rletko@firsthospitality.com

As Regional Director of Operations, Richard oversees several properties across multiple states. He supports General Managers in their development of strategies and tactics to meet or exceed First Hospitality metrics. He is responsible for supporting the clinical management of operation, property short- and long-term financial goals and performance, compliance to brand standards and regulations, guest service excellence, and finding and developing talent. Richard works with general managers development and growth opportunities. He also ensures that budgets are completed and submitted in accordance with schedule.

Richard has over 26 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has been GM/F&B Director for full-service Radisson and IHG convention center hotels, along with GM for select and extended stay hotels. He started with First Hospitality as General Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn, and then transitioned to Area Director of Operations and currently Regional Director of Operations. He has worked with numerous brands like Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Radisson, and Extended Stay American during his career. Richard graduated with a B.S in Business Management from University of Georgia. Home of the DAWGS.

In his free time, Richard enjoys, spending time with his family, going boating, watching football, riding his Harley, and socializing with friends. He is married to a wonderful and supportive woman, Deana Letko who is also in the hospitality business. They have 2 wonderful kindhearted girls with the last one going to IU (Empty Nesters).