A champion for Georgia’s hospitality industry is retiring
The leader of Georgia’s hotel trade association, who spent decades rallying behind the scenes for the industry, will retire.
Jim Sprouse will depart as executive director of the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association at the end of the year. Chris Hardman, the association’s director of governmental affairs and membership, will succeed him, taking the reins Jan. 1.
The GHLA serves as a voice for the industry, representing nearly 2,300 hotels. It lobbies at the state level and provides its members with economic forecasts and recognition events.
Tourism is the state’s second-largest economic contributor, officials say. In 2024, more than 170 million visitors spent $45 billion at Georgia’s hotels, restaurants and other businesses, Gov. Brian Kemp announced last week.
GHLA, in an announcement, credited Sprouse with strengthening advocacy efforts at the state level, expanding member services and championing workforce development.
He also led the hotel industry through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping secure a $150 million federal grant to aid operators and employees.
Sprouse, 70, said in an interview he was proud of the growth of GHLA during his more than 20-year tenure.
“When I came into it, we were barely alive as an association,” he said. “I was there when they really needed me, and now it’s time to grow beyond that.”
His most treasured accomplishment, he said, was creating GHLA’s annual Stars of the Lodging Industry event, which honors hotel industry workers.
“That’s the most fun thing I get to do every year, where we recognize all of the great people in the hotels,” Sprouse said. “Everybody there is a winner. We do a big runway down the middle of the room, and they literally dance.”
Accolades poured in for Sprouse, who is often described as a quiet and humble leader by his friends and colleagues.
“He lives what it means to lead with kindness,” Ivy Mpofu, general manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton at Centennial Olympic Park, said in a prepared statement.
Jay Morgan, founder of J.L. Morgan Co., called Sprouse a legend.
“No one worked harder to get GHLA through good times and bad,” Morgan said in a statement. “Now, Chris Hardman is ready to take GHLA to new heights with his knowledge and relentless energy.”
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