Advisory Board Members

JT Baker, Class of 2021

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2021

Minor/concentration: Undecided

Appointed to the SAB: November 2017

Professional interests/experiences: JT is immensely passionate about pursuing a career in hospitality, with a strong focus in real estate. He was introduced to the hospitality industry at an early age by working in his parents' family-owned restaurant and catering company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He currently works for Thor Development, a turnkey real estate developing company in Minneapolis, and he plans on working for the Minnesota Vikings in the upcoming summer to diversify his professional experience and gain insight into the sports-administration industry.

Activities/interests: JT is on the Cornell varsity football team, a representative for the Cornell Minority Business Student Association, and a Hotel School student ambassador.

SAB engagement: JT believes that the School of Hotel Administration is one of the most inclusive and supportive academic communities in the country, and he wishes to continue promoting this inclusiveness and to mold the Hotel School to continue being a leader for all other schools and communities. One of JT's biggest focuses is to ensure that minority students within the Hotel School, and Cornell in general, have access to the same resources and opportunities as other students, and truly have an enriching experience.

Nelson Billington, Class of 2019

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2019

Minor/concentration: Undecided

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2015

Professional interests/experiences: Nelson has a passion for and interest in restaurants, the travel industry, and special events. Over the last five years, he has consulted for over a half-dozen companies in the Washington, D.C. area and Charleston, SC. Through work with Washingtonian magazine, he has written a weekly events blog post. Additionally, Nelson has worked with Venga, a technology startup focused on the hospitality industry. In 2016, he spent a month working in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for NBC Olympics on the 2016 Summer Games. Last summer, Nelson worked on sales and account management for Coyle Hospitality Group.

Activities/interests: Currently, Nelson works as a luxury travel advisor for MilesAhead, a luxury travel concierge. At Cornell, Nelson is a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, a professional business fraternity.

SAB engagement: Through his work with the SAB, Nelson hopes to connect with first-year students through events like Downtime with the Dean. By working with Dean Walsh and other student leaders, he wants to ensure that the values of the Hotel School are best represented in the new structure of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.

Thomas Johnson, Class of 2019

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2019

Minor/concentration: Undecided

Appointed to the SAB: November 2016

Professional interests/experiences: Thomas's professional interests include finance, real estate, law, and academia. He hopes to eventually land a management role with a professional sports franchise or a large financial corporation, but is also considering becoming a professor and pursuing an academic career. Thomas has interned at the Ritz Carlton Beach Resort and Spa in Naples, Florida, and for the Buccini/Pollin Group, a real estate acquisition, management, and development company in Washington, D.C. Thomas looks forward to joining Hyatt Hotels Corporation as a feasibility and development finance intern in Chicago during the summer of 2018.

Activities/interests: Thomas is studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain for the spring 2018 semester. He is an active member of the Cornell Club Lacrosse team, and is an avid sports fan, having played football and lacrosse in high school. Thomas is also a member of the Delta Phi (Llenroc) fraternity. He enjoys traveling with his parents and two older brothers, who are also Cornellians. Thomas was born in Ann Arbor, moved to Ithaca when he was nine, and called Boston home for the last two years, and soon Cleveland will be his new hometown.

SAB Engagement: As a member of the SAB, Thomas works to create a welcoming community that is open and inclusive for all members in the School of Hotel Administration. Most recently, he assisted with the development of "The Box" and was one of the leads on the recruiting team last fall. Thomas was recently invited to join the SC Johnson College of Business Student Advisory Board, where his focus will be to help increase connectivity, collaboration, and efficiency among the three schools while maintaining the unique character and identity of each.

Eri Kato, Class of 2020

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2020

Minor/concentration: Real estate minor; law concentration

Appointed to the SAB: November 2016

Professional interests/experiences: Eri's professional interests include international business and law, and she aspires to work in the legal or diplomacy field. The Cornell Hotel School is her first dip into the hospitality industry, following her previous involvement in TEDx and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Activities/interests: In addition to being an active member of After Eight A Cappella and the Cornell University Chorus, Eri is involved with the Kappa Alpha Phi pre-law fraternity, Cornell Undergraduate Asia Business Society, and Hotel School Ambassadors.

SAB engagement: Eri wishes to improve the day-to-day experiences of Hotelies and those who frequent Statler Hall. She works to strengthen the linkage institution between the administration and the student body, with a special focus on international students and their adaptation to the American college life.

Harrison King, Class of 2020

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2020

Minor/concentration: Concentration in finance, accounting, and real estate with minors in both information science and real estate

Appointed to the SAB: November 2017

Professional interests/experiences: Professional interests/experiences: At the age of 13, Harrison started his business career by interning at several different restaurants and hotels across Connecticut and NYC, particularly Revel in the Meatpacking District. It is there where he first gained his passion for business. Harrison's career interests now lie in the field of finance, particularly within investment banking and security analysis. Harrison has been interning since his freshman year with Morgan Stanley in their world headquarters in NYC. For his sophomore summer, Harrison interned within Morgan Stanley's Leveraged Finance Group and is happy to have accepted a return offer for his junior summer within Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking Division. He is also a Teaching Assistant for Advanced Corporate Finance and Introduction to Corporate Finance.

