Doyle A. Graham, Jr. is the founder, president, and CEO of Valencia Hotel Group. After developing numerous nationally flagged hotels in the mid-to-late 1990s, Mr. Graham became the visionary behind what would evolve into an award-winning collection of luxury hotels — each independently developed, branded, owned, and operated by Valencia Hotel Group.

The collection ranges from 5-star luxury high-rises to retro-style urban retreats. Because every property has been built from the ground up, Valencia Hotel Group has assembled a team with expertise spanning every discipline required to finance, brand, design, develop, and operate each unique hotel.

As CEO, Mr. Graham is responsible for ensuring Valencia Hotel Group’s properties remain best-in-class while delivering a memorable, one-of-a-kind guest experience at every hotel. Before founding Valencia Hotel Group, he served as president of Eland Investment Corporation and co-founded Molke & Graham, Inc., both Houston-based merchant banking firms active in energy, environmental, real estate, and hospitality investments.

Earlier, Mr. Graham built his career in energy lending at RepublicBank Dallas beginning in 1983, working in oil & gas lending and within RepublicBank Energy Finance Corporation, a subsidiary specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs.

Mr. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in economics (1981) and a Master’s in Finance (1983), both from Texas A&M University. He is actively involved in numerous religious, educational, medical, and charitable organizations.

Jeffrey S. Rawson serves as the Managing Director of Valencia Collection. He has been responsible for the operational, finance, and administration facets of the company since 1999. He leads the way on lender, investor, and joint-venture partner relations, including sourcing and structuring debt and equity, negotiating and securing joint-venture opportunities, and managing any legal matters regarding the company in cooperation with the CFO. In addition, Mr. Rawson advises the CEO on matters of strategic importance for the company.

Mr. Rawson is also President of Merrick Capital Corporation a Houston-based private equity investment company focused on various industries, including the Oil and Gas industry, railroad transportation equipment, real estate, and banking. Beyond Merrick, Mr. Rawson also serves as an adviser to a number of closely held enterprises, family trusts, and wealthy individuals. He maintains a strong working relationship with many local, national, and international banks. He is a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and is involved with a number of charities, including Eagle Ranch for Boys and Girls, Houston: reVision, Ronald McDonald House Houston, The Women’s Home and Small Steps Nurturing Center.

Mr. Rawson graduated from the University of Florida with a BSBA in International Trade and Economics. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

John Keeling sources and vets hotel acquisitions and development projects for Valencia Hotel Group and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. He brings 30+ years of experience in hotel management, asset management, brokerage, appraisal, development consulting, and strategic planning.

A noted lecturer, author, and authority on hotel matters, Mr. Keeling is frequently sourced by industry trades, business journals, and newspapers. He holds a BA from UCLA, an MBA in Hotel Management from Michigan State University, and an MA in Theology from the University of St. Thomas. His career includes roles as Senior Vice President of PKF Consulting, Partner with Laventhol & Horwath, and Manager with Marriott International. He served as an infantry squad leader with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam, earning the Purple Heart and Navy Commendation with Combat “V.”

Mr. Keeling lectures at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College and on hotel design at Rice University’s School of Architecture, where he also serves on the student project review panel. He’s an honorary Hilton College alumnus, a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston, and a 2015 inductee into the Michigan State Hospitality Business Hall of Fame as Alumnus of the Year.

His affiliations include The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE), The Appraisal Institute (MAI), the Urban Land Institute’s Hotel Development Council, Michigan State’s Real Estate Development Advisory Council, the Boutique & Lifestyle Leadership Association’s Board of Advisors, and the Board of Directors of Visit Houston. He’s a former Chairman and current Executive Committee member of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston, and holds the CHIA designation from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

David A. Miller joined Valencia Hotel Group in January 2008 as Chief Financial Officer. He leads all aspects of the company’s financial activities — accounting and reporting, strategic financial planning, legal compliance, internal controls, treasury and project finance, M&A and divestitures, risk management, tax, and stakeholder relations. He’s also integral to project development, presenting to prospective partners and advising on deal structure, negotiations, and feasibility analysis.

