The Experts Behind the Academy for Hospitality Arts
CEO & Founder
Michael DiPeri
Michael DiPeri is the CEO & Founder of the Academy for Hospitality Arts (AHA), where he leads the Academy's vision and continues to champion the advancement of hospitality education through practical, experience-driven training.
With more than three decades of experience in hospitality, staffing, event operations, and workforce development, Michael founded AHA in 2014 to elevate front-of-house service standards and create meaningful career pathways for hospitality professionals. His approach to training is rooted in decades of hands-on leadership and a belief that exceptional guest experiences begin with confident, well-prepared teams.
Throughout his career, Michael has launched multiple hospitality-focused ventures centered on innovation, operational excellence, and talent development. He has also developed proprietary technology and business solutions that have helped modernize hospitality operations and strengthen workforce management.
Michael's passion for education continues to shape AHA's curriculum and long-term vision, ensuring every program equips hospitality professionals with the practical skills, confidence, and service mindset needed to succeed in today's industry.
Director of Training & Development
Stephen Ruggieri
Stephen Ruggieri is a hospitality leader, trainer, and service strategist with more than three decades of industry experience. As Director of Training and Development at the Academy for Hospitality Arts (AHA), he designs practical, experience-driven programs that strengthen teams, elevate service standards, and create exceptional guest experiences.
Having worked across every level of hospitality, from waiter and captain to event producer and training leader, Stephen brings a hands-on understanding of service in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. His expertise spans front-of-house operations, guest experience, leadership development, and service training, with a focus on building confident teams and lasting hospitality cultures.
Throughout his career, Stephen has supported teams and events for renowned organizations including Citi, Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, McKinsey & Company, Radio City Music Hall, and event producers Martha Stewart and Colin Cowie.
A lifelong musician and saxophonist, Stephen brings the same rhythm, presence, and attention to detail to the classroom that has defined his career in hospitality.
Learning Solutions Manager
Ginger Guin, PhD
Ginger Guin is an award-winning educator and seasoned hospitality professional with more than a decade of experience spanning higher education and the upscale beverage industry.
In higher education, she has served as a university instructor and educational facilitator, specializing in instructional design and adult learning. In hospitality, she has worked as a technical bartender and beverage developer, leading training initiatives, beverage research and development, and service programs, with original creations featured on acclaimed New York City menus.
Ginger holds a PhD in Philosophy from Fordham University and has received more than a dozen honors from academic institutions, national and international societies, and fellowship organizations for her teaching and research.
As AHA's Learning Solutions Manager, Ginger combines her passion for education with her love of hospitality to design and deliver the systems, curriculum, and learning experiences that elevate service excellence across the Academy for Hospitality Arts.
Training & Development manager
Jacob Pressley
Jacob brings more than two decades of hospitality experience spanning coast to coast. From tossing pizza dough in Seattle to bartending in New York and leading high-performing teams in fast-paced service environments, his career has been shaped by a passion for people, hospitality, and performance—all while pursuing work as a professional theatre actor.
His experience includes multi-unit restaurant operations, special event leadership, beverage program development, and hospitality training. Drawing on both his theatre background and hospitality expertise, Jacob believes exceptional service starts with clear communication, genuine connection, and empathy.
Now serving as AHA's Training and Development Manager, Jacob has come full circle as a former Academy student. He is dedicated to advancing AHA's mission by fostering strong team culture, building practical leadership skills, and creating systems that empower hospitality professionals to succeed.