The Hospitality Management program is pleased to welcome three new members to its
advisory board: Wynn Hukle, Matt Lokay, and Scott Redler. Bringing extensive industry
experience and leadership expertise, they will help guide the program’s continued
growth and strengthen connections between students and the hospitality industry.
Behind the Numbers: Wynn Hukle Highlights the Power of Data in Hospitality
Behind every pricing decision and booking trend is a strategy driven by data. Wynn
Hukle works at the center of that process. As Vice President of Revenue Management
and Systems Transitions at Coury Hospitality, Hukle oversees pricing, distribution
and system integration across a portfolio of lifestyle hotels. She also serves on
the Hospitality Advisory Board at the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University,
helping bring a data-driven perspective to student learning.
“Revenue management is a critical part of how hospitality businesses operate,” said
Hukle. “It shapes both strategy and performance.”
She began her career at the Ambassador Hotel Wichita and has since led pricing transformations
and system upgrades across corporate roles. Her work focuses on aligning systems and
performance across a growing portfolio.
“Wynn helps students understand how data informs decisions behind the scenes,” said
Nikki Beyrle, Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and Chief Human Resources Officer
at LDF Companies. “That perspective is increasingly important.”
That insight reflects the growing role of analytics in hospitality.
“As the industry evolves, students need to be comfortable working with data and systems,”
said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “Wynn’s experience reinforces that
capability.”
Hospitality Starts with People: Matt Lokay Brings a Customer-First Leadership Perspective to Hospitality Education
Great hospitality is built on human connection. Matt Lokay has spent more than 25
years building teams, serving customers and leading large-scale operations with that
principle at the center. He serves on the Hospitality Advisory Board at the Barton
School of Business at Wichita State University, bringing experience in leadership,
customer engagement and entrepreneurship to the program.
A native of central Kansas and a Wichita State University graduate, Lokay began his
career as a part-time sales associate at Best Buy before rising through the organization
to become Vice President of Stores for the Western United States. Along the way, he
developed a leadership philosophy rooted in understanding customers, building trust
and creating experiences that extend beyond a single transaction.
In 2025, Lokay fulfilled a lifelong goal of entrepreneurship by opening a Chick-fil-A
franchise in La Quinta, California. The restaurant was quickly recognized as New Business
of the Year in the Coachella Valley and has earned a reputation for both operational
excellence and a strong team culture.
“Matt brings a practical perspective on leadership and service,” said Nikki Beyrle,
Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and Chief Human Resources Officer at LDF Companies.
“He understands how culture, customer experience and business performance all work
together.”
That perspective reinforces the importance of people-centered leadership in hospitality.
“Students benefit from learning from leaders who have built high-performing teams
and strong organizational cultures,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School.
“Matt’s experience helps illustrate how leadership directly influences the guest experience.”
Lokay believes great hospitality begins with taking care of team members first. When
employees feel supported and valued, they create better experiences for guests. His
commitment to service, leadership and entrepreneurship helps students understand that
hospitality is not just about transactions, but about relationships.
National Perspective & Scale: Scott Redler Connects Students to the Broader Hospitality Industry
Scott Redler has spent his career building hospitality brands from the ground up.
As Co-Founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Redler helped grow the concept
from a single location in Wichita to nearly 500 restaurants nationwide. He serves
on the Hospitality Advisory Board and Dean’s Advisory Board for the Barton School
of Business at Wichita State, offering insight from decades of entrepreneurship and
industry leadership.
“The hospitality industry is constantly changing, and leadership is what allows organizations
to adapt,” said Redler. “Students who understand both operations and strategy will
be better prepared for long-term success.”
After a majority sale of Freddy’s in 2021, Redler continues to advise hospitality
businesses through Redler Hospitality. Beyond building restaurant brands, Redler has
helped shape the industry at a national level. He currently serves on the Board of
the National Restaurant Association and served as its chair in 2023, advocating for
restaurant industry interests with policymakers and industry leaders across the country.
That broader perspective helps students understand how trends, workforce challenges
and public policy influence hospitality businesses of every size.
“Scott understands what it takes to build something at scale,” said Nikki Beyrle,
Hospitality Executive-in-Residence and Chief Human Resources Officer at LDF Companies.
“He brings insight that helps students think beyond day-to-day operations.”
That experience gives students exposure to both entrepreneurship and long-term strategy.
“Learning from leaders who have built and grown successful concepts is invaluable,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “Scott’s experience adds that perspective to our program.”
To learn more about the Hospitality Program or explore opportunities to get involved,
visit wichita.edu/hospitality.