President and majority stockholder of Hospitality America, Chris personally directs the
operations, marketing and customized business plan for each hotel under management. A 36-year veteran of the hospitality industry, he has a dual
management and development background with a verifiable track record of launching successful new hotels as well as turning around marginal
properties, especially distressed destination beach resort hotels.
Prior to founding Hospitality America in 1995, Cargen held corporate or hotel general manager positions with Dunfey Hotels (now OMNI Hotels), Hospitality
Management Corporation and Outdoor Resorts of America. He has served as multi-unit supervisor or general manager of Hampton, Hilton, Ramada,
Sheraton, Shoney's, and Quality Inns as well as many independent beach resort hotels
located in Georgia, South Florida and throughout the Caribbean.
Cargen received his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University School
of Hotel Administration graduating on the Dean's List and Ye Hosts Scholastic Honorary. He is a member of the Cornell Society of Hotelmen
and a former member of Cayuga Hospitality Advisors. He is frequently consulted by Hilton's Hampton Inn Advisory Council to contribute and evaluate brand initiatives. Cargen
has served as president and director of several condominium hotels and is a past chairman of the Jekyll Island [Georgia] Hotel Association. He
enjoys off-shore sailing, snow skiing and fitness exercise and is treasurer of his son's high school Ice Eagles hockey team.
