Board of Directors and Board Members

Amber Jung

Senior Executive of Business Development & Strategic Activations, Edison Interactive

Amber loves helping people create memorable experiences in a unique way. With over 10 years of experience in the casino industry, she is experienced in a wide range of marketing facilities including brand marketing, casino marketing & events, and hospitality marketing with a focus on food & beverage and hotel.

Amber joined Hospitality Charitable Foundation in November 2021 to work along like-minded professionals and brings a unique skill set to benefit both the students and organization.

In addition to her work as a marketing professional by day, Amber is a mom of three- Baily, Kylee, and Paulie, an entrepreneur, brunch enthusiast and is known for her design and creative skills.

Bruce Belcher

Regional Vice President, Human Resources - West, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

As the Regional Vice President of Human Resources for the West at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Bruce provides strategic HR leadership across multiple states in the region. In this role, Bruce partners with business leaders to drive key initiatives that support Southern Glazer’s growth and culture. He is a dedicated champion of the company’s values and works to foster an environment that attracts, retains, and develops top talent.

Prior to his current position, Bruce served as the HR Director for Southern Glazer’s Nevada operations, where he led HR efforts in the state and collaborated with leadership on strategic workforce initiatives. Before joining Southern, Bruce spent over 20 years at MGM Resorts, holding various leadership roles in Human Resources, including Vice President of Human Resources for Circus Circus Hotel & Casino and Director of HR for Aria Resort/CityCenter Campus. Bruce has extensive experience in employee and labor relations, talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development.

Bruce earned both his Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management/Administration and his MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Raised in Las Vegas, he is deeply committed to his community. Outside of work, Bruce enjoys spending time with his wife, Ramona, and their three children—Alyssa, Brynn, and Brandon. He is an avid supporter of his children's competitive soccer endeavors and enjoys all that Las Vegas has to offer.

Bryan Fyler

VICE PRESIDENT OF FOOD & BEVERAGE, THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS

Bryan Fyler, is the Vice President of Food and Beverage at The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas, where he oversees the day to day operations for the largest food and beverage portfolio in Las Vegas with over 40 restaurants and lounges. In Bryan’s role he focuses on implementing processes and strategies that improve both the team member and guest experience while driving financial results that exceed ownership’s expectations. With over 20 years experience in Food & Beverage, Bryan has held roles at prestigious properties such as The Boca Raton, The Mondrian South Beach, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where he has played an integral role in both opening and leading casual and fine dining establishments.

In Bryan’s free time, he enjoys cooking for his family, hanging with his two French Bulldogs, being outdoors and binge watching Netflix series when the sun goes down. Bryan and his family love to travel and see the world whenever they get the opportunity.

Colleen Birch

Chairwoman of the Board, Hospitality Charitable Foundation

Colleen Birch, Chairwoman of the Board at Hospitality Charitable Foundation, stands at the upper echelons of the hospitality industry, her journey as inspiring as it is impressive. With over 27 years of experience in the field, Colleen's ascent to leadership positions has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

Before opening the Fontainebleau, a monumental task she undertook with unwavering determination, as COO, Colleen distinguished herself as the Senior Vice President of Revenue Optimization at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the resort's pricing strategies and customer relationship management initiatives.

Due to her diligent work ethic, loyalty to her teams and commitment to industry excellence, Birch has been recognized as one of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s ” Revenue Management Professionals of the Year” in 2015 as well as one of HSMAI’s “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing and Revenue Optimization” in 2016. In 2018, Birch was named a, “Woman to Watch” by Vegas Inc. Most recently in 2019, UNLV’s Harrah College of Hospitality awarded Birch with “Alumna of the Year.”

Ms. Birch is actively involved in the community. She supports a number of nonprofit organizations and holds the role of former Chairwoman for Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, a program that provides a series of business, economic and life skills programs to enhance the education of young people. Birch joined the Hospitality Charitable Foundation Board of Directors in the fall of 2019 and assumed the Chairperson role of the board the following year. As chairwoman of the board, she is responsible for working closely with the HCF executive committee and board of directors to enhance member recruitment and oversee all community-based fundraising and grant efforts. HCF provides scholarships and mentorship for gifted, but often financially underprivileged students.

