Team

Chris Doyle joined Hersha in 2013 in the Asset Management function.  As Senior Vice President of Asset Management, Chris is responsible for the oversight of the Asset Management and Financial Planning and Analysis functions. Chris is known for leading strategic value creation initiatives, optimizing financial performance, brand development, capital planning, design and building strong relationships with stakeholders.  Prior to joining Hersha, Chris held various operational finance, asset management, international lodging and development finance positions at Marriott International and oversaw the corporate finance function for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Babson College, where he majored in Finance and minor concentration in Entrepreneurship. He earned his MBA from Loyola University. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his kids in their sporting pursuits, cooking and golf. 

Ben joined Hersha in 2013 after completing his B.A. in Accounting from Elizabethtown College.  Over his 11-years, Ben held various roles across the organization and was promoted to his current role, VP of Finance in January 2023.  Over the years, Ben has assisted in the financing of over $1 billion of debt. He also has played a crucial role in developing the company’s use of data to assist in strategic decision making. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his family. Ben is also a soccer fanatic and on Saturday mornings, you can find him watching his favorite team, Newcastle United. 

Stephanie joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in 2013. As Senior Vice President & General Counsel, she is responsible for overseeing the legal and administrative functions of the company.  During her time with Hersha, Stephanie has been involved in closing over $2.5 billion of acquisitions and dispositions, $2 billion of financing activity and establishing a $570 million joint venture. Prior to joining Hersha, Stephanie was in private practice with the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP in the real estate group.  She received her J.D. from the Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia, PA and a B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. She is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Outside of work, Stephanie is an advocate for the preservation of Philadelphia’s architectural and historic heritage sites and an active supporter of organizations dedicated to that mission.

Mike Gillespie joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in 2005 as Chief Accounting Officer, responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, risk management, and audit functions for the company.   Prior to joining Hersha, Mike developed his competencies serving as a senior manager with the “Big Four” firms of Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG LLP and as manager of financial policy & controls for TE Connectivity (formerly Tyco Electronics Corporation).  As a trusted business advisor, he collaborates with all facets of an organization with the goal of providing good information for making good decisions.   Mike received his B.S.B.A in Accounting from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.  He continues to serve his alma mater as Vice-Chair of the Bloomsburg University Foundation.   Outside of work, Mike spends most of his time as the support team for his active family.  When there is snow on the ground, you’ll find Mike on the slopes trying to keep up with his kids who, as alpine ski racers, tend to rip it down the hill.  The rest of the year you’ll find Mike on his bike, in his kayak, in the kitchen, or fixing his old house.

Rhonda joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in April 2008 in the Accounting department as an Accounts Payable Specialist. Over the years, Rhonda has proven to be a dependable and motivated member of the Accounting team. Prior to Hersha, Rhonda held various roles with Intec (formerly EUR Systems), Business New Publishing Company and PA Higher Education Assistance Agency. Rhonda holds Associate degrees in Child Development and Early Childhood & Education (Dean’s List) from Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg, PA.  She is currently working on B.A. from Millersville University and hopes to graduate in 2025. Outside of work, Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family – going to her son’s basketball and baseball games and supporting her daughter’s pursuit of a career in law and joining the AirForce. She also enjoys shopping, cooking and entertaining friends.

Chas joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in 2015 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Investments with responsibility for managing the Company’s investment strategy – sourcing to execution of acquisitions and dispositions. He also oversees Hersha’s internal Design & Construction team.  Chas has led and been a key decision maker in $1.8 billion of transaction volume across acquisitions, dispositions and financing. Prior to Hersha, Chas was with HEI Hotels & Resorts, a privately held lodging investment and management firm, where he held extensive roles within the firm’s investment, capital raising and operations/asset management functions. Chas earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in real estate finance from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and is a member of the Cornell Hotel Society. Outside of work, Chas is an avid, but at times conflicted, Miami and Philadelphia sports fan.  He also enjoys hiking, fishing, boating and spending time with family.

