Debbie joined AzHLA in February 2003.  Prior to that she served as Executive Director of Valley Hotel & Resort Assocation since 1995 and now represents both organizations.  In her role as President & CEO, Debbie oversees all administrative, legislative, marketing, and membership issues at AzHLA.

Debbie also represents the association on several boards, including: Arizona Tourism Advisory Council, Arizona Tourism Alliance, Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, Arizona Film & Television Commission, International Society of Hotel Association Executives, Phoenix Hospitality Advisory Council and Civic Plaza Task Force.

Moving to Arizona in 1987, Debbie obtained a B.S. degree in Marketing from Arizona State University.  She has three children and resides in North Phoenix.

David joined the AzHLA team on October 1^st, 2004.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism Management and an Associates Degree in Business from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.   

David brings with him over 14 years of hospitality experience and has held numerous hotel based positions ranging from Front Office Manager, Revenue Manager, Director of Sales and General Manager with Servico and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.   He received his Master Hotel Supplier recognition by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and General Manager & Front Office Manager Certification from InterContinental Hotel Group.

As the Vice President of Membership, David is responsible for educating Arizona based hotels on the benefits of joining our Association and increasing member benefits. 

Currently serving as the Vice President of Communications for the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association and the Valley Hotel & Resort Association, Kristen Jarnagin has spent the last decade honing her expertise in Travel & Tourism PR. Most recently, she spent six years as the Director of Public Relations for the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa and prior to that served as the Director of Media Relations for the Arizona Office of Tourism.

This wide range of experience from the state/destination level to the luxury resort/corporate world and now working on the advocacy/non-profit side gives Jarnagin a wide range and unique perspective on how to utilize Travel & Tourism PR and she looks forward to utilizing this expertise to best represent the membership.

Whitney joined the AzHLA in May 2007. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications- Public Relations from Grand Canyon University in May 2007.  Whitney’s responsibilities include assisting the staff with marketing, events, business and membership aspects, while performing general office duties.

Whitney is originally from Portland, Oregon and doesn’t miss the rain one bit. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Ashley joined the AzHLA in January 2009.  She will be graduating in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Tourism Management from Arizona State University. 

Ashley is a native of Arizona and has been involved in Arizona tourism for the past three years.  She is excited to see where the industry and AzHLA will take her.