Honorary Board Members - Hospitality Charitable Foundation

Martha Morales

David Cárdenas

Dean, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

David A. Cárdenas joined UNLV as the new dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality on March 1, 2024. He brings extensive hospitality expertise from his roles at the University of South Carolina (USC), including interim dean and associate dean of academic programs for the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management (HRSM). At USC, Cárdenas oversaw curriculum development, international programs, student services, and corporate engagement, showcasing his leadership in hospitality education. His research focuses on sustainable development, tourism education, and community-based tourism planning, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Cárdenas has held visiting professor roles at institutions in China, Curaçao, Aruba, and Ecuador, highlighting his global hospitality perspective. He has also developed strategic international partnerships in countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Qatar, Spain, and Peru. Cárdenas aims to connect with faculty, alumni, and industry leaders to ensure graduates are well-prepared to meet evolving industry needs.

UNLV leaders believe his experience will elevate the Harrah College of Hospitality to new heights. Cárdenas holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University.

David Hoenmeyer

Chief Operating Officer, Seminole Gaming

A native of Madison, New Jersey, David Hoenemeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in history and English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984 and began his hospitality career in the beverage department of the Hilton Parsippany in New Jersey. In 1986, Hoenemeyer played a key role in the opening of the Hilton McLean in Virginia before moving to New York to become the assistant director of food and beverage for New York Hilton & Towers.

Hoenemeyer served as the director of food and beverage at Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City for six years before transitioning to the role of director of operations at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. After joining the team at Caesars Entertainment and eventually working his way up to assistant general manager of Harrah’s Las Vegas, he was named general manager of Bally’s Las Vegas and Paris Hotel & Casino before eventually earning the title of regional president of Caesars Entertainment: Bally’s, Paris and Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, in 2010.

Hoenemeyer was a founding member of Hospitality Charitable Foundation in 2001 and also dedicates his time on the board of directors for The United Way and The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin, and three daughters.

Martha Morales

VP & General Manager at Valley Forge Casino Resort, Boyd Gaming

Martha is an HCF Alum and first student to become part of the HCF board.

Las Vegas raised, Ms. Morales, graduated from Rancho High School and from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a degree in hospitality management. Ms. Morales also holds a Master in Business from the University of Southern California. Ms. Morales began her career in the hospitality industry at the age of 16 and utilized both her education and experience to develop her skills. She has worked at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Hilton Las Vegas, Arizona Charlies Decatur, Stratosphere Hotel, Caesars Palace, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace and recently joined Boyd Gaming as the Assistant General Manager at the Orleans Hotel and Casino.

Ms. Morales joined Hospitality Charitable Foundation as a board member to combine her passion for empowering young women and leading others with her knowledge of the hospitality industry. Ms. Morales enjoys hiking, dancing, and participating in community outreach events. Ms. Morales is the proud mother of Jasmin.

Sean DiCicco

Corporate Vice President of Food and Beverage, Invited Clubs

Mr. DiCicco joined HCF in 2011 with the mission to positively impact the lives of deserving students in Las Vegas. His commitment and leadership quickly became evident, leading to his tenure as Vice President of HCF from 2013 to 2014, and subsequently as President for the 2015-2018 terms. He is currently an HCF Honorary Board Member, continuing to support the organization's mission and initiatives.

During his time with HCF, Mr. DiCicco played a crucial role in developing the organization into the impactful entity it is today. His efforts have significantly contributed to the foundation's success, and he continues to be a major influence within the organization.

He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage for Invited Clubs, bringing his extensive expertise to one of the leading private club companies in the country.

Mr. DiCicco is a distinguished graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he earned dean’s list honors. Outside of his professional achievements, Sean is an adventure enthusiast and keeps fit with various sports. He enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Audrey, and is a proud father to three beautiful daughters.

Stowe Shoemaker PhD

Philnthropy and Alumni Engagement, Special Assistant to Foundation President

Stowe Shoemaker PhD, former dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV has been appointed as an honorary member to the HCF board of directors. Dean Shoemaker is most excited to join the board because of its ability to impact students’ lives. Since becoming dean in 2013, Dr. Shoemaker has been active in advancing the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality to meet — and exceed — the Top Tier goals set by the university. His long and varied career in hospitality and gaming has garnered him numerous scholarly grants and honors including the Howard B Meek Award for his lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry.

Stowe is an avid reader and spent many years on the executive education faculty of Cornell University, where he had the opportunity to work with executives around the world. He has used these contacts to help students find international opportunities.