Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series (DDLS) is a long-running Friday afternoon tradition in the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. We call it ‘Hotelie Friday.’ For nearly 100 years, Hotelies have taken this course. Top industry leaders in hospitality operations, food and beverage, and real estate, many of whom are our alumni, present a lecture to students, where they share their career journeys and provide insights on their leadership styles, business strategies, and industry trends. Students meet with the leader throughout the day in small group discussions and over shared meals. Journey through the most recent speaker lineup, below.
2024-2025 Speakers
Kate Walsh, Ph.D.,Dean and E.M. Statler Professor, MPS ‘90
Kate Walsh is Dean of the Nolan School and E. M. Statler Professor. A professor of management, Dr. Walsh has been a member of the School’s faculty since 2000. She […]
Speaker: Sean Hehir ’96, Managing Partner, President & CEO – Trinity Investments
Sean Hehir is a Principal and Managing Partner of Trinity Investments. He is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Investments and Trinity Fund Advisors LLC. Sean oversees […]
Speaker: David Kong, Founder & Principal – DEI Advisors
David Kong is the Founder and Principal of DEI Advisors, an Arizona non-profit organization. David retired as President and CEO of BWH Hotels at the end of 2021. He led […]
Speaker: Jordan Andino ’10, Chef, Restauranteur & TV Personality – Carriage House NYC, Flip Sigi, Fork Knife
Born in Toronto, Canada, Jordan Andino began his foray into the culinary world at the young age of 9 learning under his father. After moving to Manhattan Beach, CA, he […]
Speaker: Elie Maalouf, CEO – IHG Hotels & Resorts
Elie Maalouf has been Chief Executive Officer of IHG Hotels & Resorts since July 2023. Elie joined IHG as Americas CEO in February 2015. Under his leadership, the region’s estate […]
Speaker: Peter Nolan ’80, MBA ’82, Chairman & Founder – Nolan Capital Inc.
Peter Nolan founded Nolan Capital, Inc. in 2014 as the holding company for his family office to make long term investments in growth oriented companies whose hospitality-related holdings include Fresh […]
Speaker: Alissa Hendel ’07, GVP, North America & Owner Advocacy – Oracle
Alissa joined Oracle in 2021 and currently oversees all sales efforts for Oracle Hospitality in North America. This includes new business, account management, and global hotel chains. In addition, she […]
Speaker: Jim Butler ’96, CFO – London Gatwick Airport, Managing Director – Global Infrastructure Partners
Jim Butler was appointed Gatwick’s Chief Financial Officer in September 2021 and was simultaneously named a Managing Director at Global Infrastructure Partners. He is responsible for all aspects of London […]
Speaker: Dr. Ruth Browne, President & CEO – Ronald McDonald House, New York
Dr. Ruth C. Browne is the President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY). In her current role at RMH-NY, Dr. Bowne is at the helm of driving […]
Speaker: Stephanie Perrone Goldstein ’01, Principal – Deloitte Consulting LLP
Stephanie Perrone Goldstein is Deloitte Consulting’s Data, Analytics and AI leader for the Travel and Hospitality Industry. Stephanie, who graduated from Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration in 2001, has […]
Speakers: Lisa and Stephanie Karvellas: Co-Owners, CEO & COO – Cedar Lake Estates
Stephanie attended Clemson University where she studied management and, more importantly, the elements of successful events. After college, she moved to NYC to work for one of Manhattan’s high-end wedding […]
Speaker: Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury – Marriott International
Tina Edmundson is President, Luxury at Marriott International. Tina is a savvy brand architect whose 25+ year career has been driven by a desire to inspire travel. She is known […]
Speaker: Jessica Rosenberg ’13, Principal & Founder – Sawyer Realty Partners
Jessica Rosenberg joined Sawyer Realty Partners in July 2018. She, alongside her father, is responsible for the acquisition and financing of all asset classes within the company’s portfolio. She is […]
Past DDLS Speakers
Journey through years of inspired dialogue, with distinguished thought leaders on the past DDLS speakers page.