Executive Committee

President

Michael Kennedy

Director of Food Operations, South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa

In 2010, Mr. Kennedy joined Hospitality Charitable Foundation to support and mentor the next generation of hospitality professionals. After serving as Executive Committee Secretary for 2013–14, he held the title of Chairman of the Board from 2015–2019. In 2025, he was voted in as the current President of HCF. In this role, he works closely with the executive committee and board of directors to enhance member recruitment and oversee all community-based fundraising and grant efforts.

Mr. Kennedy is the Director of Food Operations at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. In his role as Director, he oversees South Point’s Food and Beverage Department as he works to implement strategic plans, guest relations, process improvement and create food and beverage promotions for the property. Mr. Kennedy oversees the hotel’s 13 venues including dining, fast-casual, concessions and the hotel’s wine program. With more than 24 years of experience, he continues to expand his expertise in analyzing, developing and implementing policies to drive his department toward higher achievement.

Mr. Kennedy enjoys quality time with his two wonderful children and their two golden doodles.

Chairman

Tom Gorball

Vice President

Kaitlin Molina

Regional Vice President of Talent Acquisition, Caesars Entertainment

Kaitlin Molina is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience across various sectors of the industry, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Human Resources. Kaitlin has dedicated her life to enhancing guest experiences and nurturing talent within the hospitality field. Currently, she serves as the Regional Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Caesars Entertainment, where she is passionate about developing high-potential team members.

A proud graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Kaitlin holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts Management and Hospitality Management. She recently earned her Master’s in Human Resources Management from Cornell University, further solidifying her commitment to education and professional growth.

Kaitlin is a proud Las Vegan and actively contributes to her community by volunteering with several local organizations. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her husband, Jimmy, and their two dogs, Lulu Fox and Finito. Kaitlin is excited to bring her expertise and passion for hospitality to the Hospitality Charitable Foundation board.

Vice President

Marti B. Winer

SVP and Regional General Manager - Western Region, Hosts Global

Marti is currently responsible for leading the Western region of Hosts Global, the premier destination management company planning and delivering events in over 450 destinations around the world. Marti oversees Las Vegas, Southern California and Seattle.

Marti's last role was with Casa Bonita in Denver where she led the reinvention of this cultural icon and historic landmark in Colorado. Under Marti’s leadership, Casa Bonita focused on maintaining the nostalgia associated with its 1970s roots, while bringing innovation and creativity to this exotic dining and entertainment experience.

An authentic and energetic leader, Marti has a proven track record of success in utilizing, communications, events, marketing and analytics in corporate and entrepreneurial environments. She’s held executive leadership roles at MGM Resorts International and Wyndham Hotel Group, as well as produced events for industries ranging from finance and pharma to food service and franchising.

Marti has a BA and Economics and Political Science from Drew University, Madison, NJ, an MBA from Rutgers University and – just for fun – a Masters of Letters from Drew University having completed a thesis on the role of hospitality in 20^th century literature.

Secretary

Alyssa Mendes

Senior Vice President of Hospitality, Rio Las Vegas

In her current role, Alyssa oversees all hospitality operations at Rio to include hotel, F&B, facilities and banquets. She drives strategy for the Rio today and future growth to the property through development and planning.

Previously, Alyssa was Vice President and General Manager of Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace, having led all aspects of operations for Nobu Hotel, Qua Spa and weddings at Caesars Palace as well as being a member of the property hotel leadership team to help drive strategy with respect to revenue management, operational efficiency and service standards.

Prior to that, Alyssa was VP of F&B at Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ and Flamingo Las Vegas, overseeing both front of house and back of house culinary operations. Alyssa started her career in hotel operations where she held management positions at Harrah’s & Harvey’s Lake Tahoe and Harrah’s Southern California before moving to Las Vegas as the Director of Hotel Operations at Harrah’s Las Vegas.

Originally from the San Diego area, Alyssa graduated from Sonoma State University with a BS in Psychology and enjoys outdoor activities, and traveling.

Treasurer

Kevin R. Ball

Vice President Procurement, Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Kevin R. Ball joined Hospitality Charitable Foundation in February 2016 to help Clark County’s young people realize their educational dreams, which not may come true without the help of HCF. Mr. Ball is inspired to be a mentor by the fresh perspective and excitement that the new generation of hospitality leaders bring to the industry.

Mr. Ball has over thirty years’ experience in the procurement/supply chain field. From 1997 he has held senior level positions with American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, and Public Service Enterprise Group. In July of 2008, he joined American Casino & Entertainment Properties as the Corporate Vice President of Purchasing/Strategic Sourcing where he oversees and directs the development of the company’s procurement strategy, practices and procedures to form a strong management focus on improving the cost and quality of delivered material and services.

Mr. Ball is the co-founder and chair of the Las Vegas Purchasing Leadership Council. In 2013 he was published in “Inside Supply Management” magazine where he describes navigating the recent recession and how the purchasing department played a strategic role during that time.

Mr. Ball has two wonderful children, Austin and Cheyenne, and enjoys spending time with his granddaughter Sienna when he is not busy traveling, golfing, fishing, or scuba diving.

Executive Director

Melissa Arias

Melissa Arias joined Hospitality Charitable Foundation in September of 2013 as the Executive Director. She is passionate about providing a platform for deserving young students to achieve their dreams through hard work and determination.

In her role, Melissa oversees all fundraising, scholarship activities and day-to-day operations for the organization while working collaboratively with the executive committee, board of directors, and the students.

Melissa joined HCF after seven years with the American Cancer Society, most recently serving as the Director of Development and Distinguished Events. During her tenure, she was responsible for developing a scholarship program for students with childhood cancer, leading the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and managing and executing the Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Tournament and Gala.

Originally from Massapequa, NY, she is a graduate of Towson University in Maryland and was inducted into the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada’s Hall of Fame in 2008. She was named one of Vegas Inc.’s Women to Watch in 2016 and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from UNLV. She is also a 2022 graduate of Leadership Las Vegas

Melissa and her husband John have three children—Van, Kinsley, and Sebastian—and two dogs: Georgia, an English Bulldog, and Ransom, a Boxer/Pit mix. She loves to travel and cherishes spending her free time with her family and supporting causes close to her heart.

Director of Operations

Christopher Alfieri

Christopher Alfieri joined the Hospitality Charitable Foundation (HCF) as Operations and Programs Manager in 2014. His dedication and leadership led to his promotion as Director of Operations in 2024, where he continues to make a lasting impact on Nevada’s youth through the Future Leaders of Hospitality Program.

With a genuine passion for empowering young people, Christopher plays a pivotal role in guiding students from their first steps into the program to their successful progression through it. His responsibilities include overseeing recruitment, serving as the UNLV liaison, providing student counseling, monitoring academic and professional development, ensuring compliance with HCF standards, and managing scholarship disbursements.

Christopher’s contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. He was honored as one of the Top 100 Men in Las Vegas by MyVegas Magazine, a testament to his commitment and influence.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Christopher is an avid traveler who cherishes time with family on the East Coast. Having called Las Vegas home for over a decade, he enjoys exploring the city’s vibrant culture and expanding social events within the LGBTQ community, embracing every opportunity to make a difference both professionally and personally.