General Manager Academy 2005

The IAHI General Manager Academy Graduates its Inaugural Class

It was a proud night and the light shined brightly on October 12, as the first class of the IAHI’s General Manager Academy had its graduation. This unique, invitation-only program focused on strong leadership skills and general management principles and was a collaborative effort between the General Manager Council of the IAHI, IHG, and the
Purdue University Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Krannert School of Management Executive Education Programs. The GM Academy was held from October 9 - 12 at the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Krannert Executive Education Programs

IAHI General Manager Academy
October 9-12, 2005
Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana

First row: Jim Weadbrock, Chris Maria, Mike Sheahan, Pranit Patel, Emilia Charles, Chuck DeSantis, Lakisha McKay, Jim Larkin, Shawn Kennedy; Second row: Sheila Thomas, Noel Macquet, Shahid Kayani, Aaron Williams, Doug Allison. Kae Shisler, Peter Favier; Third row: Bob Haury, Clint Reed, Randy Money, Celeste Baxter, Armando DeLeon, Mitch Kerce, Kathy Tabora; Fourth row: Cathy Harris, Jim Kinane, Rick Likus, Scott Aeschliman, Mick LaLopa, Cam McCloud; Fifth row: Adam Dougherty, Gary Berquist, Ranga Ramanujam, Steve Porter, Bob Dora; Sixth row: Joe Gillivan, Cathy Garrison

“There was an immense effort put forward to conceptualize and formulate this one-of-a-kind program,” says David Hart, IAHI Chairman. “The curriculum offered general managers the opportunity to become more effective leaders and to raise the bar in performance at the hotel level. The IAHI just took a major step forward in delivering value to its membership.”

A total of 185 general managers in 17 countries applied for the class, and 29 individuals were selected. Curriculum topics included improving leadership skills, resolving people problems, enhancing teamwork, and motivating others. The GM Academy identified general managers who contribute to both their company’s and hotel’s objectives and long-term strategies. The program built upon the success of the Leadership Institute, which the IAHI introduced in 2004 for its members.

“The response to the GM Academy was far greater and more enthusiastic than we had anticipated,” says David Shamoian, former IAHI Chairman, who helped create and launch the program.

"With my own background as a teacher, I found the professors in this program to be thought-provoking, engaging, and informative in how they delivered the information.
We also had the chance to share ideas and best practices in a comfortable, professional environment. There is nothing different that I would do if I were in charge," says Doug Allison, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Union Station, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Or, as Kae Shisler, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, puts it: “I learned so much about myself and my management style. The GM Academy also helped me to better understand the people that I work with on a daily basis and how we can all better achieve our goals.”

Based on the success of this year’s GM Academy, next year’s program will be open to 60 selected participants. IAHI will solicit for applications for the 2006 GM Academy at www.myiahi.org during the second quarter. We welcome your submissions.