David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC

For more than three decades, David has helped shape hotel, resort, and waterpark development across North America. A trusted consultant and certified appraiser, he has completed analyses for over 4,200 existing and proposed hotel projects spanning every category—from select-service and extended-stay properties to luxury resorts, casinos, and waterpark destinations. His experience also includes work on amusement parks, ski areas, golf courses, and conference centers. Known for his rigorous approach and strategic insight, David provides feasibility studies, market analysis, appraisals, financial projections, and litigation support to developers, lenders, hotel companies, municipalities, and investment groups seeking clarity and confidence in major decisions. A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, David holds certified general real estate appraiser licenses in multiple states and is a certified public accountant.

Adam Zarczynski, CHIA

Adam is a hospitality consultant and certified appraiser with a strong combination of financial, operational, and market expertise. He provides appraisals, feasibility studies, and economic impact analyses for hotels and resorts across the United States, spanning all segments from economy properties to luxury destinations. Adam’s hands-on experience includes working on the opening team of a TownePlace Suites in Alabama, managing operations at hotels and resorts in New York, South Carolina, and Italy’s Villa d’Este, and overseeing valuation records for more than 14,000 parcels as a real property appraiser in Jamestown, New York. Prior to joining Hotel & Leisure Advisors, he evaluated hotel investment opportunities nationwide with Doradus Partners. Adam is a certified general appraiser in Ohio and New York, bringing a performance-driven perspective that helps clients make confident, informed decisions. Adam holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management with a concentration in Hotel Planning, Development and Operations from Niagara University

Stephen Szczygiel, CHIA

Stephen is a hospitality consultant and registered real estate appraiser assistant in Ohio, bringing a powerful combination of operational expertise, financial insight, and process improvement skills. He prepares appraisals, feasibility studies, and economic impact analyses for hotels, resorts, and casino properties across the United States. Stephen’s career spans leadership roles in Hilton-branded hotels, XfinityLive!, and the casino industry, including Manager of Food & Beverage for Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, where he managed operations with P&L responsibility exceeding $10M. He has also led Kaizen Process Improvement seminars nationwide, helping teams optimize performance and efficiency. Stephen studied Culinary Arts at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management with a focus on Casino Operations and a minor in Business Administration from Drexel University.

Anthony DiPonio, CHIA

Anthony combines hands-on hospitality experience with analytical insight to deliver appraisals, feasibility studies, and economic analyses that help clients confidently shape successful hospitality and leisure developments across the United States. With a specialization in hotels, resorts, waterparks, golf courses, and destination properties, he leverages expertise in financial analysis, competitive benchmarking, market performance, and operations. His background includes leadership roles at eight hotels throughout the Midwest, including serving as Director of Hotel Operations at the Element Hotel in Detroit, where his team achieved top-10 national rankings in Intent to Recommend, Cleanliness, and Staff Service. A graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business with a certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management from Cornell University’s Nolan School, Anthony brings data-driven thinking, operational understanding, and a passion for elevating guest experiences to every project.

Kate Cheung, CHIA

Kate brings a strong blend of operational experience and analytical expertise to her work, preparing appraisals, feasibility studies, and economic impact analyses for hospitality and leisure properties nationwide. Her focus includes hotels, resorts, waterparks, golf courses, and destination-driven real estate, supported by strengths in financial analysis, market research, and operational understanding. Before joining Hotel & Leisure Advisors, Kate worked at Amangiri in Utah—one of the world’s most exclusive luxury resorts—where she gained firsthand insight into service standards and guest expectations at the highest level. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Binghamton University, a Master’s in Hospitality Management with a Minor in Real Estate from Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, and an eCornell certification in Commercial Real Estate.

Kyle Mossman
Senior Research Analyst

Kyle plays a key role in transforming industry data into clear, meaningful insights that support H&LA’s research and reporting. He conducts in-depth market research and analysis across hospitality sectors, maintains essential data sources and competitive intelligence, and ensures that every report reflects accuracy, clarity, and industry relevance. With a sharp editorial eye, Kyle also reviews and refines deliverables for consistency, style, and precision—helping ensure that clients receive polished, professional work they can rely on. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Otterbein College and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Kent State University, bringing together strong analytical skills, research expertise, and a commitment to high-quality communication.

Shaan Karani, CHIA

Shaan prepares appraisals, market feasibility studies, economic impact studies, and impact studies throughout the United States. Shaan is a hospitality and real estate professional with experience in revenue management, hotel operations, and financial analysis. He has previous experience with Highgate Hotels as a revenue analyst and at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Jackson, Wyoming, where he contributed to marketing, finance, food & beverage, and residences departments. Shaan holds a B.S. in Hotel and Tourism Management from New York University, with a concentration in Real Estate and a minor in Entrepreneurship, as well as a Real Estate Investing & Analysis Certificate from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is fluent in Spanish and holds a CHIA certification through CoStar Group.

Heidi Banak
Operations Manager

Heidi leads the firm’s marketing and business operations, ensuring H&LA’s brand, voice, and communications reflect our expertise and industry leadership. She manages the firm’s digital presence—including the website, email marketing, and blog content—while developing proposals, maintaining marketing collateral, and responding to RFPs that help shape new business opportunities. In addition to her marketing role, Heidi supports consulting assignments through industry research and plays a key part in quality control by reviewing reports for clarity, consistency, and accuracy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University and brings strong organizational, communication, and brand stewardship skills to the H&LA team.

Michael Weber
Data and Technology Manager

Mike leads H&LA’s technology and data infrastructure, ensuring the systems and tools our team relies on operate efficiently and support high-quality research and reporting. He manages industry-specific databases, provides technical support across platforms, and continuously enhances internal workflows to improve accuracy, consistency, and productivity. In addition to his technology role, Mike contributes to report quality by reviewing content for clarity, precision, and editorial standards. His prior experience includes work as an insurance analyst and a mathematics and statistics instructor, giving him a strong analytical foundation and a methodical approach to problem-solving. Mike holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Wright State University and an M.A. in Mathematics Education from Kent State University, bringing a unique blend of technical depth, critical thinking, and communication skills to the organization.

Gina Svat
Research Analyst

Gina plays a vital role in supporting our consulting and operations teams by contributing to research, data collection, fact-checking, report development, and editorial review. She also assists with marketing initiatives and internal coordination to help ensure projects move efficiently from concept to completion. Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of Wooster and an associate’s degree in graphic design from Virginia Marti College. With a strong background in document production—including writing, editing, proofreading, database management, marketing, and project oversight—Gina brings precision, organization, and a quality-driven mindset to every assignment.

Sally Weisbarth

Sally oversees the daily operations of the Cleveland office and plays a key role in maintaining the financial health of the firm, managing client billing, accounts payable, and payroll with accuracy and care. As one of H&LA’s longest-standing team members, she has grown with the organization from its inception, expanding her responsibilities as the company evolved. Her background includes finance management for multiple United Methodist churches, where she handled contributions, accounts payable, and financial reporting, as well as prior experience in a CPA firm supporting bookkeeping functions and processing tax returns. Sally holds a Bachelor of Science from Grove City College and brings reliability, financial expertise, and a strong commitment to operational excellence to the H&LA team.