Department of Hospitality Management

Dr. Jones has more than thirty-five years of hospitality industry experience. He joined the University of San Francisco (USF) as Administrative Director of the Department of Hospitality Management in the School of Management in the fall of 2012.  In this role, he oversees the department’s efforts to maintain its strong reputation in San Francisco while growing its international recognition.

Previous to USF, he was an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director at Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management for five years.  His past academic experience also includes holding the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Hospitality Management at San Francisco State University and Assistant Professor at the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also taught in the Cornell University Professional Development Program for 13 years. 

His most recent hospitality industry experience was as Vice President of Marketing for the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau (SJCVB) in San Jose, CA. Previously, he held senior level sales and marketing positions with Shangri-la International Hotels in the USA and Asia, Red Lion Hotels, and Marriott Hotels and Resorts. 

His research interests are in hotel marketing, buyer-seller relationships, and convention and event management. Dr. Jones also does consulting and conducts sales training and service quality management programs for various hospitality industry companies. Additionally, he has been a speaker for a number of industry related conferences. He received his Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His M.B.A. and B.S. degrees are both from Michigan State University. 

Kathy “K.O.” Odsather, M.S., C.H.A., Associate Director, Department of Hospitality Management, University of San Francisco. Born and raised in Alaska KO earned her undergraduate Business degree in Hotel & Restaurant Administration from Washington State University and embarked on a successful career in hotel general management in San Francisco managing corporate hotels, boutique hotels and Bed & Breakfast Inns. In her equally long career in hospitality business education, she oversees the 800-hour industry-related internship/work experience requirement for graduation and works extensively with local hospitality businesses and national recruiters to create opportunities of mutual benefit with students. 

KO uses the classroom at USF as a petri dish in which to bring her extensive hospitality industry experience to students to create both magic and reality!! Having earned her Master of Science in Organization Development from USF, KO considers herself an Agent for Change and works with industry organizations to facilitate dynamic change in the Hospitality Industry.

Jean-Marc was an Instructor at the California Culinary Academy where he taught classes and operated a restaurant specializing in whole foods and healthy cuisine. Former President Bill Clinton has even recognized Jean-Marc's expertise in healthful cooking. He has been a Guest Chef at the White House and had the honor of making three presentations on low-fat cooking in the White House and prepared dinner for President Clinton.

Sun-Young Park is an assistant professor of Hospitality Management and Strategy (Department of Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and International Business) in the School of Management.  She teaches and conducts research on service management, strategic management, and sustainable business models.