Before joining Valencia, Mr. Miller was Senior Vice President and CFO of Integrated Electrical Services, Inc. (“IES”), a $1 billion NASDAQ-listed electrical contracting provider, from 1998 to 2007 — a tenure that also included roles as Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. At IES, he led the finance function through a full restructuring of the company’s capital structure, integrated and advised on over 70 acquisitions and divestitures, and negotiated numerous capital markets transactions.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Miller worked for Houston Cellular Telephone Company (now AT&T) and began in public accounting at Arthur Andersen LLP. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Ms. Shults is involved in every phase of a project, from pre-development through design and construction. She evaluates prospective projects, conducts competitive market analysis, and leads detailed investment and financial analysis across deal types and stages — acquisition, construction, and refinancing. She prepares and supervises development pro formas, market forecasts, acquisition analyses, loan refinancings, and cash flow projections, and plays a key role in market assessments, site assessments, and due diligence for site acquisition and feasibility. She also helps source and structure debt and equity and manages investor relations.

Before entering hospitality, Ms. Shults worked in trading and risk analytics at Enron Corp, Duke Energy, and PG&E Energy Trading.

Ms. Shults holds a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University and an MBA from Rice University.

John serves as the Vice President Corporate Controller for Valencia Group where he focuses on corporate and property portfolio accounting, financial controls, treasury functions and performance analytics.

Prior to joining Valencia, John spent many years holding positions of Director of Finance or Controller in hotel properties ranging from 150 Rm Boutiques, Conference Centers and complex large scale luxury resorts. His experience obtained through independent management companies and brand management provides the basis for guiding Valencia’s Finance and Accounting operation. John holds Emeritus status for both Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP). He is an active member of the Hospitality Finance and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and has held numerous leadership positions with Texas affiliated chapters.

Brandi Montgomery serves as Vice President of Branding and Design for Valencia Hotel Group, where she has been an integral part of the company’s growth since joining in 2008. With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality design and development, Montgomery oversees the creative vision and brand expression of Valencia’s growing portfolio of independent and luxury hotels.

In her role, Montgomery guides projects from initial concept through construction, with a focus on creating distinctive, highly considered environments that reflect the character and story of each destination. Her expertise spans architectural finishes, interior design, FF&E, brand identity, and the development of cohesive guest experiences.

Known for her ability to capture a strong sense of place and translate it into thoughtful, memorable design, Montgomery works closely with Valencia’s development team to ensure each property’s vision is carried seamlessly from concept to completion.

Throughout her tenure with Valencia, Montgomery has led the design and brand identity of numerous notable properties, including Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE, Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza, Lone Star Court in Austin, Cotton Court in Lubbock, Cavalry Court in College Station, Texican Court in Irving, Hotel Alessandra in Houston, Caravan Court in Arlington as well as the renovations of Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose and Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Dell Toelkes is Vice President of Project Development for Valencia Hotel Group. He has spent his entire career managing the design, development, and construction of residential, multi-family, and hospitality projects with well-known builders and developers, including Perry Homes, Century Development, The Dinerstein Companies, and Valencia Hotel Group. He previously held this role at Valencia from 2010 to 2022 and returned in 2025 when the opportunity arose.

His current responsibilities include coordinating design, overseeing entitlements, and managing hospitality projects from conception through completion. Notable projects with Valencia Hotel Group include Lone Star Court, Cavalry Court, The George, Texican Court, and Cotton Court, along with various renovation and capex projects across the portfolio and several projects currently under design and construction.

Mr. Toelkes holds a B.S. and M.S. from Texas A&M University and is a long-standing member of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University.

