Corporate Team

Michael Hoffman, Owner

Michael has been in the hotel business since 1975 and is a leading hotelier in the Capital Region. He works nationally with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Hilton in advising and supporting other hotel owners in standards and quality, having served as chairman for both New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSHTA) and the IHG Owner’s Association.

He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York and is an Advisory Board Member of Jake’s Help From Heaven.

Brian Straughter, President

Brian is the second generation to assume leadership of the family owned and operated business. Brian visits most hotels each day working with the General Manager and hotel teams to constantly improve the guest experience. He is responsible for all aspects of the company’s hotel operations, overseeing both short and long term planning.

Straughter is the 2018 Chair of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Secretary on the University at Albany Foundation Board, Board Member of the Saratoga Regional YMCA as well as Co-Founder of the non-profit Jake’s Help From Heaven.

Dave Weiler, Regional Operations Manager

Dave’s responsibilities are concentrated in development, construction and renovation of new and existing properties. This includes the coordination of design aspects as well as purchasing FF&E and all technology systems.

Dave has worked for Turf Hotels since 1976. Prior positions at Turf Hotels have included General Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, Food and Beverage Manager, Lounge Manager and various non-management positions.

Brian Root, Regional Director of Human Resources

Brian is a native of the Albany Area who joined Turf Hotels in 2016. He oversees the administration and management of Human Resources at Turf Hotels and their owned and managed properties. This includes overseeing recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, employee relations, policy and procedures, wage/benefit administration, and compliance with statutory requirements.

Brian brings over 15 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry. His knowledge and experience in hotel operations and administration has helped strengthened the hospitality culture within the company.

Lyle Woods, Regional Director of Operations

Lyle joined Turf Hotels in 2017 as the General Manager of Homewood Suites Saratoga Springs with more than 15 years of experience leading high performing hotels. Under his leadership the Homewood Saratoga twice won the coveted Connie Award, the highest award across all Hilton Worldwide brands. He was also the recipient of the NYSHTA Outstanding General Manager of the Year Award for 2021.

Lyle was promoted to Area General Manager in 2021 and in 2022 promoted to Regional Director of Operations. He represents both hotel operations and owner’s goals and objectives. He also serves on the board of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association.

Kyle Kammerer, Task Force Manager

Kyle joined Turf Hotels in 2017 as the General Manager of the Hampton Inn Albany Western Ave and in 2019 promoted to the General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites Saratoga Springs Downtown. He has more than 30 years of experience in Hotel Management. In 2022, he was promoted to the role of Task Force Manager.

Kyle is responsible for a variety of tasks while traveling to all Turf Hotel properties and assisting with operational needs. While not only assisting hotels day-to-day operations, he also works with each property to maintain brand requirements and QA preparedness. He serves as a valuable extension of the corporate office team.

Darlene Lake, Corporate Controller

Darlene began working for the Holiday Inn Turf on Wolf Road in 1980 in our Sales Department. In 1989, she transferred into accounting department. This was a perfect fit for Darlene and she has been consistently promoted through the years. Darlene was the Controller of the Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George and in 2016 was promoted to Corporate Controller where she oversees all five properties.

Bradley Larson, Assistant Regional Controller

Brad began working at the Holiday Inn Turf on Wolf Rd as part of the front desk team in 1997. In his over 20 years with the company, he has taken on many different roles including Front Desk Supervisor, Accounts Receivable Associate, Office Manager and Assistant General Manager.

He joined the corporate team in 2015 as the Assistant Regional Controller, where he is responsible for overseeing the accounting functions of our three Albany properties.

Nancy Leith, Payroll Manager

Nancy stated working at the Holiday Inn Turf on Wolf Road in the accounting office in 1985. In her over 30 years with the company, she has always been willing to help out in any area and has been an excellent employee, having been awarded both as Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year. She is currently responsible for overseeing payroll for all the hotels.