experiencing life together, and serving his community.




    Fall 2022

    Spring 2022

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    Jill Bender
    Director of Training for Hospitality & Experience
    REVEL XP
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    Mark Goodman 
    Chairman Colorado Nut Holding Company
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    Fall 2021

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    Nick Sellers
    CEO of The World Games 2022
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    Spring 2021

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    ​WOMEN LEADERS IN HOSPITALITY

    Interactive discussion with a panel of hospitality executives.
    These panelists will talked about career tracks, life
    choices and proven leadership formulas for
    success.

    Fall 2020

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    Joni NewKirk

    CEO of Integrated Insights

    Spring 2020

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    Johnny Carrabba

    ​Co-founder of Carrabba’s Italian Grill
    Watch Session

    fall 2019

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    jennifer E. gowers

    Owner and Principal Planner of GoPro Event Solutions​
    Watch Session

    spring 2019

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    Bill Bennett

    General Manager of The Lodge at Gulf State Park
    Watch Session

    fall 2018

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    Greg Friedman

    Chief Executive Officer of Peachtree Hotel Group
    ​​Watch Session

    spring 2018

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    ​Stephanie Bryan

    CEO Poarch Band of Creek Indians
    Watch Session

    fall 2017

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    ​Ashley Robilio’s

    Owner Huey's Restaurants
    Watch Session

    spring 2016

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    ​MINDY HANAn

    President/CEO of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance(AHRA
    Watch Session

    fall 2016

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    Paul H. van Leeuwen

    Senior Hospitality Executive
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    SPRING 2015

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    john crisp

    General Manager of Embassy Suites  AHLA -Certified Hotel Administrator
    Watch Session

    fall 2015

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    peter Kim

    Founder Yummy Restaurant Group
    Watch Session

    Spring 2014

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    ​ROBERT CRAFT

    Owner Craft Turf Farms
    Watch Session

    Spring 2013

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    Dana GArmany

    ​Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Troon
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    Fall 2013

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    Jennifer yuengling

    Plant Coordinator for D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.
    Watch Session

    Spring 2012

    Name of Speaker

    Position/Title
    Watch Session

    Fall 2012

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    Mr. Richard B. Green, ​

    Vice President,Association Sales and Industry Relations, Marriott International
    Watch Session

    spring 2011

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    deborah sexton

    President and CEO of the Professional Convention Management Association
    Watch Session

    Fall 2011

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    ​Alexandre Gaudelet

    Chief Operating Officer of B.R. Guest Hospitality
    Watch Session

    Fall 2010

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    RObbie Robertson

    President and CEO of The Colonnade Group
    Watch Session

    Fall 2010

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    Kemmons WIlson, Jr

    Principal and Executive Vice President of Kemmons Wilson, Inc.
    Watch Session

    Contact Department

    • 403 Russell Hall, Box 870311, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
    • (205) 348-7855
    • (205) 348-2982
    • [email protected]
    • shilabowronleadership.ches.ua.edu

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