Elisa Whaler

As one of R-W Purchasing’s original founders, Elisa continues to provide consulting support as requested, serving as President, Emeritus. She currently sits on the advisory board of the Denver University Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management. She has previously provided instruction with a procurement perspective for the Interior Design Institute of Denver and has held board level positions, including chapter president and vice president, for the Network of Executives in Hospitality (NEWH). Elisa was awarded “2019 Purchasing Company Executive of the Year” by Hotel Interactive at their Lodging Industry’s Elite Awards event, and in 2022 was inducted into Hospitality Design’s prestigious “33rd Annual Platinum Circle” a lifetime achievement award for contribution to the hospitality industry.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elisa is deeply committed to philanthropy, serving on the board of directors for Joy International, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting child trafficking. She has immeasurable joy spending time with her grandchildren and, in her spare time, you will find her hiking or biking in both the Colorado and Arizona mountains.

A Northern California native, Elisa came to Colorado after graduating from California State University with a degree in Business Administration. She holds certifications in Purchasing Management from the University of Southern California and the University of Colorado at Denver.

“The opportunity to be a mentor, especially to young professionals in hospitality, has been one of my greatest joys.”