In 2010 Dana privatized Lodgian, with a private equity firm as his capital source, and became its CEO and President. Lodgian owned a multi-brand portfolio of 27 hotels with 5,230 rooms, including Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Starwood, and had 3,200 employees. Dana is responsible for transitioning the company to focus on real estate ownership as a core competency. Dana is also responsible for Lodgian's growth and acquisitions, strategic and capital plan, repositioning and rebranding plans, dispositions, operational and asset management and financial planning.
Dana's 26-year track record across multiple lodging cycles includes ownership, transaction, consulting or management involvement with over 1,241 hotels across the United States and internationally, valued at US $17 billion. Prior to privatizing Lodgian, Dana was Executive Vice President at Hodges Ward Elliott since 1996. Dana sold or financed 242 hotels with over 53,500 rooms, totaling $8.1 billion, and was awarded the Superstar Investment Sales Broker of the year award by Real Estate Forum.
Dana co-authored the 600-page Hotel Investments Handbook, published by West Publishing. As a recognized leader in hotel real estate Mr. Ciraldo is a frequent speaker at universities and national hospitality investment conferences such as the ALIS, NYU, Meet the Money and Fonatur. Dana has been published or featured in over 35 magazines and newspapers.
Previously Dana was President and Managing Director of HVS Financial Services, EVP of Hospitality Valuation Services (HVS), President of McKinley Management Group and has also held a variety of hospitality industry property management positions, including General Manager.
Dana is a former MAI, CRE, CHA and holds a B.S. degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, '81. Dana specializes in complex value-added situations and transactions. Currently Lodgian is interested in acquiring hotel debt and equity assets including corporate hotel transactions and is selectively selling assets, which can be viewed at http://www.lodgian.com.
