The Team
U.S. Midwest
David Almond
Regional Vice President, Sales
David has been a leader of the ALHI Midwest and Canadian region for over six years. He previously held Sales & Marketing Leadership roles with Hilton, Starwood, and IHG. That on property and regional experience has given him an indepth understanding of client needs, property logistics, and contract negotiations. David also has served as President of the Greater Midwest Chapter of PCMA, is actively involved with AMC, and continues to be focused on mentoring and developing future talent for our industry.
Stacy Lucherini
Senior Vice President, Sales
Stacy opened ALHI's Global Sales Office in Chicago in 2003, which now provides global sales services for more than 300 four and five star/diamond hotels and resorts, worldwide. A sales veteran, Lucherini is a dedicated and motivated sales professional who, prior to joining ALHI, worked as director of national sales for Wyndham International. Her extensive customer knowledge and focus have been key to ALHI's success in the Midwest & Canada - earning her recognition as "ALHI Salesperson of the Year," ALHI Sales Team of the Year" and multiple President's Awards.
André Valk, CMP, HMCC
Vice President, Sales
André studied hotel management in Europe, where he held leadership roles at Kempinski Hotels including in the areas of CVB and NSO. In 1996, he joined Hinton + Grusich, which merged with ALHI in 2010. André, one of the first Germans to obtain his CMP certification, has been a longtime member of MPI and PCMA, both of which have recognized him over the years. He now calls Chicago home.
Kathy Kozminske
Vice President, Sales
Kathy has 13 years of leadership tenure with ALHI and is a multi-year recipient of the President's Award in recognition of superior achievement. Kathy is a trusted advisor within the industry and has served on boards and committees with MPI, PCMA and FICP. Kathy also is a respected mentor in the hospitality industry.
Daniel Lopes
Director, Global Sales
Recipient of several President's Awards and a Sales Executive of the Year accolade. Enjoy collaborating on projects for various industry and non-industry associations. Helped develop and lead the anti-human trafficking initiative at ALHI. Daniel lives in Kentucky with his family.
Michelle Lauer
Director, Global Sales
Michelle has been with ALHI since 2016. Previously, she was with Marriott for 12 years and Hyatt for 5 years. She is on the SITE Minnesota Board of Directors, Membership Committee. Michelle is a graduate of Purdue University and resides in NW Indiana with her two dogs.
Kimberly Deprez
Director, Global Sales
Kim joined ALHI in November 2016, coming to the team with experience at Hyatt Hotels, the American Bar Association and a Chicago destination management organization. She is certified in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University and has her Cvent supplier certification. Kim is a member of SITE Chicago and is currently serving on the Membership Committee. She is based in downtown Chicago.
Deanna Carbajar
Global Sales Associate
Deanna joined ALHI in May 2022. She is based in Chicago, Illinois and supports Kim Deprez and Shelley Bartle-Reed on the Midwest team. Deanna has been in hospitality for 13 years and enjoys it very much. In her spare time, Deanna loves baking and spending time in her yard planting.
Sandy Kyle
Global Sales Associate
Sandy joined ALHI in March of 2022. She is a native Texan and is based out of Dallas, supporting Stacy Lucherini, Senior Vice President of Sales. Sandy is new to the hospitality industry, having worked in legal billing for the past thirteen years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Baylor University. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and her interests include eating great food, cooking, staying fit, and traveling. Her favorite vacation destination is the beach.
Maureen Pietryla
Global Sales Associate
Maureen started her career in Commercial Real Estate development and transitioned to the Hospitality Industry in 1998 with a leading Travel Incentive Company. In 2006 she joined Hinton + Grusich, where she had the privilege to work with one of the renowned leaders in our industry, Bill Grusich, for 18 years. She is an ardent supporter of ALHI since H+G merger with ALHI in 2011 and now continues her experienced role as a senior Global Sales Associate working side-by-side with Kathleen Kozminske.
Victoria Wilson
Global Sales Associate
Victoria Wilson has a degree in Hospitality Management and began her career in the industry in 2016. She joined ALHI in 2022 and currently supports Michelle Lauer. Victoria is a committee member of ALHI’s anti-human trafficking initiative and enjoys travelling in her free time
Stephanie Bonde
Global Sales Associate
Stephanie has worked in F&B and customer service for the past 20 years. She has led the training team at several restaurants and was the Operations Manager of Phoenix Hostel. Her most recent experience is a freelance business working with small businesses and local restaurants as a food photographer and social media manager. She has a degree in Creative Writing and Philosophy, and a Master's degree in English. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys kayaking, exploring new restaurants, travelling, reading, and hiking.
Zoe Geerdes
Global Sales Associate
Zoe joined ALHI in March 2024 as a Global Sales Associate supporting Vice President of Sales, André Valk. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2020 with a degree in Psychology and looks forward to expanding her knowledge of the hospitality industry. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and walks along Chicago's lakefront trail.