Activities/interests: Harrison is currently Head of New Member Development and Technology Sector Project Leader within Apex Capital Fund, an investment club on campus. In addition, he is Co-Founder, Treasurer, Head of New Member Development for Cornell Financial Analysts, a club focused on financial education. Before coming to Cornell, Harrison was inducted into the National Honor Society, Italian National Honor Society, and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. In his free time, Harrison enjoys fishing and playing tennis and golf.

SAB engagement: While on the Student Advisory Board, Harrison is interested in exploring options to create a "Hotelie Meal Plan" that would alleviate the burden of insufficient BRBs while also allowing for unlimited Mac's and Terrace food swipes. In addition, he would like to explore options to increase the number of technological accessories within the Marriott Student Learning Center, such as chargers and adapters, with a distinct color-coding system. Harrison is also deeply committed to promoting and working on diversity initiatives throughout the school to ensure that every SHA student's opinion is voiced and listened to.

Jonathan Lee, Class of 2020

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2020

Minor/concentration: Real estate minor; finance concentration

Appointed to the SAB: November 2016

Professional interests/experiences: Jonathan will be working as a real estate development analyst at Hyatt Development Corporation in Chicago this summer. Last summer, he worked as a finance intern at Four Seasons Hotels and as a real estate consultant performing valuation work for a family office. He plans to pursue a career in the areas of hospitality real estate finance and asset management upon graduation.

Activities/interests: Jonathan currently serves as the president of the Cornell Real Estate Club. He is also an active member of the Johnson Museum of Art student advisory committee and the Cornell Club Tennis Team. He previously served as a director for the Cornell Hotel Society, Collegiate Chapter, a guest experience manager for Hotel Ezra Cornell, and a member of the Hotel Leadership Development Program. Jonathan is currently a member of the Delta Phi (Llenroc) fraternity.

SAB engagement: Jonathan looks forward to working with fellow SAB members and Dean Walsh in continuing to focus on improving the overall student experience at the Hotel School. He is also interested in helping create opportunities for Hotel School students to discover their passions and interests professionally. Among the projects Jonathan is currently leading is the creation of an internship scholarship fund for Hotel School students.

Jeffrey Liao, Class of 2020

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2020

Minor/concentration: Real estate minor; marketing concentration

Appointed to the SAB: November 2017

Professional interests/experiences: Jeffrey's professional interests lie within hospitality operations and fitness. He hopes to apply the knowledge and skillsets gained in the hospitality industry to the growing fitness industry. Jeffrey previously worked at Hakkasan New York and Bouley Restaurant, and interned at Rocco Forte Hotels and Denihan Hospitality Group. He currently works at the Regent Lounge at the Statler Hotel. Originally from Taiwan, Jeffrey spent his past summer serving in the Taiwanese army.

Activities/interests: Jeffrey is an active member in the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, Cornell chapter. He serves as a sales manager for the 93rd Annual Hotel Ezra Cornell. Passionate about healthful snacking, Jeffrey serves as a brand ambassador for Siete Family Foods, a new health-conscious tortilla-and-tortilla-chip company. In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys boutique fitness classes, café hopping, and healthfuly cooking.

SAB engagement: Jeffrey is eager to improve the Hotelie experience, especially for international students unaccustomed to American culture and transfer students new to the Cornell community.

Shanna Martin, Class of 2021

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2021

Minor/concentration: Spanish minor

Appointed to the SAB: November 2017

Professional interests/experiences: After working as a research assistant, office intern, front desk agent, and waitress, Shanna is most interested in pursuing a career in hotel operations. She also has a passion for international business.

Activities/interests: Outside of the SAB, Shanna is the marketing chair for the Court-Kay-Bauer Residence Hall Council. She is also a cheerleader for Cornell men's varsity football and basketball.

SAB engagement: Shanna is eager to take an active role in optimizing the Hotel School experience for both current and future students. Primarily, she hopes to increase communication between students and the administration and faculty.

Liam O'Brien, Class of 2020

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2020

Minor/Concentration: French

Appointed to the SAB: November 2017

Professional interests/experiences: Liam's experience is primarily focused in restaurant operations. He has worked in the kitchen as well as the front of house. Liam is also interested in government, political science, and international affairs.

Activities/interests: Liam works as a writing consultant in the SHA Communications Center. He is also a Hotel School ambassador and a line cook at Taverna Banfi.

SAB engagement: Liam is excited to start his first semester on the Student Advisory Board.

Walter Salas, Class of 2019

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2019

Minor/concentration: Undecided

Appointed to the SAB: November 2016

Professional interests/experiences: Walter's professional interests are wholeheartedly in operations, specifically in food & beverage. Walter has interned in different hotels around the country including the Intercontinental Downtown Miami, the Westin Times Square, and the St. Regis San Francisco. Through his search in full time employment opportunities, Walter is looking to follow his passion for hospitality and continue in the heart of hotels and restaurants pursuing an operations career after graduation.

