09/01/2026

Welcoming our newest staff member!

Please join us in welcoming Carrie Richards to the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association team! Today is Carrie’s first day as our new Director of Education, Workforce & Foundation, and we are thrilled to have her on board.

Carrie brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience and a passion for developing the people who make our industry thrive. She began her career as a room attendant at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Minneapolis while earning her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She went on to spend 12 years with Wyndham Hotels before joining the Hilton Columbus at Easton in 2005, where she served as Director of Rooms and later General Manager.

During her time at Hilton Columbus at Easton, Carrie was recognized as OHLA’s General Manager of the Year in 2017 and helped lead the hotel through significant growth and a $27.5 million transformation.

We’re excited for Carrie to bring her extensive experience, leadership and passion for hospitality to OHLA as she leads our education, workforce and foundation initiatives.

Welcome to the team, Carrie! We’re so glad to have you at OHLA!