Summary: The Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) has named its 2026 Board of Directors, an 11-member team led by Dina Winder of Highgate as president. The board includes officers and chairs covering membership, finance, marketing, education, and international engagement.

HAMA announces 2026 Board of Directors with a new 11-member leadership group, as the Hospitality Asset Managers Association sets its governance team for the year ahead. The organization said the board reflects a mix of ownership groups and professional backgrounds from across the hospitality sector.

2026 HAMA board named in Atlanta

The announcement was made in ATLANTA, where HAMA confirmed the full slate of directors and their roles. The board includes a president, vice-president, treasurer, and several chair positions focused on key areas of the association’s work.

Full list: HAMA 2026 Board of Directors

HAMA said the 2026 Board of Directors is made up of the following members and positions:

  • Dina Winder, Highgate, CHAM –President
  • Sarah Gulla, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, CHAM – Vice-President
  • Emily Miller, Atrium Holding Company, CHAM – Membership Chair
  • Kerry Gaber, Host Hotels & Resorts – Treasurer
  • Justin Epps, BARINGS – Marketing Chair
  • John Paulsen, hotelAVE, CHAM – Education Chair
  • Carly Thorp, Rockbridge, CHAM – International Chair
  • Adam Tegge, Ashford, CHAM – At-Large Board Member
  • Chad Sorensen, CHMWarnick, CHAM – 2025 President
  • Matt Basiliere, Southwest Value Partners – At-Large Board Member
  • Sean Kreiman, CHMWarnick – At-Large Board Member

Dina Winder outlines priorities for the year

Dina Winder, who will serve as president, said her focus will remain on elevating the role of hotel asset management and highlighting how asset managers contribute within hospitality real estate. She also pointed to HAMA’s role in sharing expertise and supporting hotel owners on industry issues.

“As president of HAMA this year, I will continue to promote the relevance and impact of the asset management profession and the important role that asset managers play in the real estate hospitality world,” said Winder.

“HAMA members have tremendous experience in all facets of the business and work tirelessly to increase returns to hotel owners. As an organization, HAMA provides a forum for the development of best practices and a united voice for hotel owners on issues facing the industry.”

Hospitality industry professionals in a conference setting discussing hotel asset management and governance
HAMA said its 2026 board reflects a mix of hospitality ownership groups and professional backgrounds.

HAMA conferences and professional development

Winder also described HAMA’s semi-annual conferences as an important part of professional growth in the field. She said her own development as an asset manager was supported by the association’s environment and the knowledge shared by peers and industry specialists at those events.

“My advancement as an asset manager is based in part on the collegial and welcoming environment of HAMA, as well as valuable teachings from fellow members and industry experts during semi-annual conferences. I hope to offer this opportunity to other asset managers as they expand their own careers,” Winder added.

Winder’s background at Highgate and industry roles

HAMA noted that Winder has served on the HAMA Board since 2021. During that period, she has worked on increasing asset manager participation and visibility at industry conferences, broadening educational offerings, and building networking opportunities through the association’s semi-annual events.

With more than two decades of hospitality experience, Winder is executive vice president of asset management at Highgate. HAMA described Highgate as a real estate investment and hospitality management company with more than $15 billion in assets under management. Her earlier work includes senior leadership roles spanning asset management, investment, and development in the hospitality industry.

HAMA added that Winder is a Certified Hotel Asset Manager and serves on the AHLA ForWard Advisory Board, while also leading Highgate’s women’s initiative. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.

Why this matters for travelers and the hospitality industry

While HAMA’s board appointment is an industry governance update rather than a policy change, leadership priorities in hotel asset management can influence how owners and operators approach investment, performance, and guest experience. For travelers, that can translate over time into decisions about property upgrades, service standards, and how hotels respond to shifting demand across markets.