Our Core Values

We believe that:

  • Tourism is a vital component of economic development
  • Tourism contributes to the overall quality of life in the region
  • Together we are stronger
  • Communication and education are key to our mutual success
  • Employment in the tourism industry is a noble profession

Message from the President

On behalf of the Bluegrass Hospitality Association, thank you for your interest in our organization. A Kentucky native, I fell in love with the Bluegrass region and am passionate about sharing everything that is great about this area with visitors. I believe in authentic customer service and I think the passion and authenticity of our people sets us apart.

If you are part of our membership community, thank you for your dedication and commitment to our industry. I encourage you to become involved in our organization through committees or other opportunities. We are all stronger when everyone has an active voice.

If you are not a member, please consider joining this vital organization. Your membership will benefit you, your business and our community as a whole. A full list of benefits can be found in the Members section.  I welcome hearing from you and answering any question you might have.

Follow us on Twitter @BHAhospitality, Instagram @bha.lex and like us on Facebook @bhahospitality to stay informed about important industry issues, upcoming event and activities.

Sarah Fink
BHA President
Assistant Director of Special Events, Keeneland

About BHA
About BHA

We Are

The Bluegrass Hospitality Association (BHA) represents a diverse membership of hospitality professionals, including hotels, restaurants, breweries and distilleries, tourist attractions, and strategic partners. If you are a stakeholder in the hospitality sector and want to positively impact the Bluegrass hospitality industry, then membership in BHA is a must!
About BHA

Our Mission

The Bluegrass Hospitality Association is the unified voice of the hospitality industry; committed to advocating for our members, investing in our future leaders and celebrating the impact of the Hospitality community in the Bluegrass.
Through cooperative partnerships, the Bluegrass Hospitality Association strives to be an advocate for the hospitality industry and promotion of travel and tourism in the Bluegrass.

2022-2023 BHA Board of Directors

Officers

President – Sarah Fink, Keeneland
President Elect – Julie Schickel, VisitLex
Treasurer – Joe Fields, Central Bank Center
Secretary – Lauren White, Blue Grass Airport
Past President – Joe Kuosman, West Sixth Brewing

Contact Us

Karla Stahlman – Association Director
1481 Leestown Road, Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 317-8674, bha@strategyaem.com
Executive staff and management provided by Strategy Association & Event Management.

Directors

Manish Patel, Holiday Inn Express
Jared Kam, Embassy Suites Lexington Green
Amy Stamper, Hilton Downtown
Andrew Labetti, Marriott Griffin Gate
Kyndall Lanter, Bluegrass Hospitality Group
Rich Byrd, Marriott City Center
Lauren Campbell, Bluegrass Community & Technical College
Michael Russell, Tandem Hospitality Group

Be part of a larger, stronger voice on issues and legislation that affect the hospitality industry in the Bluegrass.