Patrick Cimerola to Retire as Choice Hotels HR Chief

Cimerola joined the North Bethesda-based company in 2001, steering its human resources operations through high-stakes transitions including executive leadership changes, large-scale acquisitions, and the operational challenges of the pandemic. CEO Dom Dragisich credited him with establishing the core values and leadership principles that define the firm’s current corporate culture.

Chairman Stewart Bainum, Jr. described Cimerola as a trusted advisor who served as a primary architect behind the company’s internal resilience during its expansion phase. Choice Hotels plans to initiate a search for a successor immediately. To ensure continuity, Cimerola will remain in his current role through December 2026, subsequently transitioning into a special advisor position to oversee the handover of his responsibilities.