Michael Leven

Michael Leven has spent his much of his 45-year career in the hotel industry. He served as chief executive officer of the Aquarium from 2008-2009 before leaving to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

He founded U.S. Franchise Systems Inc. (USFS), which franchises the Microtel, Hawthorn, and Best Inns & Suites hotel brands, in 1995, serving as its chief executive officer and president from October 1995 to December 2006. He co-founded Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Holiday Inns Worldwide from October 1990 to September 1995. From 1985 to 1990, he served as the president of Days Inn of America.

Leven became chairman and chief executive officer at Georgia Aquarium, Inc. on January 1, 2015. He holds a B.A. from Tufts University and a Master of Science from Boston University. He also holds an honorary doctorate from The Johnson & Wales University and College of Hospitality and Tourism Management of Niagara University. Active in his community, Leven’s civic engagements include contributions the American Red Cross, the Marcus Foundation, the Fourth Network, and the Chief Executive Leadership Institute.

In 2015, Leven donated one million dollars to Camp Tevya, a co-educational Jewish camp in Brookline, New Hampshire. The gift supported the Aaron and Blanche Gordon House, which will provide space for more department heads and senior specialists and will accommodate more visiting rabbis, artists, and coaches. In 2016, he sponsored a challenge grant of $100,000 for Hillels of Georgia to help create the next generation of Jewish leaders.