Team

PRAVIN PATEL

Founder

SIMA PATEL

CEO

Sima Patel’s life story is a lesson in hard work and the fulfillment of the “American Dream”. She was born in Surat, India, and moved to the United States in 1979. With no prior training or formal education, Sima immediately began working in a family lodging business. In 1985, Sima and her husband Pravin Patel developed their first lodging property. They currently own and operate several branded and boutique hotels in the San Francisco Bay Area and continue to develop great hotel brands.

Sima’s commitment to the community can be seen in the number of organizations in which she participates. In 2007, she received the Richard L. Speece Destination Oakland Award presented by the Oakland Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Sima has maintained close ties with industry and government leaders in her city, county, and state. Because of those relationships, she was instrumental in securing funding for the Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau through a voter referendum and assisted with forming a Tourism Improvement District in Oakland. Sima advocates for the economic value of tourism to her city and state lawmakers and is a true champion for tourism in Oakland.

Sima is the past Chair of the Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. Her other community commitments include membership in the Oakland Rotary Club and the Oakland Airport Area Business Association. Sima made history by being the first Indian woman in the country to chair a state lodging association when she became the Chairperson of the California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA) in 2004. A past recipient of the prestigious 2001 Women Hotelier of the Year Award presented by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). In 2006, Sima was elected by her industry to serve on the California Travel and Tourism Commission (Visit California). After serving two elected terms, Sima was appointed again to the Visit California Board by the Governor of California, Mr. Edmund G. Brown. In October 2016, Sima Patel became Visit California’s first industry-elected Chair of its Board of Directors after a unanimous – and spirited – confirmation by the Board’s 12 Governor-appointed Commissioners at Visit California’s Oct. 14 Board Meeting. She took the helm of the largest state tourism marketing organization in the country. In 2017, Sima was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Business by the San Francisco Business Journal, followed by the 2018 ASCEND Executive Leadership Award, and in 2023, one of the 100 most influential leaders in Hospitality. As an Indian woman, a businessperson, and a community leader, Sima continues to expand her reach as she gains momentum in her career as a hospitality professional. Her interests also include Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality. In her free time, Sima enjoys traveling, cooking, and experiencing nature.

She is the founder of a nonprofit named Saaheli.org whose mission is to educate, empower, and engage women globally. Sima is proud of its project Saaheli – an online community for women with a mission of empowering women to break social and cultural barriers to reach their true potential.

DHRUV PATEL

President and COO

Dhruv Patel was born in Oakland, CA, and attended the University of San Francisco, where he double majored in Finance and Entrepreneurship. He joined the family business shortly after graduating in 2008 and has worked on all aspects of the business, including operations, sales, revenue, and HR. In 2010, as General Manager, Dhruv led the Hampton Inn & Suites Oakland Airport to the prestigious “Circle of Excellence Award.” This award is reserved for the top 10% of all Hilton properties worldwide in terms of quality, product, and service.

Dhruv has developed a love and passion for the industry and continues to expand his career in all aspects of the business. His primary focus is on filling the company’s development and acquisition pipeline as well as ensuring the existing portfolio continues to outperform and remain market leaders. He currently serves on several boards, including the California Hotel and Lodging Association (CH&LA), the California Travel Industry Association (CALTIA), the Alameda Chamber Of Commerce, and the Harbor Bay Business Park Association.

Dhruv is a member of Oakland Rotary #3 and served on the City of Alameda Economic Development Task Force. He is very well-versed in methodically assessing properties and markets. His strengths lie in hotel sales and revenue management, acquisitions & re-positionings, site sourcing, as well as cash flow and pro forma analysis. He has also developed a strong background and in-depth understanding of the construction, design, entitlement, and development process.

Dhruv is an avid golfer and was the captain of the Bishop O’Dowd golf team, where he led his teammates to four consecutive HAAL championship titles.

KYLE OVERACKER

Director of Operations

At the start of the decade, Kyle joined Ridgemont Hospitality as the General Manager at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. He has since transitioned into the role of Regional Director of Operations, where he continues to lead our team’s efforts in delivering excellence, integrity, and accountability on behalf of our guests. Kyle firmly believes in the strength of our team, our community, and our company values. Now, more than ever, amidst the unprecedented challenges and new reality posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Kyle is committed to guiding our operations team into the next decade. We strive to set ourselves apart by enhancing the lives of our team members and guests through the warmth of hospitality.

ANDRE ROOK

Director of Procurement & Purchasing

Born and raised in the East Bay, Andre received his B.A. in English from California State University, East Bay. While in school, he worked part-time at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Castro Valley (now the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Castro Valley) and discovered his passion for hospitality.

After graduating in 2012, Andre began his career with Ridgemont Hospitality as the Assistant General Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites Alameda. Over the years, he took on General Manager responsibilities at that location. Then, in early 2016, he joined the Ridgemont corporate office team as the Director of Property Support. In 2017, Andre transitioned to his new remote role as the Director of Procurement and Purchasing when he and his family relocated to beautiful Meridian, Idaho.

Andre loves spending time with his wife, Amanda, and their four children: Knox, Evangeline, Charlotte, and Aiden.

CLARA YOUSIF

Area Director of Revenue Management

With experience spanning nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, Clara’s journey began during her high school years as a front desk agent. Graduating from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management marked a significant milestone in her academic pursuits. Clara’s roles have encompassed various operational aspects, including front office management and housekeeping, contributing to her well-rounded expertise.

Over the last eight years, she gradually transitioned into the realm of Revenue Management, where she discovered a passion for strategic thinking. Joining Ridgemont Hospitality amid the challenges of the pandemic, Clara credits her team’s collective dedication for navigating through these uncertain times.

Outside of work, Clara treasures the simple joys of travel and spending quality time with her cherished family and friends.