Birch holds a degree in hotel administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She gives back to the alma mater that means so much to her by participating in the UNLV Mentor Program, returning to campus regularly to speak to junior and senior level classes about her experience. She also serves as a mentor within the resort, offering insight into the industry she’s built her life around. Above all, she is a proud mother to two teens, Gavin and Lily."

In every aspect of her life, Colleen Birch embodies integrity, leadership, and compassion. She continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering dedication to excellence and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Debby Jacobs Felker

President and Majority Owner, BUZZ LLC.

Debby Jacobs Felker serves as the President and majority owner of BUZZ LLC. With over 20 years of experience in the Event Hospitality industry, Debby has been instrumental in overseeing sales and marketing strategies for the organizations she has led. She is known for driving her companies toward accelerated growth while maintaining a commitment to excellence for clients, customers, community partners, and non-profit organizations.

Debby has been an active member of several industry associations, including the Las Vegas Hospitality Association, Financial & Insurance Conference Planners, and CEMA. She currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and has previously held roles with the MPI Foundation, US Council.

Debby is deeply committed to serving the Las Vegas community through her involvement with Nevada Women's Philanthropy, where she has participated in Events and Education committees and led the Grant Screening committee.

Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science Degree from UNLV in Hotel Management, with a concentration in Tourism and Convention Authority, and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Management from the UNLV Lee Business School.

An avid reader and iced coffee enthusiast, Debby can often be found at the baseball field, watching one of her three children play year-round baseball. She is passionate about giving opportunities to the future generation of the Hospitality Industry and aims to meet and mentor students, making a meaningful impact on their lives and future careers.

Greg Van Stone

VICE PRESIDENT OF FOOD & BEVERAGE, PALMS CASINO RESORT

Please join us in welcoming our newest board member Greg Van Stone! Greg is the vice president of food & beverage at Palms Casino Resort, providing support and leadership over twelve restaurants/bars/lounges, and employing over five hundred team members.

Greg’s career spans over thirty years in senior level leadership roles in food & beverage, casino, and hospitality management. Prior to joining Palms, Greg was the corporate vice president of F&B at Pure Canadian Gaming Corporation, located in the province of Alberta, Canada. After four years in this role, Greg was promoted to general manager for one of Pure’s four Alberta casinos. Prior to this Greg has worked in various executive F&B leadership roles at MGM Grand Las Vegas, MGM Grand Detroit, Beau Rivage, Maryland Live Casino and Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to open, four casino properties and provide leadership during countless renovations and property enhancement projects.

Outside of his responsibilities at Palms Casino Resort, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the great outdoors. Greg joined HCF because he is passionate about working together to continue making a positive impact in our community.

James McBride

Jason Charboneau

Senior Vice President, Beer, NA and, Southern Glazers Wine, Spirits and Beer

In his role, Jason is responsible for leading and developing beer and non-alc strategy while building strong supplier and customer relationships. Jason has been actively engaged in SGWSB college recruiting program along with leading volunteer event organization and coordination, including supporting the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, Habitat for Humanity and local blood drives.

Jason joined HCF in February 2021 to help HCF offer more scholarships and guide the current students and alumni through challenges of the Las Vegas hospitality industry.

Jason is a proud Texas Tech Red Raider, graduating in 2006 with a degree in International Business. In his free time, Jason is more than likely spending time with his wife Alyssa and 3 young children, including coaching his daughter’s softball team, or out enjoying all the amazing food and entertainment Las Vegas has to offer.

Jason Wade

Vice President of Sales, Wine & Spirits, Breakthru Beverage Group

Jason Wade is a Vice President of Sales, Wine & Spirits for Breakthru Beverage Group. In this role he works with F&B operations throughout Las Vegas, to help them create cutting edge beverage programs, and build relationships with key suppliers and influencers in the industry. After graduating from the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV Jason began a 20 year career in hospitality, centered around wine and beverage. Prior to his last position as Director of Beverage for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Jason managed wine and beverage programs for high profile restaurants at Wynn Las Vegas, Bellagio and the Four Seasons.

During his time at Wynn Las Vegas, Jason began volunteering for Three Square, a charity in which the property was heavily involved. This sparked his desire to give back to the community which he has called home for 25 years, and he has since continued his volunteer work with the Nevada SPCA, Sunshine Nevada and Project 150. He joined the HCF in 2021 to continue working with Nevada’s young adults and help inspire the students of his alma mater.

