About Us And Board Members
The North American Hostel Association (NAHA) is a newly-formed, 501(c)(6), non-profit trade organization of member hostels. Our mission is to advocate for and empower member hostel operators in North America, foster their business interests, and advance the overall hostel industry through resources, advocacy, and collaboration.
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Our primary current focus is organizing a rotating annual conference to bring hostel owners and operators together to collaborate and learn from each other.
An Experienced Board of Directors Eager to Share with you
Jim Kennett
NW Portland Hostel
Portland, Oregon, US
Jim has been developing and operating hostels for 45 years. He developed four hostels in Oregon and has consulted in the development of many across the US. Jim served for 15 years on the national board for HI-USA, representing the private hostels within the network. He and his wife Britta currently own and operate the Northwest Portland Hostel, which has received a number of awards.
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J. Charles Griggs
Bunk+Brew
Bend, Oregon, US
J. Charles Griggs is an adopted Oregon native and licensed Oregon attorney. He's also an entrepreneur and socialpreneur. After a few years of work in the IT industry, he decided to take a break. He bought a 4x4 in Los Angeles and drove it from Mexico to Panama. That journey led to the inspiration behind Bunk+Brew, the formation of the only non-profit trade association for "community-based" travel in North America, and lots of adventures across 70 countries.
Frankie Maduzia
Bunk+Brew
Bend, Oregon, US
A Pacific Northwest native and active pursuer of global travel. As a medical technician with long hours and extended time off, Frankie traveled the world networking with amazing people of all cultures and hopes Bunk+Brew will help fellow travelers do the same. He is currently resides in Portugal starting a co-living / co-working project for digital nomads in Tomar, Portugal.
Erin Huffman
Gaslamp Hostel
San Diego, California, US
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Bobby Dyer
ITH Hostels
California, US & Mexico
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Kevin Kent
Green Tortoise
San Francisco, California, US
Kevin Kent has Been Managing the Green Tortoise San Francisco for the last years 4 years. Before that he was guiding adventure Travel camping trips with Green Tortoise Adventure Travel for 8 years, bringing people together on a hostel on wheel in remote national parks. He also has a degree in graphic design and eager to help towards branding/Marketing questions int he tourism industry.
Matias Frank
Che Hostels
Mexico
Matías Frank is an Argentinian entrepreneur, Before venturing into the hospitality industry, Matías built a solid professional career in the technology sector, working for well-known companies such as IBM and EXCLE, where he gained experience in systems and management.
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With a vision to offer an affordable and welcoming space for travelers, Matías founded CHE HOSTELS, which quickly became a popular choice among backpackers and tourists in various cities across Mexico. The philosophy of CHE HOSTELS centers around creating an inclusive community, promoting local experiences and activities that enrich the stay of its guests.
Right now CHE HOSTELS is the largest and best ranked chain of hostels in MEXICO with 9 hostels in 9 beautiful destinations.
Rex Baldwin
Green Tortoise
Seattle, Washington, US
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Alfie McKenzie
HI Whistler
Whistler, BC, Canada
"Since starting out as a hostel volunteer in Europe, Alfie has since worked in 9 different hostels across 4 different countries. His obsession with the hostel life has lead him all the way to Whistler, BC in Canada where he now lives, works and shreds!"
Stephanie Nebhan
Gardner Hotel & Hostel
El Paso, Texas, US
Born and raised in the vibrant city of El Paso, Stephanie has been immersed in the world of hostels from an early age. She is the fourth generation in her family to manage the historic Gardner Hotel & Hostel, combining her family’s century-old legacy with her passion for creating authentic travel experiences. As an entrepreneur and lifelong traveler, Stephanie has also worked on hostel booking platforms and rental ventures, always striving to promote community-based travel and cultural exchange.
Terri Fisher
Santa Cruz Hostel
Santa Cruz, California, US
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