Combining an entrepreneurial business sense with creative energy and dedication to purpose, Richard C. Kessler is a visionary, entrepreneur, astute businessman and philanthropist. Richard was born in Savannah, Georgia and lived his early years in nearby Effingham County. Richard earned his bachelor and master degrees at Georgia Tech. He received an honorary Ph.D. from Valparaiso University and Newberry College. Born in Savannah, Georgia and reared in Effingham County, Richard has received the Effingham County Honored Treutlen Award for Outstanding Leadership, the distinguished Alumnus Award at Georgia Tech, and the Deans Medal for singular commitment and contribution to the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. During his 41 years in the field of hotel development and operations, including nine as President and Chairman of Days Inns of America and 27 as President and CEO of The Kessler Enterprise, Inc., Kessler has become a nationally recognized industry leader. Having served seven years on the Industry Advisory Council of the American Hotel and Motel Association, he has helped to develop outstanding hospitality practices nationwide. His hotel company is known as The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of ten boutique three and four star quality properties located in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado and New Mexico.

Kessler is a consummate supporter and leader of worthy causes. He has served as Chairman of the Board for Lutheran Brotherhood (a Fortune 500, thirty billion dollar Minneapolis-based financial services organization), founder and Chairman of the New Ebenezer Conference and Retreat Center, founder and board member of Treutlen House for children, and founder and sustainer of The Kessler Reformation Collection at Emory Universitys Pitts Theological Library. Kessler has also sponsored six scholarship programs. In 2000, Kessler was awarded the Florida Master Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. His personal interests include art, music and outdoor recreation.