Leadership Team
Chairman, John McKibbon
John McKibbon, Chairman, has worked in the industry since he was a teenager and is the third generation to run the company. He became president in 1992 and began expanding through development with Marriott, Hilton and Starwood. His passion for serving others is evident not only in his business activities but in his community endeavors. John is a past President of the Courtyard by Marriott Franchise Council and the Residence Inn by Marriott Association. He was honored by his alma mater, Florida International University in 2009 with the FIU Medallion for Outstanding Alumnus. John serves on various community boards in Tampa, Florida including Metropolitan Ministries and Florida Health Sciences Center, Inc. (d/b/a Tampa General Hospital).
President & CEO MHM, Vann Herring
Vann Herring, CEO and President of McKibbon Hotel Management, Inc. joined the company in 1990 as Director of Operations. He was promoted to President in 1996 and CEO/President in 2009. His previous experience in the industry included Director of Operations at Edmundson Hotel Management Company and Senior Vice President for United Inns, Inc. Vann is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. He is a past president of the TownePlace Suites Franchise Council and currently serves on the Homewood Suites Franchise Council.
President MHG , David Hughs
David Hughs, President of McKibbon Hotel Group, Inc. joined the company in 1991 as Chief Financial Officer. In 1996, David was named President. His previous experience includes treasury cash management for Georgia Power, General Manager of Interstate Transport and Vice President of Finance for Transportation Management Services, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. David received a Bachelor of Business Arts degree from the University of Georgia in 1981 and has earned his Certified Public Accountant designation for State of Georgia. He serves on various community boards including the Northeast Georgia Hospital System in Gainesville.
Senior VP Operations, Bruce Baerwalde
Bruce Baerwalde serves as Senior Vice President of Operations for McKibbon Hotel Management of Tampa, Florida. Bruce joined McKibbon in 1996 as the opening General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Gainesville, Florida. The following year, he moved to the Residence Inn by Marriott brand, serving as opening General Manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa North, which was awarded Opening Hotel of the Year by Marriott International. In 1998, Bruce moved on to open the Courtyard by Marriott Maitland/Orlando, and was recognized by Marriott as Opening General Manager of the Year for his efforts. Bruce was promoted to Director of Operations in 2000, and Vice President of Operations in 2007. He currently serves on Marriott’s Technology Council, Aloft/Element Technology Committee, Four Points Owners Advisory Council and the Homewood Suites Operations Committee.
Senior VP Operations, Randy Hassen
Senior Vice President of Operations Randy Hassen joined McKibbon Hotel Management in 1991 part-time at the Days Inn Athens, Georgia, while he was a college student. Over the course of his career, Randy progressed through a variety of positions within the company, including Operations Manager and later General Manager of the Courtyard Tampa North and Courtyard Tampa Downtown properties. He was promoted to Director of Operations in 2000 and Vice President of Operations in 2007. Randy is a graduate of the University of Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He was awarded by Marriott International as General Manager of the Year in 1995. Randy has served on several Courtyard committees, including the Brand Standards Committee, Quality Assurance Sub-Committee and Urban Hotel Task Force. He recently joined the Residence Inn Systems Standards Committee.
VP Development, Erik Rowen
During his tenure with McKibbon, Erik Rowen has provided oversight on 18 new-build hotel projects, including the award-winning TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport, selected as the 2008 Opening Hotel of the Year and Aloft Tallahassee Downtown, Starwood’s 2009 Select-Service New Build of the Year. Erik joined McKibbon Hotel Group in 2003 as Project Manager. In 2005, Erik was promoted to his current position, Vice President of Development. His previous experience includes work as a project manager for hotel developer Hardin Capital, LLC and Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects. Erik earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University, and he is a Registered Architect in the State of Georgia, as well as a member of the American Institute of Architects. He currently serves as a committee member on the Aloft Owner Advisory Board, Architecture and Construction Committee.