Meet Our Board Members
Guiding Los Angeles Towards a Cleaner, Safer, and More Prosperous Future.
Ray Patel
Chairman, LAHP
📞 323-855-4456
✉️ Ray@HospitalityPartnership.LA
Ray Patel is a leading voice for independent hospitality operators across the region. Based in Eagle Rock, Ray oversees the Welcome Inn through 1840 Eagle Rock, LLC, where he manages strategic planning, regulatory compliance, capital improvements, and day-to-day operations.
Ray works closely with city departments, community stakeholders, and industry partners to advance policies that support safe, responsible, and economically sustainable hotel operations. He is known for his disciplined approach to regulatory navigation and his ability to translate complex municipal requirements into clear, actionable guidance for Los Angeles hotel owners.
With extensive experience in risk management and compliance strategy, Ray’s leadership emphasizes transparency, preparedness, and long-term stability for small and mid-scale hospitality businesses. A long-time resident of Los Angeles, he remains committed to strengthening relationships between local hotels, neighborhood organizations, and city agencies, with a consistent focus on community engagement, public safety, and economic vitality.
Peter Kwong
LAHP Board Member
📞 626-825-7780
✉️ Peter@HospitalityPartnership.LA
Peter Kwong is a Los Angeles–area hospitality leader and hotel owner with more than 35 years of industry experience. He has been deeply engaged in regional civic and business organizations, holding leadership and advisory roles with the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinatown Business Improvement District. His public service also includes appointments to local redevelopment and public safety commissions.
Mr. Kwong was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Best Western Hotels & Resorts in December 2019, after previously serving as Vice Chairman. His extensive involvement with Best Western includes service as district governor, member of the District VI Marketing Cooperative, and participation on the Reservation Technology Committee. In 2015, he was elected to the Best Western Board of Directors representing hoteliers in California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
He is a graduate of the University of Southern California.
Minakshi Dahya, PharmD
LAHP Board Member
📞 310-200-8290
✉️ Minakshi@HospitalityPartnership.LA
Dr. Minakshi Dahya is an experienced hospitality and business leader with more than four decades of professional experience spanning healthcare, entrepreneurship, and industry governance. She is widely recognized for her operational leadership, board service, and long-standing involvement in hotel industry organizations.
Dr. Dahya currently serves as a Governor of Best Western Hotels & Resorts and as an Advisor to Best Western for Better World™, where she contributes to brand governance, standards, and strategic initiatives. She has also held ambassadorial and committee roles with AAHOA, supporting industry engagement and owner advocacy.
She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles. Earlier in her career, Dr. Dahya practiced pharmacy for more than 25 years in hospital and community settings, building a strong foundation in compliance, operations, and service leadership.
Dr. Dahya remains actively involved in professional and community organizations across Greater Los Angeles and is known for her commitment to mentorship, integrity, and community advancement.
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Nazanin Maleki – LAHP Board Member
Nazanin Maleki is a Los Angeles resident of nearly two decades, a technology leader and a hospitality entrepreneur passionate about showcasing the city she calls home. Alongside her career in the tech industry, including work with major Los Angeles media and film studios, she has also been a highly rated short-term rental host.
As a board member of LAHP, Nazanin is committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces that allow guests to experience Los Angeles like locals. She is passionate about supporting responsible tourism, strengthening local communities and helping small businesses thrive throughout the city of Los Angeles.
Richard Serio – LAHP Board Member
For the past 15 years, Richard Serio has called Los Angeles home. A military veteran and hospitality host, he operates highly rated short-term rentals and is passionate about helping visitors experience the city in a way that feels local, safe and welcoming.
Richard’s professional background is in the technology and data industry, where, as an executive at major Los Angeles based media, sports and entertainment companies, he uses analytics to understand behavior, trends and community needs. As a board member of LAHP, he advocates for responsible hosting practices that support neighborhoods, strengthen small businesses and help visitors experience Los Angeles authentically.
Newsha Terifard
Newsha is a longtime Los Angeles resident and a graduate of UC Davis, with a career in marketing, primarily in the entertainment and health and wellness industries. An avid international traveler, Newsha developed a passion for hospitality that naturally evolved into her work as a short-term rental host.
She enjoys welcoming visitors from around the world and helping them experience the local culture and authentic gems of Los Angeles—from beloved neighborhood taco stands to hidden walk streets and tucked-away cafés.
As an LAHP board member she supports building rich community fabrics by promoting small businesses & entrepreneurship, tourism, and clean & safe public spaces - helping ensure Los Angeles is a place both residents and visitors can enjoy.
Casey Rogers
Chairperson
Driving city-wide collaboration for hospitality and community growth.
Alex Martinez
Director of Policy
Championing smart, sustainable policies for Los Angeles businesses.
Priya Kaur
Community Outreach Lead
Connecting local voices to shape a better, cleaner city.