COHM Advisory Council

Rick Badgley has spent his career in the hospitality industry, starting with a managerial position at a New Hampshire ski resort. He most recently served as the executive vice president, chief people, and chief administrative officer for Brinker International, where he oversaw human resources, communications, shared services, and international restaurant development and operations. He was accountable to more than 1600 restaurants in 29 countries, ensuring a sense of belonging and core business goals for 60,000 team members. As an executive management team member, he worked with the Board of Directors to set global strategy for the Chili’s and Maggiano’s chains.

Before Brinker, Badgley served as vice president of retail and talent at TOMS Shoes. He led a brick-and-mortar strategy for the brand and partnered with leadership to ensure all team members were connected and aligned with the company’s purpose.

Before his time at TOMS, Badgley served as Starbucks’ vice president of global learning and talent acquisition. In this role, he was directly responsible for the hiring and career development of more than 75,000 partners.

Badgley has also held executive-level human resources positions at Wyndham Worldwide and Corporex.

Rick earned his master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees at Johnson & Wales University. At JWU, he strengthened his skills in the fellowship and management development programs. He worked at the university’s practicum properties and taught students about property operations.

He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Stephanie, and his two sons, Jackson and Cameron.

As managing director of Westmont, John Boettger is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s North American hotel investments and operations, including their full-service, economy lodging and extended stay assets.

Prior to joining Westmont, Boettger oversaw a portfolio of hotels valued at more than $9 billion as senior vice president of real estate and asset management at Park Hotels & Resorts after its spin-off from Hilton Worldwide.

Before that, he was responsible for hotel investments in Europe in his role as managing director for Axios Hospitality Real Estate, a portfolio company of Blackstone Real Estate.

He holds a Culinary Arts associate degree from Johnson & Wales University, a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Florida International University, and an MBA in finance from George Washington University.

He serves as a member of the AHLA Hospitality Investment Roundtable. He is a past president, treasurer, and board member of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) and a contributing author to Hotel Asset Management Principles & Practices.

Gary Crompton is president and CEO of Aramark’s Workplace Experience group, a $1.5 Billion division providing on-site cafeteria, catering and office coffee services for Fortune 1000 companies across the financial services, automotive, defense, manufacturing, technology, and professional services sectors.

Before his current role, Crompton was president of Aramark’s healthcare hospitality division, providing patient feeding, retail food service, environmental and infection control services, POM and Laundry distribution for more than 1000 acute care hospitals. Crompton’s responsibilities encompassed profit and loss (P&L) for the division, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Prior to Healthcare, he served as president, executive vice president and regional vice president of Aramark business services. In 2000, he was named vice president of national and global accounts, where he was responsible for developing international accounts and managing and cultivating existing client relationships.

Crompton began his career at Aramark in 1991, joining as a district manager in New York City. He quickly moved through roles at Aramark, and in 2013 he earned Aramark’s inaugural Joseph Neubauer Award for Outstanding Service, Innovation and Enduring Impact. In 2010, he received the company’s Commitment to Transformation Award.

Active within the industry, Crompton has served on the corporate council of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Food Service Forum and was a member of the organization’s executive committee. He has also held positions in the Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management (SHFM), where he served on the Board of Directors from 1999 to 2006, the Executive Committee from 2004 to 2006, and Treasurer in 2006. In 2012, he received SHFM’s Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award. He returned to the SHFM Board in 2020.

Crompton graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a B.S. in Food Service Management.

Paul Damico is an accomplished and well-respected executive with more than 35 years of food service experience in the hospitality industry. His career includes top leadership roles at such premier organizations as Host Marriott, Food Brand, Creative Host, FOCUS Brands, Global Franchise Group, and, most recently, Experiential Brands.

In 2017, Damico joined Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill as its Chief Executive Officer, successfully grew the brand to 38 locations, and created and established a franchise growth model. In 2020, he was named CEO of Global Franchise Group, where he led growth, acquisitions, and shared services; he also championed the organization’s “franchising first” philosophy. Following the successful sale of GFG, he joined Experiential Brands/Fuzzy’s Taco Shop as CEO.

Following graduation from Johnson & Wales University, Damico spent 13 years in various roles with Host Marriott Corporation, culminating in vice president of international development, where he oversaw restaurant development on five continents.

In 1999, his entrepreneurial instinct blossomed, and he co-founded FoodBrand LLC, a company that specialized in developing restaurants in malls and airports. Due to the company’s success, it was sold to a private equity group; Damico was named CEO of the company (now known as SSP America). He was responsible for day-to-day operations management for 42 airports in the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. In 2008, Damico joined Moe’s Southwest Grill as president of the organization.

During his time with Moe’s, he was named by Fast Casual Magazine as a “Top 26 Executive.” He was also featured on the CBS TV series “Undercover Boss,” where he worked anonymously to change the lives of 5 Moe’s associates. After six years with Moe’s, Damico was promoted to group president of FOCUS Brands, overseeing McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s Deli, and eventually Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream and Cinnabon.

