We’re delighted to welcome the newly instated ICHRIE Board of Directors for 2025–2026, featuring leadership voices from our six global Federations—APac, Central, Euro, NENA, SECSA, and West CHRIE. Together, these regional Federation Presidents unite excellence across the globe to guide our shared mission in hospitality and tourism education this year.
Below, you’ll find welcome messages from each of our Federation Presidents as they share their vision and goals for the year ahead.
Leading with Empathy, Connection & Insight – A Message from Kyungsoo Han, President of APacCHRIE 2025–2026
With gratitude and humility, Dr. Kyungsoo Han begins her presidency by honoring APacCHRIE’s legacy and inviting members to embrace the guiding themes of empathy, connection, and insight. Read the full welcome message and join in shaping the region’s future together.
Dr. Han's Welcome Letter
A Message from Ajai Ammachathram, President of Central CHRIE 2025–2026
Welcome to a new academic year with CentralCHRIE! Under the leadership of President Ajai Ammachathram, the 2025–2026 term is set to focus on collaboration, innovation, and meaningful engagement across the hospitality and tourism education community. From the upcoming CentralCHRIE Conference in October to the continued ZoomIn! series and new membership initiatives, this year promises exciting opportunities for connection, professional growth, and shared purpose.
Prof. Ammachathram's Welcome Letter
With Gratitude, Purpose & Shared Sparkle - By Yasemin Oruc, President of EuroCHRIE 2025–2026
As I begin my term as President of EuroCHRIE, I do so with deep gratitude for the community that has shaped and supported our region’s journey. This is not a new beginning, it is a continuation of what has been beautifully built by those before us.
Looking ahead, I carry three simple guiding wishes with me: Kind Intentions, Caring Connection, and Disseminating Knowledge. These principles will shape our direction as we evolve into EMEA CHRIE and embrace the developments of a changing world.
You can read my full message to the community by clicking the button below. Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep glowing.
Prof. Oruc's Welcome Letter
Joyful Leadership Ahead – A Message from Maureen Gittleman, NENA CHRIE President 2025–2026
Dr. Maureen Gittleman brings energy, gratitude, and a theme of joy to her new role as NENA CHRIE President. In her welcome message, she introduces the 2025–2026 Board of Directors and shares a glimpse of what’s ahead, including Rise & Grind events, scholarship opportunities, and the 2026 Spring Conference.
Prof. Gittleman's Welcome Letter
SECSA Launches New Academic Year with Fresh Vision and Events Ahead – A Message from Kate Price-Howard, SECSACHRIE President 2025–2026
Kate Price-Howard, Associate Professor at Troy University, steps into her new role as President of the SECSA Federation for the 2025–2026 academic year. She welcomes new board members and thanks those continuing and stepping down for their service. SECSA’s 11th Annual Conference will be hosted by USF in Tampa, FL in Spring 2026 — a can't-miss event for networking, research, and pedagogy. Members are also encouraged to contribute to the quarterly H.E.A.T. newsletter and get involved in SECSA activities throughout the year.
Dr. Price-Howard's Welcome Letter
New Leadership, Fresh Energy – A Message from Shane Blum, WF CHRIE President 2025–2026
Dr. Shane Blum steps into his role as President of WF CHRIE with excitement and appreciation for the region’s strong leadership team. Meet the new board and get a preview of what’s ahead for the federation in his full welcome message.