Activities/interests: Walter is part of the Hotel Leadership Development Program, where he is able to cross train in multiple departments at The Statler Hotel. He has worked every front of house position at Taverna Banfi for three years, and has also worked in the kitchen, the front office, Mac's, and purchasing/receiving. Through this program, Walter is now the student manager at Taverna Banfi. Other activities and interests include participating in the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and Club Managers Association of America. Walter has also studied abroad Spring 2018 completing a voyage around the world through Semester At Sea.

SAB engagement: As a member of the Student Advisory Board, Walter hopes to voice the concerns and opportunities from the student body to discuss during the SAB meetings. Walter wants to represent the passion for operations in the Hotel School and diversify the board with those interested in pursuing a career in this field. He believes that the recruitment process is crucial to the advisory board, as we are representing the voices of everyone in the Hotel School. Walter also wants to work closely with the Office of Student Services to facilitate the studying abroad process to give students a once in a lifetime chance to explore another part of the world.

Tatiana Suero, Class of 2019

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2019

Minor/concentration: Undecided

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2015

Professional interests/experiences: Tatiana plans on exploring different areas of hospitality in order to find her niche. At the moment, she holds a strong interest within event management.

To date, Tatiana has:

• Worked at Lui Lui of Nashua, NH as a hostess and server
• Worked at Taverna Banfi of Ithaca, NY as a server
• Externed at the Westin Georgetown in the Event Management Department

Activities/interests:

• Outreach chair for Comunidad Latinx in Hospitality
• Member of National Society of Minorities in Hospitality
• Member of Club Managers Association of America

SAB engagement: In SAB, Tatiana wishes to continue strengthening the tight-knit community of the Hotel School. She wants to build a strong relationship between the students and the administration to continue to make the Hotel School the best it can be.

Emeritus SAB Members

Class of 2018

Soh-Hyun (Lotte) Ahn '18

Bachelor of Science: May 2018

Minor/concentration: Art history

Appointed to the SAB: December 2014

Aetheline Chua '18

Bachelor of Science: May 2018

Minor/concentration: Marketing concentration, computer science minor

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2015

Matthew Guarini '18

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: December 2017

Minor/Concentration: Corporate food and beverage

Transfer from: The Culinary Institute of America

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2015

Kayti Stanley '18

Bachelor of Science: May 2018

Minor/Concentration: Information science minor/real estate concentration

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2014

Class of 2017

Alyannah Kassam '17

Bachelor of Science: May 2017

Minor/concentration: Entrepreneurship Real estate minor

Transfer from: College of Arts and Sciences (Fall 2014)

Appointed to the Student Advisory Board: Fall 2014

Armaan Singh Nirh '17

Bachelor of Science: May 2017

Minor/concentration: Real estate minor/finance, accounting and real estate concentration

Transfer from: Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland (fall 2014)

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2014

Sebastian Ogando '17

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2017

Minor/Concentration: Finance, accounting, and real estate

Transfer from: Barry University - fall 2014

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2014

Kristina Tagliente '17

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2017

Minor/Concentration: Entrepreneurship

Transfer from: College of Arts and Sciences (Fall 2014)

Appointed to the SAB: November 2013

Venus Tse, '17

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2017

Minor/Concentration: Hotel administration

Appointed to the SAB: November 2013

Shilu (Jess) Wu, '17

Candidate for Bachelor of Science: May 2017

Minor/Concentration: Entrepreneurship

Appointed to the SAB: December 2013

Class of 2016

Sarah Murdoch '16

Bachelor of Science: May 2016

Minor/Concentration: Real estate minor

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2012

Andreas Valhouli-Farb '16

Bachelor of Science: May 2016

Minor/Concentration: Marketing

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2013

Class of 2015

Alec Budow '15

Bachelor of Science: May 2016

Minor/Concentration: Real estate minor

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2012

Lucas Busch '15

Bachelor of Science: January 2015

Minor: Real estate

Concentration: corporate finance, financial consulting, investment banking

Transferred from: Les Roches-­Gruyère University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (fall 2012)

Appointed to the SAB: August 2013

Quinn Cox '15

Bachelor of Science: May 2015

Transferred from: Bucks County Community College (August 2012)

Appointed to the Student Advisory Board: October 2012

Francesca Filippini '15

Bachelor of Science: May 2015

Minor: Italian

Transferred from: Boston University (fall 2012)

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2012

Isabella Mongalo '15

Bachelor of Science: May 2015

Concentration: Services Marketing and Operations Management

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2011

Class of 2014

Stephen Breedon '14

Bachelor of Science: May 2014

Minor/Concentration: Minor in real estate

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2011

Ashley Dimond '14

Bachelor of Science: May 2015

Concentration: Services Marketing and Operations Management

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2011

Kealy Hartman '14

Bachelor of Science: May 2014

Minor/Concentration: N/A

Appointed to the SAB: Fall 2011