Jason grew up in Hawaii surfing the beaches of Oahu, and still loves to spend his free time in the outdoors. He cherishes his time with his family, hiking, snowboarding and mountain biking whenever possible.

Kaitlin Molina

Regional Vice President of Talent Acquisition, Caesars Entertainment

Kaitlin Molina is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience across various sectors of the industry, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Human Resources. Kaitlin has dedicated her life to enhancing guest experiences and nurturing talent within the hospitality field. Currently, she serves as the Regional Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Caesars Entertainment, where she is passionate about developing high-potential team members.

A proud graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Kaitlin holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts Management and Hospitality Management. She recently earned her Master’s in Human Resources Management from Cornell University, further solidifying her commitment to education and professional growth.

Kaitlin is a proud Las Vegan and actively contributes to her community by volunteering with several local organizations. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her husband, Jimmy, and their two dogs, Lulu Fox and Finito. Kaitlin is excited to bring her expertise and passion for hospitality to the Hospitality Charitable Foundation board.

Ken Johnson

Executive Director of Food & Beverage, Four Queens Hotel & Casino, Binion’s Gambling Hall

Ken Johnson joined HCF in 2010. With a passion for mentorship and education, Mr. Johnson has made it his goal to encourage students to achieve their dreams through hard work and determination.

Mr. Johnson currently serves as the Executive Director of Food and Beverage for Four Queens and Binion’s Gambling Hall. Mr. Johnson began his hospitality career as a Front Desk Supervisor for Four Queens in 1982. Other previous experience includes Beverage Manager for Four Queens in 1992, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage for Four Queens in 1997 and Director of Food and Beverage for Four Queens in 2000.

A native of Kenitra, Morocco, Mr. Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of West Florida.

Lesley Bowman

CFO, Elite Golf Management

Lesley received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Finance at UNLV and her Master’s in Accounting and Financial Management at Keller Graduate School in California. Lesley is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in the state of California. Lesley has over 20 years of Accounting/Finance experience, 11 of them being in the golf industry and 8 being in the travel industry. She is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Elite Golf Management and is owner of Accounting4Me, an accounting firm targeted to help small businesses.

Lesley joined HCF in March of 2021 to give back to the community, spearhead HCF’s accounting, and be involved in a charity that gives scholarships to deserving recipients. Lesley has become the accounting tutor for our HCF students, which she loves and finds very rewarding.

Lesley is a new mom to a baby girl and a dog mom to Marvin, Evie, and Storm, which are a Frenchie/Boston mix. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling (especially to the beach), going to Vegas Golden Knights games, golfing, going to concerts and volunteering at other local charities.

Maggie Jackson

Vice President, Client Relationships, Freeman

Maggie Jackson serves as Vice President, Client Relationships for Freeman. Maggie is a UNLV graduate with a BS in Hotel Management. Her local connection with the college experience through a 20+ year career in the industry will allow her to share meaningful insights with HCF students.

Maggie worked at MGM Grand Conference Center for 15 years in various roles, starting as a Sales Assistant and working her way up to Assistant Vice President of Convention Services. In 2016, Maggie switched gears and left the hotel world to join Freeman, the industry leader in global events. Her current role as VP of Client Relationships provides oversight for the West Coast, Chicago, and Canadian sales teams. Maggie takes pride in professional development and has earned both the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) & CEM (Certification Exhibition Management) certifications.

She’s been married to Ty for 25 years and has two children, Macy (14) and Nico (10). Like many other women Maggie is a busy working mom and thrives in the chaos!
In her spare time, she’s actively involved in her kids’ sports, is an avid concert goer, VGK fan, enjoys vacationing at the beach, and spending quality time with family & friends.

Maggie is committed to applying her service industry experience to make a positive impact on the incredible students of the Hospitality Charitable Foundation.

Marti B. Winer

Brand President, Casa Bonita Denver

Marti B. Winer joined Casa Bonita Denver in August 2023 to lead the reinvention of this cultural icon and historic landmark in Colorado. Under Marti’s leadership, Casa Bonita is focusing on maintaining the nostalgia associated with its 1970s roots, while bringing innovation and creativity to this exotic dining and entertainment experience.

