The Team

Chief Executive Officer

Azim Saju

Azim Saju is the chief executive officer of ARK Holdings Group (Ocala), the parent company for ARK Hospitality (Dallas) and ARK Development (Raleigh). He leads a dynamic organization that develops and manages a diverse portfolio of franchised hotels.

Azim is a graduate of Davidson College and the University of Florida College of Law. He serves on the board of the Choice Hotels Owners’ Council, Advent Hospital Foundation, and the International Franchise Association.

President

Lisa Lombardo

Lisa Lombardo is the president of ARK Holdings Group.

Lisa started her career in fund development for nonprofits. From there, she launched a nonprofit consulting business and helped a number of organizations raise their single largest gifts at that time. Coaching nonprofit boards of directors evolved to include for-profit leadership teams – guiding them through overhauls of mission statements, programming intentional culture and facilitating the development of strategic plans. She believes the first step toward progress is having clarity of purpose and is a self-professed “serial connector”.

Lisa has worked with nonprofits, financial institutions, construction companies, manufacturing, Broadway and other arts organizations, high-profile and televised sporting events, higher education institutions, entertainment, and hospitality. Along the way, she co-founded the Performing Arts Conservatory in her hometown as another way to give back to her community.

Lisa received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She serves on boards of directors and committees within the hospitality industry including, but not limited to, the Executive Committee of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, AHLA Human Resources Committee, International Franchise Forum Franchisee Forum, human and social services organizations, arts and culture, and her church. Lisa was recognized by Florida Trend magazine as “an executive making a mark” in the hotel industry.

Chief of Staff

Donna Arthur

Donna’s career in hospitality began over 25 years ago as a housekeeper. Her hard work, efficiency, and heart quickly set her apart. Her leadership journey spans the full hospitality spectrum, including roles as head housekeeper, general manager, regional director, vice president of hotel excellence, and now her current position. Over the years, she has overseen operations, facilities, and revenue management, building a well-rounded and impactful career.

Chief Asset Officer

Jeff Bailey

Jeff Bailey is the chief asset officer at ARK.

Jeff is a lifelong hotelier. Before joining ARK, he worked nationwide at several full-service hotels and owned two restaurants, building extensive experience with brands including Marriott, IHG, and Hilton. His career achievements include General Manager of the Year, Most Improved Marriott in the World, and Best Customer Experience for two consecutive years. Jeff most recently served as Ark’s chief operating officer for ten years.

Today, Jeff plays an integral role in growing ARK’s portfolio. Guided by the belief that “Together, we’re stronger!”, he is passionate about bringing value to our investors and hotel leaders, by providing solutions to complex issues and by building relationships. 

Vice President of Finance

Kyle Sykes

Kyle Sykes is the vice president of finance for ARK Holdings Group.

Before joining ARK, Kyle was the director of real estate finance at Advance Auto Parts (AAP) headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Previously, he served as the regional finance manager for McDonald’s Corporation. Kyle began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with RSM.

Kyle is a native North Carolinian and has lived in Raleigh since 2000. He’s a graduate of UNC-Wilmington with both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Science (MS) degree in Accountancy.

Married to his wife Lori of 21 years, they have two daughters, Charlotte and Claire, and a fur baby named Banks.

Director of Communications

Becca McCullough

Becca McCullough is the director of communications for ARK Holdings, where she leads both internal and external communication strategies across the organization.

Becca began her hospitality career in 2015 as a front desk agent at a Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Silver Springs-Ocala, Florida. Her drive to grow professionally quickly led her to a marketing and reputation management role with the hotel’s management company. In 2017, she expanded into marketing and brand management, gaining a broader scope of responsibilities. In 2019,  Becca became a communications manager, and in 2025, she is now ARK’s director of communications, where she develops communication tools and strategies that support ARK Holdings company-wide.

Beyond her professional work, Becca has spent over 12 years equipping and inspiring youth. She is passionate about helping young people recognize their worth and potential, often reminding them that they are capable of becoming world changers and history makers.

Outside of work, Becca enjoys coffee, puzzles, and quality time with her husband, Josh, and their son, Jude.