James Watts is Vice President of Information Technology for Valencia Hotel Group, responsible for planning the organization’s technology future and overseeing the implementation and maintenance of current systems. He has led successful projects spanning hotel renovations, low-voltage infrastructure design, and cloud migration via Tier 2 datacenters — streamlining and creating efficiencies for the company’s data and hotel properties. He works closely with the CFO, Development, and Hotel Operations teams to support the success of a portfolio of award-winning boutique hotels.

Mr. Watts joined Valencia Hotel Group in August 2006. Previously, he headed a Network Operations Center at FSN (NewsCorp) Master Control, taught Electronics and Networking at MTI College of Business and Technology, and worked on the Energy Systems Division, Power and Propulsion (EP) team at Johnson Space Center. He was a founding instructor at Genesys Works and currently serves as a Technology Board member for Ronald McDonald House Houston.

Mr. Watts holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, along with field certifications including MCSE, MCSA, MCDBA, MCP, and Network+.

Nancy Alonzo is Vice President of Sales for Valencia Hotel Group, overseeing direct sales of group, individual, and banquet/catering revenue across the portfolio.

She brings over 22 years of management experience in the luxury and upscale hospitality market, with the majority spent in Starwood’s franchise sector. Before joining Valencia Hotel Group, she was Director of Sales and Marketing at the AAA Five Diamond Joule Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Trent Freeman is Vice President of Operations, responsible for hotel operations across all properties. He is heavily involved in standardizing procedures and has a strong passion for training and employee development. He brings 25 years of experience in luxury and upper-upscale hotels, having previously worked with Peabody Hotels & Resorts, Omni Hotels & Resorts, and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

Since joining Valencia Hotel Group in 2011, Mr. Freeman has held several positions within the company, including Director of Food and Beverage, Director of Operations, General Manager of Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, and most recently, Director of Operations Development & Quality Assurance.

Mr. Freeman holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas State University and a Master of Hospitality Management from the Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston.

Ericka Lemus is Corporate Director of Human Resources, responsible for the strategic direction of the HR function companywide and the integration of best practices across all properties. She oversees the administration and management of each hotel’s HR department, directing activities that include employment and benefits, compensation, training and staff development, legal compliance, and HR policy administration. Across the portfolio, she ensures compliance with safety standards, worker’s compensation, and confidentiality and privacy requirements, while proactively managing discipline administration. Through strategic HR planning, she champions employee recognition and award programs and serves as a trusted advisor to management and staff on HR matters.

Ms. Lemus has been with Valencia Hotel Group since 2002. Before joining, she was an Account Manager for a marketing and promotions agency in Mexico City, managing accounts including Pepsi, Sony, and Frito-Lay.

Ms. Lemus holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a postgraduate diploma in Quality and Productivity. She is PHR certified and a Certified Human Resources Generalist.

Curt Greer is Director of Quality Assurance and Procurement for Valencia Hotel Group, which he joined in 2017 after retiring from Drury Hotels following a 26-year career.

Mr. Greer began in hospitality in 1986, overseeing engineering for two award-winning Comfort Inn and Suites hotels in San Antonio before being promoted to General Manager of one. After five years with the Choice franchise, he joined Drury, where he went on to open and operate several franchise and Drury-owned properties as General Manager, including Hampton Inn and Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Best Western Plus, Drury Inn and Suites, and the Drury Plaza on the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Over his 26 years with Drury, Mr. Greer served as General Manager for three hotels — ranging from small properties early in his career to the chain’s largest, award-winning flagship on the San Antonio Riverwalk. He also spent a combined nine years as Regional Sales Manager and Regional Operations Manager over numerous properties.

Mr. Greer brings this depth of experience across franchise brands and hotel types to his role as Director of Quality Assurance and Procurement at Valencia Hotel Group.

Marcus Latner is Corporate Director of Operations for the Courts Division, overseeing hotel operations across the Courts Hotels. Working directly with General Managers, he oversees operations, hotel condition, safety, financials, standards, and property enhancement. He also partners with the development team on future Courts Hotels — opening properties, establishing operations, and handling guest supply procurement and hiring.

