With over 14 years of experience in finance and auditing, Josh has been instrumental in steering the company’s financial strategies and operations since joining the company in 2019. During his time at the Al J. Schneider Company, he has overseen the financial health of the properties managed by the company, including the Galt House Hotel, Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown, and Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport.

Zik’s journey with the company began with his role as an Internal Auditor from 2019 to 2020, where he established the internal audit function, managed governance and risk assessment processes. In 2020 he was appointed CFO, where he was responsible for all cash management, insurance, banking activities, and long-term financial planning.

Josh holds a CPA and CFE and earned his degrees from Bellarmine University and the University of Kentucky. His extensive experience and strategic vision have been crucial in driving the financial success of the Al J. Schneider Company and its managed properties.

Lance brings over 20 years of experience within the hospitality industry and deep knowledge of Louisville to the team. In his role Lance oversees all brand marketing as well as sales, event, services and revenue management for The Galt House Hotel, The Embassy Suites and Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport.  Prior to joining AJS Hotels in 2019, Lance held leadership positions at numerous properties including Area Sales Leader at Marriott International, Northern Mid-America and Director of Sales for Marriott Griffin Gate Resort & Spa, where he developed extensive knowledge in sales and new business development.

Mike Swasey has nearly 30 years of hotel industry experience. Prior to joining AJS Hotels he served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Crescent Hotels & Resorts overseeing their premier branded and independent resorts and hotels across the state of Florida and Atlanta, Georgia in the upper-upscale full-service and luxury segments. Other previous leadership roles include Chief Operating Officer for Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Milwaukee, WI; Head of Operations and Asset Management for Alena Hospitality, Orlando, FL; Vice President of Asset Management for Inland American Lodging Management, L.L.C. (now Xenia REIT), Orlando, FL; and serving in operations roles for B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, Bethesda, Md.; Legacy Hospitality, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M.; InterContinental Hotel Group, Atlanta, Ga. and Sage Hospitality, Denver, Colo.  He has served on the Committee for Dulles (airport), the  American Hotel & Lodging Association Food & Beverage Committee, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County representative, and as a member of HAMA (Hospitality Asset Managers Association)

Kenny Franklin began his career in hospitality in March of 1972 as part of the engineering team building the Executive Inn Hotel, the first of the properties built by Al J. Schneider. In 1975, Franklin transferred to Executive West (now the Crowne Plaza Louisville) to open the hotel for business. He was also involved in its expansion in 1980 to increase the number of rooms to 611. In 2001, Franklin was transferred to the Galt House to oversee Engineering. In 2016, he was promoted to Corporate Director of Facilities for AJS Hotels. He currently oversees facilities at the Galt House, Crowne Plaza, Embassy Suites, Waterfront Plaza, and One Riverfront Plaza.

Bill started his career working for Group Financial Partners as the Operations Manager overseeing the Starks Building and several other commercial properties in Louisville Kentucky. When BGK Inc. out of Santé Fe, New Mexico bought the Starks Building he was promoted to the position of President of BGK Kentucky.  With BGK Bill was responsible for the management and leasing of a portfolio of over 600,000 sq. ft. of commercial office buildings keeping the operating expenditures within budget while maintaining a high occupancy percentage. In 2009, Bill joined the Al J. Schneider Company as the Operations and Leasing Manager responsible for the management and leasing of over 1 million square feet. In 2012 Bill was promoted to the position of Director of Commercial Real Estate.

Jacob joins us from Guess? INC where he led global IT teams. designed and implemented large global enterprise Infrastructures. With over 25 years' experience successfully building up people, processes, IT infrastructures, and achieving high organizational performance standards, Jacob is a passionate IT professional holding leadership positions in many industries including Retail, Distribution, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Banking. Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Western Kentucky University, as well as many IT certifications.

April Stepney, Vice President of Human Resources, joined AJS in 2021 as Human Resources Manager at The Galt House, where she played a key role in rebuilding staffing levels post-pandemic. Her leadership and dedication led to a promotion in 2022 to Director of Human Resources at The Galt House Hotel, where she became a trusted resource for associates and managers. In 2024, April took on the role of Director of Human Resources at the Crowne Plaza, gaining valuable experience while fostering positive cultural change. A graduate of Indiana University and a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), April's career spans roles in recruiting, benefits coordination, and business development, including experience at a boutique staffing firm, a local non-profit, and 11 years in financial aid.

Greg brings 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry.  He is originally from the Louisville so has a deep knowledge of the surrounding area.  In his role Greg oversees the Restaurants, Bars, Banquets, Event planning and restaurant concept and design for The Galt House Hotel, Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport, and Embassy Suites.  Prior to joining AJS Hotels in 2017, Greg held leadership positions at several properties in South Florida including Director of Food & Beverage at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, Director of Outlets at the Naples Bay Resort and Food & Beverage Manager at The Waldorf Astoria Naples.  Prior to working in hotels Greg started his career  working in country clubs such as the Naples National Golf Club and Naples Grande Golf Club.

Jose Rolon is a seasoned hospitality executive with 27 years of experience in hotel operations and management. As General Manager of the Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown, he has a proven track record of driving revenue, enhancing guest satisfaction, and leading successful hotel renovations, including the Galt House and Crowne Plaza. Since joining AJS in 2007, he has risen through the ranks to oversee all three properties. Recognized for his leadership, Jose has received accolades such as Executive of the Year (2023) from the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the boards of the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District and the Kentucky Restaurant Association, contributing to the growth of Louisville’s hospitality industry.

Ryan Manning comes to AJS Hotels with over a decade of experience in accounting. As corporate controller, Ryan directs the day-to-day accounting, treasury management, and payroll.

Ryan has been in both public and private accounting sectors, getting familiar with a variety of industries including manufacturing, defense contracting, construction, healthcare.

Ryan is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor's of science degree in business administration from the University of Louisville.

Natalie Keel joined the AJS Hotels team after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville. As the companies Director of Marketing, Natalie oversees all Marketing Projects as well as building and maintaining strong, consistent brands through a wide range of online and offline marketing channels for  the Galt House Hotel, Embassy Suites Downtown Louisville, and the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo CTR.