The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona has appointed eight new members to its Board of Advisors, expanding our college’s reach across a diverse range of sectors within the hospitality industry.
The new members are:
- Amy Bayer, Director of Business Development, Avendra International
- Russell J. Bendel, Owner, RJB Restaurant Group
- Christy Castillo Butcher, Senior Vice President of Programming and Booking, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park
- David Ecija, General Manager, The Beverly Hilton
- Brandon J. Feighner, Senior Director, CBRE Hotels Valuation & Advisory
- David Hamano, Vice President of Shared Services, Revenue Operations, Universal Studios Hollywood
- Matthew Torrez, Senior Vice President of Operations, West, Towne Park
- Kevin Whattoff, Chief Operations Officer, Lazy Dog Restaurants
Members of the Board of Advisors are influential leaders from across the hospitality sector. Their guidance ensures that our practices and student experiences remain aligned with the evolving demands of the industry. The board helps shape industry-responsive curriculum by regularly engaging with students through classroom visits, networking events and college-wide programming.
With the addition of these eight new members, the Board of Advisors continues to grow in sector diversity and executive leadership, with members contributing expertise in hotel and resort operations, food and beverage management, real estate advisory, live entertainment programming, theme park services and independent restaurant development. Many board members are also alumni or former students at The Collins College, creating a direct link between the college and real-world hospitality leadership.