Mr. Latner joined Valencia Hotel Group in 2003 as part of the opening team for Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, starting as a valet attendant and bellman. Over the years, he gained experience across nearly every department — housekeeping, guest services, front office, sales, food and beverage, accounting, and the executive team — advancing to General Manager and eventually Corporate Director. He has been part of seven hotel openings with the development team, including opening the first Courts Hotel, Lone Star Court in Austin, in 2013 as General Manager. He went on to open Cavalry Court and The George in College Station as General Manager, and assisted in opening Texican Court in Irving and Cotton Court in Lubbock as Director of Operations.

Mr. Latner holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Business Communications from Monmouth University in New Jersey.

Alex serves as Director of Investments & Development for Valencia Development, where he focuses on identifying, evaluating, and executing new development and acquisition opportunities to expand Valencia’s portfolio. His responsibilities include investment sourcing and underwriting, project capitalization, refinancing, market research, and financial analysis.

Prior to joining Valencia, Alex was a member of Rockbridge’s debt platform, where he underwrote real estate debt investment opportunities for the firm’s $450 million fund. During his tenure, his team originated more than $150 million in debt investments and secured more than $1 billion in first mortgage financing for the firm’s equity investments through acquisitions, refinancings, and other financing strategies. He also contributed to Rockbridge’s community engagement efforts through the Pelotonia and Big Brothers Big Sisters committees.

Alex earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business Honors from Texas A&M University.

Isabelle Wagner serves as Project Manager of Development and Construction for Valencia Hotel Group, which she joined in 2024 after five years with Kirksey Architects’ hospitality team, where she worked on luxury hospitality and high-rise residential projects throughout Houston and beyond.

Having grown up immersed in the hospitality industry, Ms. Wagner developed an early appreciation for architecture, design, and the guest experience through extensive travel and exposure to hotel development and operations. She brings a strong design-focused perspective to the development process, with experience spanning architectural design, consultant coordination, construction documentation, and project execution.

At Valencia Hotel Group, she works closely with the development and construction teams to oversee projects from early planning and design through completion, helping ensure each property reflects the company’s commitment to thoughtful design, quality, and sense of place. Ms. Wagner graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Environmental Design in 2017 and a Master of Architecture in 2019.

Jennifer Parker Balentine serves as Corporate Finance Manager for Valencia Hotel Group, bringing 19 years of experience in finance and accounting, including 15+ years with Valencia.

Jennifer provides financial leadership across the company’s growing hotel portfolio, with leadership across accounting operations, internal controls, financial reporting, and scalable processes. Her experience includes hotel development, project finance, capital planning, and development controls, supporting disciplined growth and strategic investment across the portfolio.

She partners with executive leadership and property teams to strengthen financial oversight, transparency, and accountability while helping shape the systems and strategies that support Valencia’s continued growth.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Houston. Outside of work, she is a proud mom to her son. She has also completed multiple marathons, an accomplishment that reflects the determination and discipline she brings to all she takes on.

Emma Stinson serves as Corporate Marketing Manager for Valencia Hotel Group, which she joined in 2026. She supports the company’s marketing efforts across the portfolio, ensuring brand alignment throughout creative, digital, and property-level initiatives.

Ms. Stinson works across a range of marketing functions — content development, brand storytelling, campaign support, social media, creative direction, and promotional materials — and is known for her strong creative instincts, thoughtful execution, and ability to bring consistency and clarity to brand communication across multiple touchpoints.

She plays an active role in shaping how Valencia Hotel Group’s properties are presented, both visually and verbally, translating each hotel’s identity into marketing that feels distinct, intentional, and aligned with the company’s overall vision. She collaborates closely with internal teams, property leaders, agency partners, and creative vendors to strengthen brand presence, elevate guest-facing materials, and drive awareness across the collection.