Marti has a passion for hospitality and a firm belief that the strength of a brand is rooted in its people. She fosters engagement through transparent communications and promoting a culture of inclusivity. She also believes that by honoring the legacy of the brand, while remaining focused on continuous operational improvement, Casa Bonita will thrive as a category-defining concept and gain global recognition as a one-of-a-kind destination.

An authentic and energetic leader, Marti has a proven track record of success in utilizing, communications, events, marketing and analytics in corporate and entrepreneurial environments. She’s held executive leadership roles at MGM Resorts International and Wyndham Hotel Group, as well as produced events for industries ranging from finance and pharma to food service and franchising.

Marti has a BA and Economics and Political Science from Drew University, Madison, NJ, an MBA from Rutgers University and – just for fun – a Masters of Letters from Drew University having completed a thesis on the role of hospitality in 20^th century literature.

Nick Trujillo

Director, Global Partnerships, Vegas Golden Knights

In his role with the Golden Knights, Nick is responsible for generating sponsorship revenue for the entire family of Bill Foley owned sports enterprises. This includes the Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights, and Vegas Knight Hawks, as well as community facilities, The Dollar Loan Center, City National Arena, and America First Center. As well as the NBA’s G League Ignite. He previously held positions for the Las Vegas Desert Dogs and Las Vegas Raiders focused on generating revenue in hospitality focused sales roles. Combined he has over a decade of experience in the sports industry.

Nick joined HCF because the foundation supports a cause near and dear to his heart. Growing up in circumstances like the students the foundation supports, he would not have been able to attend a four-year university without a scholarship. He has seen firsthand what an opportunity like this can mean for someone’s future and wants to be a part of providing those opportunities to deserving recipients here in Southern Nevada.

Originally from the California Bay Area, Nick has lived in Vegas since 2018 and has fallen in love with the city. He is recently married and spends his free time on a golf course, exploring new restaurants with his wife, Shelbi, or taking an adventure with their dog, Daisy.

Robert Chiti

Director of Hotel & Guest Relations, TAO Group Las Vegas

Mr. Chiti, a UNLV graduate brings 18 years of hospitality experience and is currently entrusted with the responsibility of liaising between TAO Group and Sands Corporation assisting with request for Tao & Lavo restaurant, Tao Beach Dayclub and Tao Nightclub. Mr. Chiti is looking forward to knowing the impact the funds he raises will have on young people.

Sherri Pucci Sosa

Travis Hackney

Vice President National Accounts - Gaming, Sysco Corporate

Travis Hackney developed an early interest in hospitality when he became the Project Manager to MGM Resorts for US Foods. After spending over 10+ years in the industry, his fluency in developing strategic partnerships among large hospitality groups and contract accounts has most recently brought him to Sysco as Vice President National Accounts - Gaming.

After earning a BS in Political Science from UNLV, Travis moved to Carson City, Nevada where he served as a congressional intern under Marilyn Kirkpatrick, current Chairwoman of the Clark County Commission. Realizing that politics was not his passion, he moved back to his hometown of Las Vegas and began his career with food distribution. Being from Las Vegas and having a natural affinity for the business of gaming and hospitality has encouraged Travis to accumulate professional accolades such as Casino Account Executive of the Year, multiple years in a row.

Travis attended UNLV while continuing to pursue a career in hospitality foodservice. Growing up in a Las Vegas household with a single mother also in the industry, he is highly motivated to give back to the Las Vegas community. A true, proud product of Las Vegas, UNLV, and hospitality he enjoys sharing his experience with others.

After that of Husband and Father, his favorite title is House League Hockey Coach for the Las Vegas Ice Center. Travis has played hockey his entire life and is pleased to be teaching the youth of Las Vegas about teamwork and working hard. He believes these two attributes are crucial to the success of every facet of his life.

Vildan Buric

Director of Beverage, Resorts World Las Vegas

Class of 2014

As an HCF and Cum Laude Graduate from UNLV, Vildan has continuously achieved milestones, since his first ever Food and Beverage assignment. Currently, Director of Beverage at Resorts World Las Vegas, Vildan has completed his level one Sommelier and Cicerone Certifications. Vildan is a true leader that all of our current students can call a mentor.

Vildan is now giving back to the foundation, by serving as a Board Member.