Marc Brown is a seasoned leader in hospitality management and higher education, recognized for his expertise in cultivating innovative programs and fostering meaningful industry partnerships. Currently serving as the inaugural Executive Director of Hospitality Leadership at the University of Utah, Mr. Brown is spearheading the development of a groundbreaking Hospitality Leadership Initiative in partnership with the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. This effort aims to bridge academic rigor with industry needs by creating multidisciplinary programs, building a state-of-the-art hospitality-focused student facility, and preparing future leaders to thrive in the global hospitality industry.

Previously, Mr. Brown served as Dean’s Executive in Residence and Professional in Residence at Utah Valley University (UVU), where he taught advanced analytics courses, mentored faculty and students, and transformed the university’s hospitality curriculum. At UVU, he launched and directed the Wasatch Resort Management (WARM) Program, a five-semester immersive experience in partnership with luxury hotel brands in Park City. Under his leadership, the WARM Program secured significant industry engagement, established advisory boards, and offered students unparalleled hands-on learning. For this achievement, Marc received the Dean’s Ian Wilson Community Engagement Award in 2021.

While at UVU, Mr. Brown introduced industry-leading certifications such as STR’s Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) and Certification in Advanced Hotel and Tourism Analytics (CAHTA), providing students with competitive credentials in the global job market. His mentorship contributed to students’ success in international competitions, and his innovative course design earned him UVU’s Faculty Senate Faculty Excellence Award in 2023.

Mr. Brown also brings over a decade of operational experience, having served as a general manager for the Hilton Garden Inn and as a financial analyst at Woodbury Corporation, where he implemented cost-saving strategies, improved forecasting tools, and drove operational excellence across multiple properties.

Dedicated to advancing the hospitality industry, Mr. Brown combines a deep understanding of operational intricacies with a passion for education. His visionary approach ensures that students, institutions, and industry stakeholders alike benefit from his commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.