Meet our leadership team
Paul Barham
CEO, Founder
Paul was born and raised in the UK, where he became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants before he came across the pond to the United States. His focus during the years prior to HHG was in finance and accounting, working in positions from hotel controller to corporate VP Finance, with experience from Caribbean resorts to mainland large full service hotels. Paul is the Company’s CEO and also heads the company’s development and acquisition activities.
He is married and has three boys. Outside of work, Paul is active in his church and is passionate about helping others less fortunate. Also enjoys playing Golf with his wife and watching Formula 1.
He is married and has three boys. Outside of work, Paul is active in his church and is passionate about helping others less fortunate. Also enjoys playing Golf with his wife and watching Formula 1.
Erin Bertollini
SVP & Chief Operating Officer
Serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HHG, Erin oversees various core areas including room and food and beverage operations, sales and marketing, human resources, and revenue management. His contribution bolsters HHG's pursuit of excellence, enabling the firm to meet significant milestones in revenue generation, profit conversion, guest satisfaction, and associate engagement across the HHG portfolio.
Erin brought a rich operational prowess to HHG in 2016 when he first joined HHG as Vice President of Operations. His impactful contributions and informed leadership saw him rise to his present role where he continues to mold HHG into a top performing hotel company. Prior to joining HHG, Erin honed his skills at White Lodging Services, where he distinguished himself over an impressive and award winning 9-year stint. He initially served in various Director of Food and Beverage and Director of Operations roles before becoming the General Manager for several hotels, where he was tasked with overseeing all aspects of hotel operations. This diverse range of experience has given Erin a holistic view of the industry.
Erin earned a degree in hospitality business from Michigan State University.
Erin brought a rich operational prowess to HHG in 2016 when he first joined HHG as Vice President of Operations. His impactful contributions and informed leadership saw him rise to his present role where he continues to mold HHG into a top performing hotel company. Prior to joining HHG, Erin honed his skills at White Lodging Services, where he distinguished himself over an impressive and award winning 9-year stint. He initially served in various Director of Food and Beverage and Director of Operations roles before becoming the General Manager for several hotels, where he was tasked with overseeing all aspects of hotel operations. This diverse range of experience has given Erin a holistic view of the industry.
Erin earned a degree in hospitality business from Michigan State University.
Jeff Hackett
SVP & Chief Accounting Officer
Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh in 1989. With 25 years of experience in the hotel industry, he has developed expertise in both management and accounting across centralized and decentralized settings. Jeff began his career as an intern at Vista International, where he quickly refined his ability to streamline operations and mentor his team. Over the years, he progressed through roles including unit controller, area controller, and regional controller, overseeing 10 properties with a combined annual revenue of $65 million.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys watching his daughter, a collegiate softball star, play and cheering on his Pittsburgh Steelers.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys watching his daughter, a collegiate softball star, play and cheering on his Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mike Hendrick
SVP & Chief Property Officer
Mike has dedicated much of his career to managing premier hotels across the United States, from Hawaii to Philadelphia. He leads the Project Management team, collaborating closely with ownership, builders, and brands to deliver successful outcomes. Recently, Mike was honored by Marriott with the Renovation of the Year award for his work on the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. Additionally, he played a key role in the opening of a our AC Hotel in Waco Texas and our Westin in Southlake, both of which were ground-up new builds.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys fishing, golfing, and, when time allows, competing in triathlons.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys fishing, golfing, and, when time allows, competing in triathlons.
Veronica Bass
Corporate Director of Human Resources
Hailing from San Antonio, Texas and raised in Faribault, Minnesota, Veronica brings with her a wealth of experience, spanning over 20 years in Human Resources and Staffing. She has served various industries including administration, tech, light industrial and hospitality. Her prior opening experience of as the Director of Human Resources for the award-winning Embassy Suites Denton bolsters her abilities within hospitality. Veronica's contribution did not wane during the Covid crisis. She worked in the NBA Bubble ensuring the players were safe during the playoffs, then in NYC, facilitating the safe return of school aged kids to their classrooms.
In her downtime, Veronica enjoys road or plane trips and cherishing moments with her six-year-old niece, Lennon, and her two dogs, Bonnie and Chanel.
In her downtime, Veronica enjoys road or plane trips and cherishing moments with her six-year-old niece, Lennon, and her two dogs, Bonnie and Chanel.
Michael Murphy
Corporate Director of Revenue Management
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Michael started his Hospitality career as a night auditor right after high school while attending College. While his career has spanned over 30 years and counting, he has gained a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of hotels along with food and beverage operations. He has gained experience with all major brands along with resorts and independent hotels. The most recent 10 years his concentration has been in Sales and Revenue Generation.
When Michael is not reviewing data, you can find him with his two French Bulldogs, Hugo and Caesar, traveling or at home in the garden.
When Michael is not reviewing data, you can find him with his two French Bulldogs, Hugo and Caesar, traveling or at home in the garden.
Donna Petty
Corporate Director of Central Accounting
Donna Petty is an accomplished financial professional with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality, hotel, resort, and marina industries. She currently serves as the Corporate Director of Centralized Accounting at Harrell Hospitality, where she plays a pivotal role in managing monthly financial statements, conducting trend analysis, and ensuring accurate profit and loss calculations. Donna is well-versed in overseeing complex accounting functions for large-scale operations, including hotels with diverse offerings such as food and beverage services, spas, andcasinos.
Throughout her career, Donna has demonstrated expertise in accounting process improvements, multi-tasking, and leading teams. She has also gained valuable international experience as a Regional Controller in the Caribbean.
Donna holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona and has earned numerous certifications, including a U.S. Coast Guard Captains License. Her extensive knowledge, attention to detail, and leadership in financial management are the cornerstones of her successful career.
