Georgia State University Honorary Alumnus and decorated hospitality industry leader Dr. Regynald Washington was elected the new chair of the Georgia State Foundation Board of Trustees at its June 2026 meeting. Washington, who joined the board in 2018, previously served as the chair of the group’s Strategic Planning Committee, leading the work of creating the foundation board’s 2025-30 strategic plan. He was selected by trustee vote and will begin his two-year term as chair July 1.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve as the chair of the Georgia State University Foundation Board, and I want to express my great respect and appreciation for the leadership of my predecessor Kevin Lofton,” Washington said. “I’m looking forward to working with incoming Vice Chair Ursula Godoy-Arbelaez (B.B.A. ʼ01, MBA ʼ08) and my fellow trustees to advance Georgia State’s bold vision, as detailed in its strategic plan, of being a destination research university that fuels life-changing urban innovation, launches students into careers of meaning and impact, and creates campuses that meet, sustain and advance Atlanta’s global stature.”

A longtime volunteer in various advisory capacities to GSU’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business and an avid supporter of the university, Washington was recognized in 2017 as an honorary alumnus of the Robinson College and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in 2024. Washington’s generous support of the university is highlighted by his transformational gift to the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration to cultivate future leaders in the industry.

With more than a three-decade-long career in hospitality, Washington was president of Paradies Lagardère Dining Division, a travel retail organization, and previously served as chief executive officer of Hojeiji Branded Foods Inc. (a Morgan Stanley private equity portfolio company). Over his 12 years at The Walt Disney Company, Washington held a variety of roles, including vice president of the worldwide food and beverage operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The Florida International University alumnus has also been chairman of the board of the National Restaurant Association and has received a range of top industry honors, including the Georgia Restaurant Association’s Grace Award for Distinguished Service in 2016 and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s Gold Plate Award.

“We’re thrilled to have Regynald Washington, an industry icon, proven leader and dedicated champion of Georgia State University, expand on the valuable contributions he’s made as a GSU Foundation Board trustee, advance the impactful progress made by his predecessor Kevin Lofton and the previous leadership team, and provide the board with his exceptional guidance, experience and global perspective in his new role as board chair,” said Tabatha Michel, interim vice president for University Advancement and interim president of the Georgia State University Foundation. “We’re grateful for — and greatly benefit from — having such knowledgeable, talented and dedicated trustees and the continued integral support of Kevin Lofton in his new capacity as immediate past chair.”

In addition to Washington, the GSU Foundation Board leadership team has added Godoy-Arbelaez, who has been elected incoming vice chair. An alumna of the J. Mack Robinson College of Business and a GSU 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 honoree, Godoy-Arbelaez joined the Foundation Board in 2024 and serves as treasurer and finance committee chair. In 2023, Godoy-Arbelaez established Guardian Vue Partners, an Atlanta-based financial consulting firm, and serves as the company’s chief executive officer and president. Previously, Godoy-Arbelaez was the chief financial officer and a senior executive leader for over 10 years at CatchMark Timber Trust Inc., a publicly-traded, pure-play timberland investment company. She will begin serving her two-year term as vice chair July 1.

The GSU Foundation Board committee chairs will be appointed by Washington and, like the chair and vice chair, will begin their terms on July 1.

Learn how the work of the Georgia State Foundation and the university’s donors are making a daily difference in students’ lives at giving.gsu.edu.