Alex Spektor – Complex Managing Director Highgate

With nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Alex Spektor has established himself as a dynamic and accomplished leader. He began his journey in 1995 as a Front Desk Agent, quickly advancing through the management ranks. By 1999, Alex was part of the opening team at the Benjamin Hotel in New York City, followed by a six-year tenure with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he excelled in various roles within the Rooms Division.

Alex went on to spend over a decade with Denihan Hospitality Group, managing lifestyle properties such as Affinia Gardens, Affinia Dumont, and Affinia Manhattan Hotels. In 2016, he joined Melia Hotels International, where he successfully opened the company's first U.S. flagship hotel, Innside by Melia New York NoMad. Under Alex's leadership, the 313-room property emerged as a leading urban lifestyle destination, celebrated for its European-inspired design and innovative food and beverage concepts.

In 2018, Alex joined Highgate as Managing Director, spearheading the transformation of the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park into The Wagner at The Battery, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. In 2019, he was promoted to Complex Managing Director, overseeing multiple Highgate properties throughout New York City.

Currently, Alex is leading the rebranding of the Millennium Downtown Hotel into the M Social brand, managing a $50 million full-property renovation. Alongside this, he oversees operations at the Residence Inn by Marriott World Trade Center, demonstrating his expertise across both lifestyle and branded hotel segments.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Technology in Hospitality Management from New York City College of Technology, where he actively supports alumni initiatives. He also serves as a board member for several prominent industry organizations, including the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association, the New York State Hospitality Association, and the New York City Hotel Association.

Carianne is Vice President, Cultural & Community Relations at NYC Tourism + Conventions where she oversees the cultural members as well as cultural partnerships including the Borough Cultural Tourism Grant program and Its Time for Culture marketing program. Carianne joined NYC Tourism as an intern in 2007 and was hired full time in spring 2008 upon her graduation from NYU with a Masters in Tourism Development. She also has a BA in Economics and International Studies from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York.

District Manager East Region

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Dalila has a wealth of experience in fine dining and workplace operations. Inspired early in her career by working alongside the late restaurateur/innovator Joseph Baum at the legendary Rainbow Room, under the wings of Chef Waldy Malouf, she carries the torch of leading service teams in delivering hospitality excellence.

Dalila has held various leadership roles with Compass, Sodexo and Delaware North which included leading operations at McKinsey, Milbank Tweed, and Warner Media. Today, she manages multiple Lifeworks client accounts in the Northeast including Accenture, NYSE, and Squarespace.

Dalila is a Member of the City Tech Hospitality Management Advisory Commission, works closely with Aramark ERGs and local community organizations. When not at work, Dalila enjoys exploring the latest dining scene, hiking and traveling.

"— I surround myself with talented, bold and visionary entrepreneurs and support them with the leadership, wisdom and space to learn and grow."

Erika Hurtado-Valentino is a distinguished educational leader with twenty years of experience transforming student outcomes across New York City. Since 2021, she has served as the Principal of Food and Finance High School in District 2, where she secured the NYS Smart Scholars Early College Grant in 2024, allowing students to graduate with an Associate's Degree from CUNY City Tech within one year, with all expenses covered, plus access to paid internships and alumni mentoring. Previously, she was the Principal of Bronx Aerospace High School in District 11 from 2014 to 2021, where she launched a New York State-approved Engineering CTE Program, increased the graduation rate by 24%, and consistently received "Well Developed" ratings in the NYC Quality Review. Currently a Doctoral Candidate at St. John's University, Erika also holds degrees from Columbia University and Adelphi University, along with a Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics from Stony Brook University. As a recognized Cahn Fellow, she has significantly enhanced student performance and graduation rates throughout her career.

As a proud Queens native, Erika is proud to return home as the Founding Principal of The Northwell School of Health Sciences (NSHS), set to open in Woodside, Queens September 2025. Through its partnership with Northwell Health and New York City Public Schools, The Northwell School of Health Sciences serves as a launchpad for the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals. It offers early college credits, on-the-job training, industry-recognized certifications, and essential practical skills for high-wage, high-demand roles. Erika views NSHS as a beacon of hope and transformation, intertwining college preparation with career-connected learning and embedding core values of Curiosity, Compassion, Collaboration, and Cause.

Erika Hurtado-Valentino is a seasoned educational leader with extensive experience as a three-time principal, specializing in Career and Technical Education (CTE), early college programs, and workforce development. In her role as a member of the Advisory Board for UNY City Tech's Hospitality Management Department, she is dedicated to enhancing the transition for students as they move from high school to college and into their chosen careers, equipping them to navigate the challenges, seize the opportunities that lie ahead, and empowering students to become competitive, capable professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in their fields.

Imtiaz Ali — Vice President of Revenue & Distribution, Highgate Hotels

A seasoned professional in the field of revenue management with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His journey in this dynamic sector began when he graduated from New York City College of Technology, where he acquired his bachelor's degree in hospitality management.

Throughout his career, Imtiaz has had the privilege of working with some of the most respected brands and establishments in the hospitality sector. The roles have ranged from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of revenue management. Over the years, he worked diligently to rise through the ranks to his current position as Vice President of Revenue Management at Highgate Hotels. In this role, Imtiaz leads a talented team of revenue managers and analysts.

His career is marked by a series of accolades, including multiple "Revenue Manager of the Year" awards, as well as various local and national recognitions from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). With a proven track record of driving revenue and enhancing profitability, Imtiaz continues to make significant contributions to the field of hotel management.

Michael is a City Tech graduate and a renowned NYC chef. He is currently the Chef/Partner of Porter House Bar and Grill. He is a published author, a TV personality, and the Co-Founder of the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. Under his leadership, Porter House earned “Absolute Best Steakhouse in New York” accolades in 2017 and 2018.

Rahul Suri is a graduate of New York City Technical College and received his bachelor's degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management in 1994.

He is a 30-year veteran in the Hotels & beverage Industry. Rahul spent the first four years of his career with the Sheraton Park Ave hotel where he started as an intern and worked his way up to assistant hotel manager. Before moving on to the Plaza hotel, he held the titles of GM Palm Court and outlets Director leading a team of over 100 plus employees.

Rahul then moved to the historic Algonquin hotel in 1998 where he joined as the Director of food and Beverage. There, he ran the department as the executive committee member of the hotel, managing all aspects of food and beverage including the famous Oak Room Cabaret and Blue Bar. He oversaw the major restoration and re-opening of the hotel with the introduction of the 10 k Martini.

In 2005, Rahul accepted a position as Hotel Channel Manager for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York. He is responsible for all hotel and casino business for NY in conjunction with the selling divisions.

He feels extremely blessed and fortunate to be a part of the hospitality community of NY where he continues to innovate, get challenged and create lifelong memories and experiences. Rahul is a member of various organizations and has been privileged to work closely with the Hotel association of NY, Food and Beverage Association of America, and the Les Amis d'Escoffier society of NY.

Rahul and his wife Kashish reside in New Jersey, and have two wonderful children — Sneha and Sahas.

Over the past 20 years, I have combined strategic vision with hands-on experience in the hospitality and culinary industries. I actively drive innovation at the intersection of hospitality, technology, education, and the restaurant sector. As a dedicated advocate for excellence and an entrepreneurial thinker, I am committed to supporting City Tech in its key initiatives and positioning it among the world's leading institutions for hospitality and culinary education. As a proud alum, I am excited to return to City Tech and help harness the diversity and vibrancy of New York City as we rise to the top.