HOTEL INDUSTRY FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES LESLIE D. HALE WITH CASTELL AWARD

Top Annual Award Honors Remarkable Female Change-maker

WASHINGTON (July 6, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLAF) announced today that Leslie D. Hale – president and chief executive officer of RLJ Lodging Trust and vice chair of the AHLA Board of Directors – is the recipient of the third annual Castell Award honoring a female trailblazer in the hospitality investment arena. 

To be presented at the Lodging Conference on September 20, the annual Castell Award spotlights female trailblazers, who are paving the way for more women to rise to the top of their fields.  

From setting and executing the strategic vision for RLJ Lodging Trust to playing a pivotal role on the AHLA Board of Directors, Hale exemplifies change in the hospitality arena. A true force in the industry, Hale also serves on Macy’s, Inc.’s and Delta Airlines, Inc.’s Board of Directors, is a Howard University Trustee and is a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Baltimore Branch. 

“Leslie is the ideal candidate for this important award,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. “Over the years, her dedication to advancing the hospitality industry sets the gold standard for leadership, she has inspired men and women in our industry, and we are thrilled to honor her leadership.” 

“We amplify women’s voices in the hospitality industry, bringing recognition to the industry’s top talent. The Castell Award elevates women who pave the way for others.” said Peggy Berg, founder of the Castell Project. “We are delighted to add Leslie as the newest recipient of this award and celebrate her remarkable achievements.”