Kenisha Wages
Corporate Marketing Manager
A dynamic force on the Harrell Hospitality Group’s Corporate Management Team. She is a visionary Marketing Manager with a rich background spanning 15 years in the service industry and 7 years dedicated to marketing excellence. Inspired by the infinite realms of creative arts, digital evolution and photography, Kenisha commits to delivering unparalleled marketing results across HHG’s diversified portfolio.
Taylor Barham
Project Manager
A seasoned Project Manager with a passion for construction in both remodels and new construction. Taylor brings 10 years of experience to his role with Harrell Hospitality Group, LLC. As Project Manager on the Harrell team, Taylor oversees the development, design, construction, and renovation of all new and existing properties for HHG. Over the course of his 10-year career, Taylor has worked on projects in excess of $600 Million. Having worked and lived on both coasts, Taylor now lives in Southlake. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, car shows and working out.
B.S. Family Studies at Abilene Christian University and Construction Sciences Program at Columbia University.
B.S. Family Studies at Abilene Christian University and Construction Sciences Program at Columbia University.
Donn Thompson
Regional Director of Operations
Donn Thompson is a seasoned industry veteran with over 30 years experience in both focused and full-service hotels. Known for a balanced approach, he brings consistent results benefiting our hotel guests, associates, and owners. Currently serving as Regional Director at Harrell Hospitality, Donn is responsible for direct oversight of three different brands located in Austin and Waco, TX. His hotels have received Harrell Hospitality’s coveted Hotel of the Year for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Prior to joining Harrell Hospitality, Donn Thompson held key roles at White Lodging Services, where he spent almost 20 years perfecting his craft. During that time, Donn Thompson was awarded White Lodging Services Hotel of the Year, General Manager of the Year, and served on White Lodging’s Business Leadership Council.
Outside of work, Donn Thompson is passionate about his wife Amy and seven children. Donn has served several nonprofit organization, dedicated thousands of hours coaching, and enjoys collecting baseball cards and autographs of current MLB Hall of Fame members. With a commitment to others, Donn Thompson strives to help everyone around him enjoy their journey a little more each day. He looks forward to growing his Harrell portfolio while driving value to each stakeholder.
Outside of work, Donn Thompson is passionate about his wife Amy and seven children. Donn has served several nonprofit organization, dedicated thousands of hours coaching, and enjoys collecting baseball cards and autographs of current MLB Hall of Fame members. With a commitment to others, Donn Thompson strives to help everyone around him enjoy their journey a little more each day. He looks forward to growing his Harrell portfolio while driving value to each stakeholder.
Peter Maffei
Corporate Executive Chef
As Corporate Executive Chef, Peter oversees all aspects of our portfolio's food and beverage operations at HHG. With over 25 years of experience in roles ranging from Chef De Cuisine to Director of Food and Beverage, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge to his position. He specializes in cost controls, menu creation, and implementation, serving as the lead culinary trainer for HHG's new builds and brand conversions.
Before joining HHG in 2017, Peter held notable positions with Hilton, Del Frisco's, Landry's, and worked under multiple Michelin-starred chefs in his native New York City. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Peter's passion for food and beverage is deeply rooted in his love for his family – his wife Kelly and daughter Ava – and his devotion to his beloved New York Yankees. Peter's contributions have been recognized through various awards and accolades, including AHLA Manager of the Year, Texas Chefs Association Austin Chapter Membership Chairmanship, and HHG Food and Beverage Leader of the Year.
Before joining HHG in 2017, Peter held notable positions with Hilton, Del Frisco's, Landry's, and worked under multiple Michelin-starred chefs in his native New York City. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Peter's passion for food and beverage is deeply rooted in his love for his family – his wife Kelly and daughter Ava – and his devotion to his beloved New York Yankees. Peter's contributions have been recognized through various awards and accolades, including AHLA Manager of the Year, Texas Chefs Association Austin Chapter Membership Chairmanship, and HHG Food and Beverage Leader of the Year.
Peri Weaks
Centralized Accounting Manager
Peri Weaks is a seasoned Accounting Manager with extensive experience in financial statement preparation, fixed assets, cash management, and account reconciliations. With a strong analytical mindset and excellent training and communication skills, Peri has built a successful career managing financial operations for prominent companies in the hospitality, real estate, andrestaurant industries.
Currently serving as a Centralized Accounting Manager at Harrell Hospitality Hotels, Peri prepares financial reporting for a set of properties, ensuring accuracy in balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and intercompany reconciliations. Throughout a career spanning over three decades, Peri has held accounting roles at organizations such as MCR, Pillar Hotels, Remington Hotels, United Apartment Group, Interstate Hotels and Resorts, Abacus/Jaspers Restaurants, and ClubCorp. Peri’s expertise includes, forecasting financial performance, ensuring compliance with management and franchise agreements, managing external audits and optimizing accounting procedures for efficiency and accuracy. A results-driven professional, Peri excels in streamlining financial operations and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Currently serving as a Centralized Accounting Manager at Harrell Hospitality Hotels, Peri prepares financial reporting for a set of properties, ensuring accuracy in balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and intercompany reconciliations. Throughout a career spanning over three decades, Peri has held accounting roles at organizations such as MCR, Pillar Hotels, Remington Hotels, United Apartment Group, Interstate Hotels and Resorts, Abacus/Jaspers Restaurants, and ClubCorp. Peri’s expertise includes, forecasting financial performance, ensuring compliance with management and franchise agreements, managing external audits and optimizing accounting procedures for efficiency and accuracy. A results-driven professional, Peri excels in streamlining financial operations and fostering cross-functional collaboration.