PRLA Restaurant & Lodging Matters Winter 2020

Winter 2020 • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters •  9 Meet the 2020 Officers Tom is a 30-year veteran in the hospitality industry after graduating from Penn State University with a degree in hospitality management. In those 30 years he has had the pleasure of being able to engage teams to want to perform at the highest level in every area. From the select service hotel market space to family destination resorts to boutique luxury, his passion has shown through. In his commitment to the industry, Tom has worked to be involved in local and statewide agencies that support the industry. He is currently an executive officer of the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau in Centre County, Pa. and now an officer of the PRLA Board of Directors. His hope is to find meaningful ways to engage young adults and help them to find their passion in our industry to, in some small way, drive a strong future for high functioning service businesses. TOM NEELY TREASURER Nittany Lion Inn State College TIM ZUGGER CHAIRMAN DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Tim studied hospitality management at Florida International University. He started his hotel career at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and has worked for Hilton Hotels for 25 years at 12 different locations. Tim settled in Pittsburgh to lead the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown team. Tim serves on the board of Visit Pittsburgh and is president of the Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association. He was on the board for PTLA and PATT and contributed to the creation of PRLA, serving on its Executive Committee. He has served as chairman of PRLA’s PAC/Advocacy Committee for several years, as well as the President of the Western Chapter in 2016. BILL COVALESKI VICE CHAIRMAN Victory Brewing Company Downingtown As founder and brewmaster Bill plays a creative and pivotal role in leading the overall growth strategy of Victory Brewing Company. Bill and Victory co-founder, Ron Barchet, serve as brewmasters, providing strategic guidance in the development of new beer brands, as well as a driving force behind community engagement. Prior to co-founding Victory, he earned a degree from the prestigious Doemens Institute of Munich Germany, having completed its international course in brewing studies after an invaluable five-year apprenticeship under German-trained Dutch brewmaster, Theo deGroen. Before pursuing his craft beer dreams, Bill labored as an art director after earning his degree Magna Cum Laude from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.