G.J. Shinn, CEO of Magnolia Lodging, LLC has owned, developed and managed a myriad of hotels since 1982. In 1998 he formed Magnolia Lodging, LLC with partners Wayne Newton and Matthew Newton to manage his properties at a high level of performance. He is well known and respected by those in the hospitality industry, as evidenced by his long standing term on the Homewood Suites Advisory Council and various other industry leadership positions. His hotels have always operated in an outstanding fashion and his many awards confirm this. In fact, in 2005 all three of his Homewood Suites by Hilton^® properties were ranked in the top ten percent of the brand and received special recognition in the Homewood directory.

Jay has an impressive eye for style and detail as well as an extensive educational background which includes a CHA from the American Lodging Association and graduation from the Holiday Inn University in 1994.

Currently, Jay Shinn is an active Chairperson for the Hilton Brand Advisory Council and has been a member since 2001.