HotelAVE Strengthens Leadership Team to Accelerate Growth and Expand Advisory Services
Hotel Asset Value Enhancement (hotelAVE), a leading hospitality asset management and advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Jess Shevins as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO). The newly established executive role highlights the company’s strategic focus on accelerating growth, expanding its advisory platform, and strengthening its position within the hospitality investment and asset management sector.
The appointment was officially announced by Michelle Russo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of hotelAVE, who emphasized the importance of Shevins’ extensive industry expertise in supporting the firm’s next phase of expansion.
Jess Shevins to Lead Growth Strategy and Business Development
As Chief Development Officer, Jess Shevins will oversee hotelAVE’s growth initiatives, business development strategies, marketing efforts, and the firm’s internal acquisition platform. Her responsibilities will also include building and strengthening relationships with hotel owners, investors, lenders, and key hospitality stakeholders across the industry.
In addition to driving new business opportunities, Shevins will lead hotelAVE’s thought leadership programs, including the development of industry insights, market intelligence reports, and analytical publications that support informed decision-making within the hospitality sector.
As a member of the executive leadership team, she will play a crucial role in expanding the firm’s advisory, asset management, and acquisition services while helping clients maximize long-term asset value and investment performance.
Michelle Russo Welcomes Industry Veteran to HotelAVE
Speaking about the appointment, Michelle Russo expressed confidence in Shevins’ ability to contribute significantly to the company’s growth trajectory.
According to Russo, Shevins’ extensive background in hotel capital markets and her involvement in some of the industry’s most notable transactions make her exceptionally qualified to support hotelAVE’s strategic objectives.
Russo also highlighted Shevins’ strong network of owners, investors, and hospitality professionals, along with her deep transactional expertise, as valuable assets that will help strengthen the firm’s market presence and client relationships.
A Proven Track Record in Hospitality Capital Markets
Before joining hotelAVE, Jess Shevins served as Managing Director within Newmark’s Lodging Capital Markets Group in New York. During her tenure, she was part of one of the hospitality industry’s leading hotel investment sales teams, advising clients on high-profile transactions and complex investment opportunities.
Throughout her career, Shevins has been involved in hospitality transactions exceeding $8 billion in total value, demonstrating a strong track record in hotel investment sales, refinancing, and strategic advisory services.
Some of her most notable assignments include:
- The sale of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
- The sale of Boston Park Plaza
- The Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale of The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park
- The refinancing of Virgin Hotels Nashville
Her experience spans a diverse range of hospitality assets and transaction structures, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing hotel owners and investors.
Experience with Leading Hospitality Advisory Firms
Prior to joining Newmark in 2018, Shevins spent four years at Eastdil Secured, where she worked within the firm’s lodging team advising institutional investors on major hotel transactions across key gateway markets in the United States.
Her combined experience across two of the hospitality industry’s most respected investment advisory platforms has equipped her with deep market knowledge and a broad perspective on hotel ownership, investment strategies, and capital markets dynamics.
Jess Shevins Shares Her Vision for HotelAVE
Reflecting on her appointment, Shevins expressed enthusiasm about joining the company and contributing to its continued success.
She noted that hotelAVE has built a highly respected platform centered on strong owner relationships, advanced analytics, and a performance-driven culture that differentiates the firm within the hospitality advisory space.
Shevins also emphasized that her experience working alongside hotel owners and investors on complex transactions will help support hotelAVE’s expansion efforts and create new opportunities for growth.
Active Leadership Within the Hospitality Community
Beyond her professional achievements, Shevins remains actively engaged in hospitality industry leadership and philanthropic initiatives.
She currently serves as Chair of the Young Hospitality Division of the UJA-Federation of New York, where she contributes to programs that support industry engagement and community development. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University.
What This Appointment Means for HotelAVE
The addition of Jess Shevins marks a significant milestone in hotelAVE’s ongoing evolution and growth strategy. As the company continues to expand its advisory, asset management, and acquisition capabilities, her expertise in hospitality capital markets is expected to provide valuable support for both clients and the firm’s broader business objectives.
With a strong background in complex hotel transactions, strategic advisory services, and investor relations, Shevins is well-positioned to help hotelAVE strengthen its reputation as a trusted partner for hotel owners, investors, and lenders navigating an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.
About HotelAVE
Hotel Asset Value Enhancement (hotelAVE) is a leading hospitality asset management and advisory firm specializing in strategic asset management, operational oversight, investment advisory services, and acquisition support. The company partners with hotel owners and investors across a wide range of property types and markets, helping optimize asset performance, improve operational efficiency, and maximize long-term investment value.