An active member of the restaurant industry, Damico is an International Franchise Association Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and a board member of the National Restaurant Association’s Fast Casual Industry Council. He is a philanthropist and advocate for children, generously donating his time and money to causes such as the No Kid Hungry and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

In 2015, Damico was honored as Restaurateur of the Year by the Georgia Restaurant Association. His alma mater, Johnson & Wales University, recognized him as a Distinguished Lecturer and Distinguished Visiting Professor. He has also recently been inducted into the World Association of Cooperative Education Hall of Fame. In 2016, Damico was again honored by Johnson & Wales University with the degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Restaurant, Food & Beverage Management, honoris causa.

Roger Dow co-founded FutureWrx Solutions, which was formed to address the travel industry’s workforce shortage. In addition, he advises international tourism organizations on strategies to increase travel and tourism to their countries.

From 2005 to 2022, Dow served as the president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Travel Association, representing all segments of nationwide travel.

Dow’s efforts have resulted in major legislative victories, including securing pandemic-related relief, establishing and renewing Brand USA, and procuring funds to maintain America’s treasured national parks. Dow and U.S. Travel also initiated the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and the Let’s Go There Coalition.

Dow has received multiple honors and awards for his efforts to unify the travel industry and increase its effectiveness on Capitol Hill. Dow has also held seats on several boards, including ASAE, GWSAE, MPI Foundation, PCMA, Tourism Diversity Matters, RE/MAX International, the Forbes Travel Guide, the Travel Institute, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, among others.

Prior to joining U.S. Travel in 2005, Dow spent 34 years at Marriott International, where he headed up Marketing and Global Sales. Dow served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star and other citations. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Seton Hall University and was honored as a Most Distinguished Alumnus in 2012. In addition, he holds an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales University.

Bob Frost joined PM Hotel Group in 2022 as senior vice president of people and culture. His role entails leading PM Hotel Group’s human resources function and envisioning and implementing innovative systems and initiatives that align with the company’s strategic goals and foster its core values. He will also help uphold the group’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Before joining PM Hotel Group, Frost was the senior vice president and chief people officer for Lerner Enterprises and the Washington Nationals Baseball Club. Prior to that, he held human resources leadership roles for more than 20 years with Starr Restaurant Group, Northwood Hospitality, China Grill Management, HEI Hotels & Resorts, and Interstate Hotels & Resorts.

Frost holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University.

Justin Jabara is a third-generation hotelier representing the Meyer Jabara Hotels’ legacy of excellence in hotel management and ownership.

The hotel group is a respected 45-year-old hospitality management company that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of 31 branded and boutique hotels in 12 states.

Kyle Kurdle is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality technology industry. As vice president of global service delivery at Shiji, he oversees the company’s service delivery strategy, drives operational efficiency, and ensures customer satisfaction.

Before Shiji, Kurdle held executive positions at Oracle Hospitality (formerly Micros Systems, Inc.) as vice president of US and Canada food and beverage (F&B) consulting and at Micros Systems, Inc. as vice president of US and Canada F&B operations.

Kurdle has also held various other leadership positions, including vice president of hardware solutions and director of industry marketing at Micros Systems, where he was responsible for managing product strategy, OEM partner relationships, and promoting product sales throughout global distribution.

Kurdle holds an MBA in International Business, a B.S. in Hospitality and an A.S. in Hotel Restaurant Management from Johnson & Wales University. While at JWU, he completed a professional development program and held various positions in various JWU hotel departments, including front office manager, restaurant manager, food & beverage controller, hotel purchasing agent, and banquet manager.

Martin Murch’s 38-year career following his entrepreneurial and hospitality roots includes roles with Hilton Worldwide, Levy Restaurants, Starbucks Corporation, Starwood Hotels, and various independent restaurant operations. During his corporate career, he held senior leadership positions guiding and coaching up to 300 team members and overseeing $1 billion-plus in discipline management.

While holding C-Suite positions, Murch’s strategic responsibilities have included value investment partnerships with Great Cranberry Island, LLC, with significant ownership in Stickney Holdings, Good Eats Group, and Casco Bay Partners. As a board member, he molded and navigated the strategy to grow HomeMade Pizza from 19 stores to a total of 41 stores in three states; he also launched and grew Canterbury Capital from $5M in assets to over $40 million while continuing to grow assets under management.

Murch holds an AS in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Food Service Management from JWU Providence. He also enhanced his culinary and leadership skills through his role as a teaching assistant and fellow in JWU’s College of Culinary Arts (now CFIT). In addition, Martin also holds an Associate of Science in Business Finance from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. From 1994 to 1995, he held the White House’s Banquet Chef position, serving his distinguished fare to President Reagan, President Bush, President Clinton, and various global dignitaries.

