06/08/2026
Our next Board of Directors spotlight is Chair Robert Gleason!
Robert is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Evans Hotels.
How many years have you been in the hospitality industry? How many of those years in San Diego?
39 years in the industry, over 40 if you count my first summer employment as a Reservations Agent. I’ve been in San Diego (and at Evans Hotels) that whole time! Who would want to live anywhere else?
What has been your best memory in hospitality?
Being a hotelier means many “pulling a rabbit out of the hat” moments. The most recent was hosting the 2025 Genesis Invitational Golf Tournament on very short notice when their LA location was impacted by the wildfires. It was a scramble, but our team at The Lodge at Torrey Pines scrambled to make it happen, allowing the golf course, the hotel, and all of San Diego to shine brightly on the global stage.
Best San Diego go to spot, recommendation?
I am always partial to San Diego’s world-class performing arts organizations and cultural amenities. See a show at the Old Globe or La Jolla Playhouse, a concert at San Diego Symphony or La Jolla Music Society, or an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art or San Diego Museum of Art. Now that New Terminal 1 is open at San Diego International Airport, use their SAN Pass program to access dining and shopping without a ticket.
Anything exciting you’d like to share with our members and colleagues?
The Lodge at Torrey Pines just received Conde Nast Traveler Triple Crown for being featured in the Hot List, Gold List, and Readers’ Choice Awards! Sunset Luaus return to Mission Bay at the Catamaran Resort Hotel every Thursday over the summer starting June 18. And our new Bianchi Pizza & Pasta is serving dinner nightly at the Bahia Resort Hotel.
Thank you, Robert, for your service to the SDCLA board and San Diego hospitality community!
