2012 - New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association

Association News
John Irvin Retires
John Irvin, a member of the
NYSH&TA Board of Directors for
a decade, and the General Manager
of The Otesaga Hotel, Cooperstown, is
retiring.
Before retiring, Irvin was asked to look
back at his 40-plus-year career in the hotel
industry and to describe what value being an
active NYSH&TA member provided him over the
past 10 years.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I have no regrets whatsoever. I have had my high
points and low points, as you do in any profession, but the one thing I will say about this
industry is it allows anyone to grow who wants to,” Irvin said. “I didn’t have a degree in
hotel management, but I wanted to move up in sales and I did through a lot of hard work. I
wanted to try operations, and someone took a chance on me and I succeeded in that to end
up at the Otesaga. I know general managers from every discipline in the hotel – controllers,
chief engineers, housekeepers, sales and front-office people. They have all become successful
because they put the effort into it, and again, this is an industry that allows that to happen.”
During his tenure on the NYSH&TA Board, Irvin served on the multiple committees and
participated in two Association Strategic Planning Sessions.
“
I
think NYSH&TA is the most active state Association I’ve ever been
involved with, and I have found that extremely helpful as a hotel
operator, not only from the knowledge I’m able to garner from the staff
when I have legal or environmental issues, but also the camaraderie
among the membership. Everyone is willing to work with each other
and I’ve found that extremely helpful in my 10 years of leadership.
- John D. ” Irvin
“I’ve always believed if you’re going to be a member of any organization you should be
active in it. Consequently, having the opportunity to join the board was important to me,” Irvin
said. “I have had the opportunity to go to Washington for the legislative summits, to serve on
various committees, and every one of those responsibilities have hopefully helped not only our
industry in the state but certainly helped me grow as a professional. Serving on the NYSH&TA
Board is that next step of being a NYSH&TA member, and anyone who has an opportunity to
do it, should, because it’s a great opportunity for the Association and the individual.
FOCUS Fall/Winter 2012 | 13