Virginia Philip is the owner of the Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy and wine director at the iconic Breakers Palm Beach resort, where she leads the award-winning beverage program for 10 restaurants and bars.

A strong female force in a predominantly male industry, Philip became the eleventh woman in the world to earn the extraordinary accreditation of Master Sommelier, the highest certification of international proficiency held by just 29 women out of 236 professionals worldwide, in 2002.

Philip continued to earn notable achievements throughout her career, including the title of “Best Sommelier of the United States” from the American Sommelier Association from 2002 to 2006, James Beard Foundation nomination for Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional in 2012, and an honorary doctorate in oenology from JWU (where she graduated in 1989) in 2015.

In 2017, Philip achieved a lifelong dream with the debut of her eponymous academy in Palm Beach, Florida, where she offers more than 1000 personally-selected wine offerings and an extensive spirits collection, along with weekly wine education programs and guest appearances from renowned winemakers.

Philip has earned her reputation as a devoted expert in the industry. In 2020, she was named by the Women in Wine & Spirits Association as one of the 50 most influential women in wine & spirits. In addition, she has been featured on “The TODAY Show” and the Food Network, as well as in Food & Wine, Town & Country, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and other publications. She continues to follow her passion for wine education and share her insight on the world’s most impressive wines.

As a savvy businesswoman and entrepreneur, Philip is highly regarded for her dedication to mentoring future sommeliers and those in pursuit of Master Sommelier certification or furthering education.

Elaine Richard serves as area vice president for Marriott International, overseeing 40 full-service hotels in the Northeast Region with annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. She is accountable for driving performance across balanced scorecard metrics, including financial results, market share, guest satisfaction, associate engagement, owner preference, and execution of brand strategies.

Before assuming this role, she served as area vice president (AVP) for full-service hotels in the Mid-Atlantic region and AVP for the Eastern Region’s Select Service Brands, which included a portfolio of 240 hotels across 60 ownership groups.

Richard began her tenure at Marriott as a culinary manager trainee. She then held a wide variety of roles with increasing responsibility, including executive chef, director of catering, director of food & beverage, director of hotel operations, and regional director of food & beverage for the Northeast Region. She then assumed the role of director of food & beverage at the flagship Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Next, Richards was promoted to vice president of operations serving the Eastern Region. From there, she led the global implementation of Marriott’s Great Room Initiative as vice president of brand projects. She then took on the role of vice president of operations deployment before transitioning back to the market as vice president of food & beverage for the Americas.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University. She is also a graduate of the Wharton School of Business Executive Development Program and the Aspen Institute’s Executive Development Program. She recently celebrated 37 years of service with Marriott and, over time, has gained notoriety as a leading voice within the hospitality industry.

Kevin Schwab’s most recent position at Marriott International was serving as the South Central region’s area vice president (AVP) from late 2016 until 2020. Before this role, he served as AVP for Mexico and Central America. He also led the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris as their vice president and general manager (GM).

Schwab began his Marriott career as a culinary trainee in 1982 at the Austin Marriott Hotel. After that, he held various food and beverage positions in Florida, Virginia, Cancun, and Mexico City and a rooms division position in Mexico City.

In 2000, Schwab was appointed GM of the Panama City Marriott. In 2002, he transferred to the JW Mexico City. In 2005, he was appointed general manager of the San Juan Ritz-Carlton. After that, he served as pre-opening vice president and GM of the Macao Studio City Marriott and Ritz-Carlton in Macao, Special Administrative Region (SAR), China. He served an 8-month GM stint at the JW Phuket Marriot in Thailand. In November 2009, he returned to the Caribbean Latin America region in Aruba, and in 2012 he became market vice president for México.

Lynn Singleton has served as President of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC, ppacri.org) since 1983, transforming it from near-bankruptcy to one of the premier not-for-profit theatres in North America.

Under Singleton’s leadership, PPAC has been restored to its historic splendor having more than tripled its annual count of events and increased its attendance to 250,000-plus annually. Since 2008 alone, PPAC has opened 21 national Broadway tours, including “The Phantom of the Opera” (2013), “Les Misérables” (2017), and “Tina” (2022). In recognition of PPAC’s impact, Singleton successfully sought to make Rhode Island the second state to expand its film tax credit to include the opening of Broadway national tours.

In 1988, Singleton became the founding CEO of Professional Facilities Management (PFM), a for-profit subsidiary of PPAC. Today, PFM has national management and/or booking contracts with 9 facilities in 5 states, presenting 1,200 national and international cultural and contemporary performances and attractions annually.

For these and other contributions, Singleton has been named a “Driving Force” in the Rhode Island business community three times by Providence Business News. A member of the Broadway League, he has been honored with the Samuel J. L’Hommedieu Award for Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management.