George Johnson
President and CEO, Johnson Development Company, LLC
Springfield, IL 62711
Phone (217) 793-1005
Property Types
Hospitality
Bio
George R. Johnson formed Johnson Development Company, LLC (JDC) in May of 1999 to operate the purchased 123-room Hampton Inn – Springfield IL, and the 154-room Hampton Inn – East Peoria, IL. Since then George has continued to purchase and or operate hotel properties which include the 198-room Holiday Inn – Urbana, IL, the 82-room Staybridge Suites – Springfield, IL, the 83-room Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield, IL, and the 74-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Urbana, IL.
As President and CEO, George is responsible for the oversight of all operations of JDC, its owned hotels, as well as all managed properties. JDC currently operates both full- and limited-service properties under the flags of Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites, Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn. The company has also operated a Ramada Limited brand property.
After an honorable discharge from the United States Army as a helicopter pilot with tours in Germany and Vietnam, George obtained biochemistry degree with a minor in business administration from Washington State University in Pullman, WA. He was quickly recruited from the small bus station/motel where he was employed during school into the management internship program of the Sheraton Hotel Corporation. It was there that George found his passion for the hospitality industry.
Georges broad experience in hotel development and management includes the development, operation and management of independent franchises for numerous national hotel franchises including Sheraton Hotels, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Best Western, and Ramada. George has also taught hotel/motel administration for Milwaukee Community College in Milwaukee, WI and Central Illinois Community College in East Peoria, IL. Additionally, he has lectured and appeared as a guest speaker for Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn as well as numerous college and civic groups.
Education
