As President of Donohoe Hospitality, Thomas Penny leads one of the largest independent hotel management companies in the DC area, representing over $500 million in hotel asset value. Thomas’ leadership responsibilities include strategic planning, consulting on the development and acquisition of properties, long-term financial and capital planning,.and overall operational direction for a diverse portfolio of 15 extended-stay, full-service, lifestyle, and focused-service hotels affiliated with renowned brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Choice Hotels, and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Thomas boasts a distinguished career as a hospitality professional, consistently achieving exceptional results in employee satisfaction, guest satisfaction, market share, and profitability. Since joining Donohoe in 1996, Thomas has enjoyed over 25 years with the company, actively contributing in both developmental and hands-on operational capacities. He has been deeply involved in various professional organizations and is a dedicated community advocate, showcasing his commitment to the growth and development of the hospitality sector.

Professional Affiliations

• Hotel Association of Washington, DC (HAWDC), Executive Committee member (2008-present)
  • former board Chair
• DC Public Education Fund, member (2013-present)
• DC Mayor’s Workforce Investment Council, Executive Committee member (2011-present)
• DC Career Academies Network (DCCAN), co-chair (2013-present)
• DC National Academy Foundation (DCNAF) Executive Hospitality Board, founding chair and present co-chair (2013-present)
• So Others Might Eat, member (2010-present)
• DC Central Kitchen, member (2014-present)
• DC Downtown Business Improvement District, member (2015-present)
• DC Mayor’s Chancellor Selection Committee, member (2016-present)
• Covenant House Washington, DC, member (2017-present)
• Destination DC, former board and Executive Committee member (2014-2016)
• Hospitality High School Public Charter School, former founding board member (1999-2015)

Awards

• 2016 Advisory Board Champion Award – National Academy Foundation
• 2016 Lamp of Knowledge Award (Inaugural) – American Hotel & Lodging Association
• 2016 E.B. Williams Excellence in Business Award – DC Morehouse College Alumni Association
• 2014 National Academy Foundation Partner Award (Inaugural) – Courtyard Marriott
• 2011 Charles Horsky Civic Leadership Award – Visitor’s Service Center
• 2010 Minority Business Leader Award – Washington Business Journal
• 2009 Top 40 Under 40 Award – The Network Journal
• 2009 Legacy Award for Mentoring – 100 Black Men of Greater Washington
• 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award – National Society of Minorities in Hospitality Howard University Chapter
• 2006 National Employer of the Year – Bridges Marriott Foundation
• 2000 Stars of the Industry Manager of the Year – Hotel Association of Washington, DC