manager as President Elect.

Muriel Richardson is the first female to fill that post.

BHA executive director John Harvey said Ms Richardson's appointment was unanimous.

And he called her "an excellent role model for young women who choose the hotel industry as a career''.

The BHA, at its recently held annual general meeting, also retained Dennis Tucker as President.

Meanwhile, Mr. Harvey -- who is also the chief executive officer of the Hotel Employers of Bermuda -- announced that Princess Properties (Bermuda) Ltd.'s regional Vice President, Stephen Barker, was unanimously appointed President of the HEB at the recently held AGM.

Elbow Beach Hotel general manager William Shoaf was appointed President Elect.

The news came as the HEB began negotiations with the Hotel, Night Club and Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union.

The current agreement expires on February 24 next year.

Both parties have agreed to make no further public statements "unless the parties mutually agree to do otherwise''.