Palmetto Hospitality Endowed/Annual Scholarship

Chris and Paige Nassetta have been generous supporters of higher education throughout their lives. Recognizing the need to alleviate the costs associated with attending college and as a way to help provide access to those who may have a disability, they established the Palmetto Hospitality Endowed Scholarship in 2019. Their daughter Kirby, one of six daughters, is a student at the College of Charleston majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Chris Nassetta is President and Chief Executive Officer for Hilton. He joined the company in 2007. Previously, Mr. Nassetta was President and Chief Executive Officer of Host Hotel & Resorts, Inc., a position he held since 2000. He joined Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. in 1995 as Executive Vice President and was elected Chief Operating Officer in 1997. Before joining Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Mr. Nassetta co-founded Bailey Capital Corporation in 1991, where he was responsible for the operation of the real estate investment and advisory firm. Prior to founding Bailey Capital Corporation, he spent seven years at The Oliver Carr Company, ultimately serving as Chief Development Officer. In this role, he was responsible for all development and related activities for one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the mid­-Atlantic region.

Mr. Nassetta graduated from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in finance. He currently serves on the McIntire School of Commerce Advisory Board.