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Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association Welcomes Industry Veteran Chris Hardman as President and CEO ATLANTA (Jan. 6, 2026) — Chris Hardman, a nationally recognized advocate for the hotel and lodging industry, is now President and CEO for Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA). Hardman brings a wealth of experience in Georgia's hospitality industry and has served as GHLA's Director of Governmental Affairs and Membership, where he spearheaded legislative victories that generate hundreds of millions in tourism revenue annually for the state. Hardman has earned the ISHA Award of Excellence in Governmental Affairs, the GACVB Tourism Champion Award, and the STS Shining Example Award. “Chris Hardman knows this organization inside and out, and he has earned the respect of the industry and policymakers alike through his tireless advocacy and collaborative approach,” said Roger Fleming, GHLA Board Chair and General Manager of Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria. “His proven experience, strategic vision, and passion for serving our members ensure that GHLA remains the trusted voice of Georgia’s hotel and lodging industry for years to come. The Board is excited to welcome Chris as President and CEO and looks forward to working with him as we build on GHLA’s strong foundation.” Hardman replaces longtime champion of the hotel and lodging industry, Jim Sprouse, now GHLA’s President and CEO Emeritus. In his previous role, Hardman managed GHLA's membership initiatives while also advocating on behalf of the state's hotel and lodging industry and tourism partners as a registered lobbyist. Hardman was instrumental in advancing landmark legislation at the state level including the passage of Georgia House Bill 317, now a law requiring short-term rental platforms to collect and remit hotel/motel taxes that is recognized as the greatest tourism revenue driver in Georgia in more than 50 years. "I am honored to lead GHLA as we build on more than a century of strong advocacy for Georgia's hotel and lodging industry," said Hardman. "The work we've accomplished together from landmark tax reform to legal protections for our members — shows what's possible when we speak with one unified voice. I'm energized by the opportunity to continue that fight and to ensure our industry has the support it needs to thrive." The Voice of the Hotel & Lodging Industry in Georgia Hardman has helped shape some of the most significant legislative victories for Georgia’s hospitality and tourism industry over the past several years. His achievements include: ? Leading the passage of the “Protecting Georgia Businesses and Workers Act,” the first law of its kind in the nation, now adopted by the American Legislative Exchange Council as model legislation. ? Securing passage of Senate Bill 127 in 2023, strengthening protections for Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) across the state. ? Supporting the creation of the voluntary Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing program in 2024, providing critical tools for hotel owners and operators to invest in development and sustainability. ? Advocating for Gov. Brian Kemp’s 2025 comprehensive Tort Reform Package delivering long-awaited legal relief for Georgia’s hospitality sector and broader business community. “Chris Hardman’s dedicated work to grow and support the state’s lodging suppliers helps deliver Georgia’s renowned hospitality to our guests from around the world while strengthening local economies statewide,” said Jay Markwalter, Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner of Tourism. “Our team congratulates him on his new leadership role.” About GHLA: GHLA is the state's non-partisan trade association representing the lodging industry and its role in Georgia tourism, which has an impact of more than $80 billion on the state’s economy. GHLA members represent hotels from around the state and include national franchises and independent lodging. For more information, go to www.GHLA.net. Media Contacts: Kimberly Petty, 770-262-2155, Kimberly@CindyMillerCommunications.com Cindy Miller, 404-281-9975, Cindy@CindyMillerCommunications.com
Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association Welcomes Industry Veteran Chris Hardman as President and CEO
ATLANTA (Jan. 6, 2026) — Chris Hardman, a nationally recognized advocate for the hotel and lodging industry, is now President and CEO for Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA). Hardman brings a wealth of experience in Georgia's hospitality industry and has served as GHLA's Director of Governmental Affairs and Membership, where he spearheaded legislative victories that generate hundreds of millions in tourism revenue annually for the state. Hardman has earned the ISHA Award of Excellence in Governmental Affairs, the GACVB Tourism Champion Award, and the STS Shining Example Award. “Chris Hardman knows this organization inside and out, and he has earned the respect of the industry and policymakers alike through his tireless advocacy and collaborative approach,” said Roger Fleming, GHLA Board Chair and General Manager of Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria. “His proven experience, strategic vision, and passion for serving our members ensure that GHLA remains the trusted voice of Georgia’s hotel and lodging industry for years to come. The Board is excited to welcome Chris as President and CEO and looks forward to working with him as we build on GHLA’s strong foundation.” Hardman replaces longtime champion of the hotel and lodging industry, Jim Sprouse, now GHLA’s President and CEO Emeritus. In his previous role, Hardman managed GHLA's membership initiatives while also advocating on behalf of the state's hotel and lodging industry and tourism partners as a registered lobbyist. Hardman was instrumental in advancing landmark legislation at the state level including the passage of Georgia House Bill 317, now a law requiring short-term rental platforms to collect and remit hotel/motel taxes that is recognized as the greatest tourism revenue driver in Georgia in more than 50 years. "I am honored to lead GHLA as we build on more than a century of strong advocacy for Georgia's hotel and lodging industry," said Hardman. "The work we've accomplished together from landmark tax reform to legal protections for our members — shows what's possible when we speak with one unified voice. I'm energized by the opportunity to continue that fight and to ensure our industry has the support it needs to thrive." The Voice of the Hotel & Lodging Industry in Georgia Hardman has helped shape some of the most significant legislative victories for Georgia’s hospitality and tourism industry over the past several years. His achievements include: ? Leading the passage of the “Protecting Georgia Businesses and Workers Act,” the first law of its kind in the nation, now adopted by the American Legislative Exchange Council as model legislation. ? Securing passage of Senate Bill 127 in 2023, strengthening protections for Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) across the state. ? Supporting the creation of the voluntary Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing program in 2024, providing critical tools for hotel owners and operators to invest in development and sustainability. ? Advocating for Gov. Brian Kemp’s 2025 comprehensive Tort Reform Package delivering long-awaited legal relief for Georgia’s hospitality sector and broader business community. “Chris Hardman’s dedicated work to grow and support the state’s lodging suppliers helps deliver Georgia’s renowned hospitality to our guests from around the world while strengthening local economies statewide,” said Jay Markwalter, Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner of Tourism. “Our team congratulates him on his new leadership role.” About GHLA: GHLA is the state's non-partisan trade association representing the lodging industry and its role in Georgia tourism, which has an impact of more than $80 billion on the state’s economy. GHLA members represent hotels from around the state and include national franchises and independent lodging. For more information, go to www.GHLA.net. Media Contacts: Kimberly Petty, 770-262-2155, Kimberly@CindyMillerCommunications.com Cindy Miller, 404-281-9975, Cindy@CindyMillerCommunications.com