Executive-In-Residence Lecture

The College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism at the University of North Texas presents an Executive-in-Residence Lecture (EIR).  The EIR showcases an industry leader, providing students with an in-deth look at a company profile or industry topic.  The EIR is funded by the Ben K. Keith Company Endowed Lectureship and the JcPenny Lectureship in Merchandising at the University of North Texas.

Purpose
The EIR is a professional development event for College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism students. It offers a continuous platform for students to learn from noted industry leaders about industry trends and professional career development.  At the conclusion of a lecture, students have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the industry leader through a question and answer segment. 

Benefit to Industry
The EIR is a tremendous opportunity for company exposure to UNT CMHT students. The ripple effect of this exposure includes CMHT students’ recognition and interest in the company as a top employer when making career choices.  Past speakers and companies continue to be recognized at all future EIR Lectures.

What Speakers Need to Provide
Speakers need to provide a resume or biography and photo for publicity in the EIR program.  Professional multimedia support is provided for DVD and/or a PowerPoint presentation.  

EIR Speakers
The Hospitality and Tourism Management  EIR, began in 1988, Past speakers include:

  • Gary McCreary, VP of Catering & Convention Operations, The Venetian & The Palazzo Hotels - 2018
  • Michael Stengel, Senior VP Gaylord Hotels Operations & Marriott’s Convention Hotel Strategy - 2017
  • Todd Graves, Founder and CEO, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers - 2017
  • Jaturon (Eddie) Pruekairojkul, Human Resources Director - 2015 
  • Joy Rothschild, Chief Human Resources Officer - 2014
  • Eric L. Affeldt, President and CEO, ClubCorp - 2013
  • Albert Chew, Chief Operating Officer, Freeman Company – 2012
  • Lane Cardwell, President, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro - 2011
  • John Miller, CEO, Taco Bueno – 2010
  • Noreen Henry, Vice President Hotels & Packaging, Travelocity - 2009
  • L. Scott Tarwater, Executive Vice President of Development & Bob Fugazi, Regional Vice President, Southern Region, John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts, Sheri D. Smith, Pres., Publicis PR, Honoring J. Q. Hammons Living Legend - 2009
  • Steve Baumann, Vice President, Talent Acquisition & Selection, Marriott Inc. -2007
  • Doug Brooks, Chairman of the Board, Pres. & CEO, Brinker International -2006
  • John Imaizumi, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Gaylord Texan - 2005
  • Richard Snead, President & CEO, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide - 2004
  • Hattie Hill, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hattie Hill Enterprises, Inc.- 2003
  • Thomas J Corcoran Jr., President & CEO, Felcor Lodging Trust, Inc. - 2002
  • Herman Cain, CEO, T.H.E., Inc. & Chairman, Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. - 2002
  • Sam Gilliand, Chief Marketing Officer, SABRE - 2001
  • David E. Whitney, President & CEO, Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau - 2000
  • Robert B. Rowling, Chairman, Omni Hotels - 2000
  • Kent Wasmuth, Vice-President of National Sales, Opryland Lodging Group - 1999
  • David W. Johnson, President, Wyndam Garden Hotels - 1998
  • Dave Thomas, Founder, Wendy’s International -1998
  • Hala Moddelmog, President, Churchs Chicken - 1998
  • Sarah J. Palisi, CEO, Enersyst Development Center - 1997
  • F. Lane Cardwell, Jr., President, Eatzi’s Market & Bakery - 1997
  • Gretchen Minyard Williams, Co-Chair of the Board, Minyard Food Stores - 1996
  • Robert C. Hunter, President & CEO, PepsiCo Food Systems Worldwide - 1996
  • Robert H. Dedman, Jr., President & COO, ClubCorp International - 1995
  • J. Peter Kline, President & CEO, Harvey Hotel Company - 1995
  • Michael K. Fitzpatrick, Chief Operating Officer, Rax Restaurants, Inc. - 1994
  • James F. Moore, President, Jim Moore Enterprise - 1994
  • Philip Romano,  Romano Enterprise - 1993
  • Ronald Magruder, President, Olive Garden Restaurants - 1993
  • Carl Sewell, Owner, Sewell Village Cadillac - 1992
  • Charlotte St. Martin,  Loews Anatole - 1992
  • Richard E. Rivera, President & CEO, TGI Fridays - 1991
  • Kyle Craig, President, Kentucky Fried Chicken USA - 1991
  • Ed Johnson, Rex Sanders, Co-Founders, Grandy's Inc. - 1990
  • William R. Waugh, Waugh Enterprise - 1989
  • Robert Dedman, Chairman & CEO, Club Corp - 1989
  • Norman Brinker, Chairman & CEO, Chili's, Inc.  - 1988

The Merchandising and Digital Retailing EIR, began in 1990, Past speakers include:

  • Peter McGrath, Executive VP & Director of Private Brands, JC Penney, October 12, 2006
  • Tony Bartlett, Vice President, JC Target, October 18, 2005
  • Kathleen Mason, President & CEO, Tuesday Morning, April 17, 2005
  • Ruth Crowley, VP General Merchandise Manager, Harley- Davidson Motor Company, September 24, 2002
  • Elizabeth N. Falconer, President, Position by Design, November 1, 2001
  • Sue Davidson, President, Gordon’s Jewelers, February 7, 2001
  • Richard Gundy, Executive Vice President, Fossil, February 9, 2000
  • Steve Woodward, SR. V.P. and General MDSE Manager, The Bombay Company, February 10, 1999
  • Pete Nordstrom, Co- President, Nordstrom, INC, October 20, 1998
  • Steve McKee, President, Gabberts, April 6, 1998
  • Leslie Diers, President, Lester Melnick. INC, October 9, 1997
  • Lester Melnick, Founder, Lester Melnick. INC, October 9, 1997
  • Jerry Kohl, President, Leegin Leather, March 13, 1997
  • Jinger L. Heath, Chairman of the Board, BeautiControl Cosmetics. INC., February 6, 1996
  • Gale Duff- Bloom, Sr. Executive V. President, JC Penney Co., October 3, 1995
  • Anthony Mark Hankins, Vice President/ Design Director, Ramone Moya, February 9, 1995
  • Judy Bickel Clary, President, Judy Bickel Interiors, October 11, 1994
  • Bob Appleby, President, Dillards- Dallas/Ft. Worth Division, March 8 1994
  • Kip Tindell, President and Co- Founder, The Container Store, October 26, 1993
  • Garrett Boone, CEO and Co-Founder, the Container Store, October 26, 1993
  • Marvin Girouard, President, Pier 1 Imports, March 2, 1993
  • Robert & Aagje Nourse, March 3, 1992
  • William R. Howell, February 21, 1992
  • Stanley Marcus, November 6, 1990