Nicholas joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in January 2024 as the Interim Chief Integration Officer. Prior to Hersha, Nicholas has spent over 20-year in the hospitality industry holding progressive executive roles on the ownership side (a hotel focused private equity group in Denver, CO and InnVest Hotels and Resorts in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) as well as the brand side (Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas, NV and Starwood Hotels & Resorts in White Plains, NY).  As a hybrid thinker, Nicholas embraces all opportunities with an equal amount of creativity and data-driven strategy. Nicholas holds a B.A. with distinction from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.   Outside of work, Nicholas is a foodie at heart with his favorite place being in the kitchen preparing meals for friends and family.  He also enjoys traveling, running, biking, playing ice hockey and watching his kids pursue their passion.

Jeremy joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in January of 2023 as a Staff Accountant. He is responsible for posting a wide variety of journal entries & assists in property tax projects. Prior to Hersha, Jeremy worked at Brown Plus, a public accounting firm working on audits.  Jeremy earned his BSBA & MBA through the John L. Grove College of Business at Shippensburg University.  Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and traveling. His favorite place to date – Venice, Italy.

Andrew joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in February 2022 and currently serves as Senior Associate, Asset Management overseeing the NYC portfolio. Before joining Hersha, Andrew worked at CHMWarnick, a leading third-party hotel asset management firm based in Boston. Andrew managed a portfolio of Convention Center and Resort properties across the United States. His responsibilities included financial analysis, strategic planning, operational optimization, and maximizing property performance. Andrew earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration with a minor in Real Estate. Outside of work, Andrew is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling to new and unique destinations. He also has a passion for culinary, frequently exploring Philadelphia’s vibrant restaurant scene with friends and family.

Emily joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in November 2021 as a Paralegal supporting the General Counsel. Her area of expertise is corporate organizations and liquor licensing. Prior to joining Hersha, Emily worked as a paralegal in Boston for Crowley & Cummings, LLC and the Law Offices of Iannella & Mummolo. Emily graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Women & Gender Studies.  Outside of work, Emily enjoys walking trails with her dog, listening to true crime podcasts and reading.

Pedro joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in February 2011 as a Staff Accountant. During his 13-plus year career with Hersha, Pedro has played an integral role in financial reporting, while accounting for the transactions that have made the current portfolio both unique and balanced. Being detail-oriented, Pedro takes pride in delivering a product that is both timely and accurate. Pedro holds a B.S. in Accounting from the Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, Pedro is a die-hard Philly sports fan, taking every opportunity possible to visit the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. He also enjoys golfing, gaming, collecting sneakers and being his kids’ biggest supporter on and off the field.

Niurka Olazabal joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in November 2022, as an Executive Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining Hersha, Niurka spent her professional career in the hospitality industry and accounting industry and at Florida based accounting firms.  Niurka holds a Master’s degree in Hospitality from Florida International University and a Master’s in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University. She has always been passionate about serving others. Outside of work, Niurka has a passion for food, relishes a good time, loves traveling, exploring new places, and is always ready for an adventure.

Ashish joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in 1999 and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer. Over his 25-years with Hersha, Ashish provided financial and strategic oversight that was instrumental in the management, financing, development, and acquisition of over $3 billion of hotel real estate. Prior to joining Hersha, Ashish was an Assistant Vice President in the Mergers and Acquisition Group for Fleet Financial Group where he developed valuable expertise in numerous forms of capital raising activities including leveraged buyouts, bank syndications and venture financing. Ashish also worked at Tyco International, Ltd. and practiced as a Certified Public Accountant with Ernst & Young LLP. Ashish received his Master’s in Business Administration from The Stern School of Business at New York University (NYU) and Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Ashish is currently a board member of the Center for Real Estate Finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business, The Tisch Center at NYU, Philadelphia Real Estate Council, and a member of the M&T Bank Directors Advisory Council. Outside of work, Ashish is an avid traveler, enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and pursuing his passion for snow skiing, water sports, golfing and attending sports events.

Logan joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in June of 2022 as a Staff Accountant. Prior to Hersha, Logan was with KBD Partners in a similar role.   Logan has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration degree from Shippensburg University.  Outside of work, Logan enjoys the outdoors primarily by fishing and going for walks.

Brett joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in June 2013 as the Vice President of Tax where he leads the company’s tax compliance and reporting.   Prior to joining Hersha, Brett spent 5 years working in public accounting, providing tax planning and compliance services to clients with a focus on corporations and pass-through entities.  He is a licensed certified public accountant in Pennsylvania and holds a B.S.B.A. from Shippensburg University.   Outside of work, Brett enjoys traveling, golfing and staying active. 

