James Francis

James L.
Francis was the founder of Highland Hospitality Corp., founded in 2003, where the titles held included President, Chief Executive Officer & Director.
Mr. Francis was the founder of Chesapeake Lodging Trust, founded in 2009, where the titles held included President, Chief Executive Officer & Trustee.
Mr. Francis is currently Chief Executive Officer & Director at ESH Acquisition Corp.
since 2021.
Former jobs include President & Chief Executive Officer at Highland Hospitality LP; Vice President-Finance & Assistant Treasurer at Host Marriott Corp.
in 1998; Controller at Courtyard by Marriott LP in 1994; Treasurer, Chief Operating & Financial Officer at Barcelo Crestline Corp.
in 2003; Independent Trustee at Chambers Street Properties from 2013 to 2015; Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President at Crestline Capital Corp.
in 2002; Controller at Fairfield Inn in 1994; Vice President-Finance at Marriott Lodging International in 1997; Independent Trustee at Gramercy Property Trust.
Education includes an MBA from Vanderbilt University and an undergraduate degree from McDaniel College.