Robert L. Steele, III, CHAAmerican Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Robert L. Steele, III, CHA, is president and COO of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AH&LEI).
Steele oversees the day-to-day operations of the Institute, as well as directs the overall vision and strategies in conjunction with the board of trustees. Steele’s responsibilities also include representing EI as its spokesperson and leader, formulating profitable and productive strategic business alliances to enhance EI, increasing penetration of the international markets, and enhancing marketing efforts within the industry.
With more than 30 years of hospitality experience, Steele has spent his entire career with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, serving as general manager of the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay; the Hyatt Regency Baltimore, Baltimore, Md.; Hyatt Regency Washington, Washington, D.C.; and Hyatt Fairlakes, Fairfax, Va., prior to his current position.
Steele is the past chairman of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), having held the position of 2007 chairman of the board. An active and long-time supporter of AH&LA, Steele has served on various committees and boards, including the Strategic Planning Committee; Multicultural & Diversity Advisory Council; Membership/Sales & Marketing Committee; Credit Card Advisory Council; Financial Management Committee; Lodging Industry Rating Advisory Committee; ADA Task Force; Audit, Certification & Credentials Committee; Engineering & Environment Committee; Human Resources Council; and Loss Prevention Committee.
Steele is a graduate of Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tenn., where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. A native of Memphis, Tenn., Steele resides in Orlando, Florida, with his wife Sheila. They have two sons and one daughter.