President
Nicholson Interests, LLC 

Dorothy T. Nicholson, CHA, CHSE (’77) has built a lengthy career in marketing, management and investing in the hospitality industry. After graduating from Hilton College in 1977, her career began in sales and marketing for the pre-opening of a full-service independent hotel, The Houston Grand. Then later, was involved in the pre-opening of a high-rise, all-suite hotel. Both openings were located in the highly competitive Galleria area, in Houston. After moving to Dallas, she became corporate director of sales and marketing for a regional all-suite chain, which she helped evolve into the national franchise, Hawthorn Suites. Her career then moved into operations and multi-property responsibilities, leading failing properties to profitability in tough market conditions.

Nicholson has actively participated in industry organizations, serving as president of the Texas Hotel Sales & Marketing Association and the Arlington Hotel Motel Association. She is also a former board member of the Texas Hotel Motel Association. She holds credentials as a certified hotel administrator and certified hotel sales executive.

Today, she is president of Nicholson Interests, LLC, a private investment firm providing equity and venture capital for hospitality-related concerns, real estate and fledgling start-up companies. Their current portfolio holdings include partnerships in numerous brand-name hotels, retail, commercial real estate and land-development projects.

Nicholson is also a charter investor in the Texas Women Ventures fund, which focuses exclusively on women-owned and operated businesses. She is actively involved in the nonprofit community and serves on the National Advisory Board for The Salvation Army. She also serves as the first woman elected chairman of The Salvation Army Houston Advisory Board, is a past chairman of PARTNERS, which supports The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing. Likewise, she serves on the Hilton College Dean's Advisory Board ad is the past chair of the Eric Hilton Distinguished Alumni club. Nicholson also volunteers with the Women's Initiative of the United Way.