UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Hospitality Management Then, you can get in touch with us. College of Health and Human DevelopmentTogether with the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS)Leeny Oberg is the 2026 Hospitality Executive Of The Year. She is the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Development at Marriott International.
Oberg will receive an award at the 2026 PSHRS Industry Awards Reception on April 8, 2026 at Penn State University Park, among alumni, faculty and industry partners.
Oberg expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “This award is a great honor, and it’s humbling to receive such a great one,” he said. I’ve been privileged to be part of the Marriott team for over two decades, and have contributed to its growth globally. Throughout my career, I’ve been guided by Marriott’s core values — especially the belief that putting people first is at the heart of hospitality. Penn State is committed to a people-centered approach. I’m very impressed with the work that they are doing to prepare our next generation of hospitality professionals, and am confident in the future of this industry.
Oberg has played a pivotal role in Marriott’s evolution, including her leadership in the acquisition and integration of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. She held several key positions in Marriott’s financial management before assuming her present role. These included senior vice-president of corporate and investment finance, and senior vice-president of international project financing and asset management, for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. She joined Marriott’s investor relations department in 1999. Marriott announced Oberg’s retirement in July 2025.
Oberg served previously as the Chief Financial Officer for the Ritz Carlton, where her contributions to the growth, performance and organizational effectiveness of this brand were significant.
Donna QuadriFelitti said, “Leeny’s career at Marriott International is a great example of how to develop strong, sustainable partnerships with colleagues, owners and franchisees as well as investors and partners, in an increasingly dynamic, complex global environment.” She is a role model of leadership for many Penn Staters who work for Marriott and are affiliated with them around the globe, as well as for our aspiring hospitality majors. I am looking forward to welcoming her on campus in April, to celebrate her incredible career and legacy.”
Oberg was a financial leader at Goldman Sachs before he joined Marriott and the Ritz Carlton. He also held positions with Sodexo and Sallie Mae.
She serves as a board member for Adobe Inc. and is a active member of American Hotel and Lodging Association Industry Real Estate Finance Advisory Council.
Oberg has a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a focus on finance and Management Information Systems from the University of Virginia. She holds an MBA degree from Stanford University.
Tom Neely is the president of PSHRS, and President and CEO of Thomas E. Strauss. He said, “We have honored those who significantly impacted our Industry for over 60 Years, and we believe Leeny will be an exceptional addition to that distinguished group.” “Her career path is a role model for the future generation of hospitality leaders, who are looking to forge a new path and discover their passion in the vast hospitality industry that lies ahead of them.”
Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society
The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS) was established to promote the Hospitality Management Program and strengthen the hospitality professions. PSHRS was founded by the Penn State Alumni Association and College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society.
The PSHRS allows alumni, students and faculty to form closer bonds. PSHRS provides services to those students and alumni of Penn State’s Hospitality Management program.
School of Hospitality Management
Penn State School of Hospitality Management, founded in 1937 is one of America’s oldest and most respected hospitality schools. Top-ranked programs for undergraduates and doctors prepare global leaders, with a curriculum based on a variety of disciplines and a focus on engaged scholarship. It also features partnerships with Penn State’s Hospitality Services and Housing and Food Services and with top hospitality brands around the world. Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society, the oldest Penn State alumni group, is located in the school. The school has added a new innovative and focused Master of Professional Studies program in Hospitality Management to its portfolio.
Ben Jellison is the director of Industry and Alumni Relations at PSHRS. For more information, please contact him by calling [email protected] Call 814-865 6728.
About Penn State School of Hospitality Management
Established in 1937 Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. The top-ranked undergraduate and PhD programs at Penn State prepare global leaders through a diverse, rigorous curriculum that has been centered on engaged scholarship since its conception. These programs also feature partnerships with Penn State’s Hospitality Services and Housing and Food Services as well as top global hospitality brands. The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society, the oldest Penn State Alumni program group is also located here.
Ben Jellison
Director of Industry and Alumni Relations
814-865-6728
Penn State School of Hospitality Management
