Richard Mahoney gifts two professorships to Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management

The friendship between Richard Mahoney and Frederick Kleisner has inspired a generous gift to the College of Health and Human Sciences. Mahoney and his wife, Lois Hartman, funded two new professorships in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management, one of which is named in honor of Kleisner and his late wife, Johnna. This gift is a testament to their bond, forged through their extensive work in the hospitality industry, and to their commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.

Mahoney, who earned a doctorate in hospitality management from Iowa State in 2011, has held executive leadership positions with several international hotel chains. He also served as the chief financial officer of The Wine Group, the second-largest wine producing company, and has been the Chair of the Board since 2016. He has served on the College of Health and Human Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council and has been a member of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors since 2017.

Hartman worked in management at several major Las Vegas hotels and casinos throughout her career. Together, Mahoney and Hartman have made generous gifts to the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Eric Brown is the inaugural Richard Mahoney and Lois Hartman Professor, while EunHa (Lena) Jeong is the inaugural Frederick and Johnna Kleisner Professor. These named professorships recognize Brown’s and Jeong’s exceptional teaching and research, while providing them with financial support to meet their long-term goals.

Brown named to Richard Mahoney and Lois Hartman Professorship

Eric Brown, the first Richard Mahoney and Lois Hartman Professor of Hospitality Management, has been a faculty member in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management since 2011, teaching classes in the areas of leadership and human resource management. His research is on a variety of topics, including leadership behaviors in the hospitality industry and finding ways to develop, grow, and retain hospitality management graduates in the industry.

With financial support from Mahoney and Hartman, Brown will further his research on retaining high-quality employees in the hospitality industry, engage in professional development that will enrich his students’ educational experiences, and stay on the cutting edge of new and engaging teaching methods.

“As Richard, Lois and Fred know so well, mentorship and connection are important in our work, and they’re enhanced by industry connections,” Brown said at a ceremony recognizing the two professorships. “Through this gift, our program’s industry connections can go further and become stronger. I can make new connections and continue the strong partnerships we have in place.”

Brown’s passion for mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders was a key factor in his move from the hotel industry to academia.

“Mentorship is at the heart of what we do,” he said. “This professorship allows me to further support the development of future industry leaders, which has always been my greatest joy.”

Brown added that industry connections will enhance opportunities for students through internship placements, guest speakers in classes, and field trips. The connections will also help researchers solve problems, explore new areas of growth, and help the industry adapt to change.

“This named professorship will open new doors for my work, our students, and our program,” he said. “Having the support of industry leaders like Lois and Richard adds additional credibility to the work I do and elevates our program.”

Jeong named to Frederick and Johnna Kleisner Professorship

EunHa (Lena) Jeong, the inaugural Frederick and Johnna Kleisner Professor of Hospitality Management, joined Iowa State’s faculty in 2015. With an extensive background in developing foodservice facilities, she directs the Foodservice Research Lab in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management. She researches healthy eating behaviors and sustainable practices within the food and beverage industry and has helped launch the careers of numerous Iowa State students.

Since assuming the professorship, Jeong and her team in the Foodservice Research Lab have advanced their research, shared findings on international platforms, and received the Best Paper Award at a conference in Chicago. The paper that her team developed has also been published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, a top-tier journal in her field.

“This professorship enables me and my team to conduct research on contemporary and significant topics within food and beverage and service management,” Jeong said. “I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity.”

Jeong’s new role has also deepened her desire to pursue excellence in each aspect of her work, to continue the legacy of esteemed hospitality management leader Frederick Kleisner, and to honor the memory of his late wife, Johnna.

“I must express my profound gratitude to Dr. Richard Mahoney, whose generosity and vision have made this professorship possible,” she said. “His commitment to education and desire to honor his dear friends, Frederick and Johnna, is truly inspiring.”