Hospitality America—a regional hotel operator with a portfolio in the Southeast and Midwest—is poised to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1995 by Chris Cargen, the Greenville, S.C.-based hotel management company expanded its portfolio in 2025 with a handful of new properties. Recent additions include Element Charleston Airport in North Charleston, S.C.; Hotel Avail, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Rogers, Ark.; Sundry Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Springdale, Ark.; and Home2 Suites by Hilton in Murrells Inlet, S.C.
The company continues to build on its foundation under the leadership of president and CEO Ben Campbell, who assumed the role two years ago following Cargen’s retirement.
“As we mark 30 years, our focus remains unchanged—disciplined operations, strong partnerships and consistent execution,” Campbell said in a statement. “Our growth over three decades has been built on trust earned from owners and developers who select Hospitality America to operate their assets and from associates who deliver for guests every day.”
In addition, Hospitality America has recently strengthened its executive leadership team. Kellie Hanselman was promoted to vp, sales, while Ryan Sistare was appointed vp, operations, reinforcing the company’s focus on leadership continuity, internal advancement and disciplined execution across its managed portfolio, according to the company.
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Hospitality America is launching a series of associate-led internal initiatives are guided by the company’s PEACH values—Passionate, Excellence, Adaptable, Community, and Humble—and curated through its Culture and Leadership Committees. The anniversary programming focuses on volunteer engagement, storytelling and recognition, knowledge-sharing across the portfolio and honoring both long-tenured associates and emerging leaders who exemplify the company’s values in action.
Hospitality America’s emphasis on organizational culture and associate engagement has earned the company multiple industry and workplace accolades. The firm has been recognized by USA Today as a Top Workplace for two consecutive years and named a Top Workplace for Frontline Workers. It was also ranked No. 22 on the South Carolina 50 Fastest Growing Companies list and received the South Carolina Excellence in Business Award for employee retention.
“As we mark 30 years, our focus remains unchanged. We will stay disciplined in our operations, strong in our partnerships and consistent in our execution. Our growth has always been built on the trust we’ve earned from owners and developers, and from the associates who deliver for guests every day,” said Campbell.