Jay joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in 1996 and currently serves as Senior Advisor where he is involved in all areas of the business with a particular emphasis on strategic relationships, capital transactions, asset management, and acquisitions. Over his 28 years with Hersha, Jay has served many key roles including CEO from 2006 to 2022 and President and COO from 2003 to 2006. Prior to joining Hersha, Jay formed Shah & Byler, LLP, a Philadelphia-based law firm specializing in real estate and construction. Earlier, he was a consultant at the former Coopers & Lybrand LLP, now PricewaterhouseCoopers. Jay also served as a legislative assistant to the late Senator John Heinz on Capitol Hill and worked with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office. Jay serves on Cornell University’s Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of Hotel Administration and is also a member of American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Board of Directors, American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Hospitality Investment Roundtable, the Philadelphia CEO Council for Growth, Young Presidents’ Organization, the Chief Executives Organization, and the President’s Leadership Council for Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. Jay earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, an MBA from the Temple University Fox School of Business, and a Law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time in nature on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay and in the mountains of Utah.

Neil joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in 2000 and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.  For the last 20 years, Neil has held key strategic roles including Director of Development, VP of Acquisitions & Asset Management, and President & Chief Operating Officer.   Over this time, Neil has led the acquisition, development, and management of over $3 billion of hotel real estate and the development of market leading capabilities in the highest barrier to entry markets in the U.S. Neil is a member of the Florida Council of 100, a Research Sponsor at the Zell-Lurie Real Estate Center at the Wharton School and a member of the Real Estate Board at the University of Miami Business School.  He is a former Chairman of the Institutional Real Estate Finance Advisory Council (IREFAC) of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and past Trustee of the National Constitution Center.   Prior to Hersha, Neil served as a Consultant with The Advisory Board Company and the Corporate Executive Board, strategy research firms based in Washington DC.   Neil earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Bachelor of Science in management with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School of Business. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Outside of work, Neil cherishes time with his children Simrin and Arhan most of all.   He is a voracious reader and a constant explorer and supporter of the communities where Hersha operates. 

Since joining Hersha Hotels and Resorts in 2017, Erica has had multiple roles & responsibilities in our project management team and currently serves as our VP of Design & Construction.  Erica has over 20 years of experience in the design and construction industry.  Prior to joining Hersha, Erica was part of Starwood Hotels & Resort’s Architecture & Construction department. Her experience as a brand representative as well as her past roles with hospitality interior design and architecture firms provide her a well-rounded understanding of the project team that, together with her keen attention to detail, have led to many successful renovations.  Erica is a licensed architect and holds a degree in architecture from Lehigh University. Outside of work, Erica remains the quintessential project manager.  She is always looking for a good before and after by renovating her house.

Aaron joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in January 2017 after graduating from Penn State – Harrisburg branch campus, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Aaron started as a Staff Accountant and was promoted to his current role, Accounting Manager, in March 2022.  In his current role, Aaron is heavily involved in facilitating the month-end close process, meeting quarterly & annual financial reporting requirements, and corporate-level cash forecasting. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys walking nature trails, playing table tennis with friends and reading.

Brian joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in July 2019 as an Asset Management Associate. Since joining the team, Brian has transitioned to his current role as Director of Investments. Prior to Hersha, Brian lived in Los Angeles where he completed his undergraduate degree at Loyola Marymount and worked as a musician (drummer). Brian then moved to India to study music, but ultimately decided on a career in hospitality, commencing at Four Seasons Scottsdale.  Brian earned his MBA at Michigan State (Go Green!), during which time he interned at HHM, and ended up at Hersha full time once completing his MBA. Outside of work, Brian remains an avid music fan, going to concerts, discovering new artists, and playing drums when time allows. He also enjoys fishing, travel, experiencing new cultures, cooking, craft cocktails, and is a die-hard Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers fan.

Arlene joined Hersha Hotels and Resorts in March 2021. Arlene started her career at KPMG, LLP in the audit practice, and worked at Select Medical Corporation in the corporate accounting and financial reporting department before joining Hersha. Arlene holds a B.S.B.A. in Management and Accounting from Bloomsburg University, and is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania.  Despite choosing a career that keeps her indoors, Arlene likes to be outside as often as possible gardening, running, hiking, kayaking, and playing sports with her kids.