Our Properties

Management Team

Richard L. Lafrance, C.E.O.
Second generation, founding family White’s Regional Hospitality Center, established 1955. Developer of Hampton Inn Westport, Hampton Inn Fairhaven, Hampton Inn Franklin, Hampton Inn & Suites Plymouth, Comfort Inn & Suites – Dover, New Hampshire, and Comfort Inn & Suites, Farmington/Wilton. He is the co-developer of the Hampton Inn of Dover, New Hampshire and the Homewood Suites, also of Dover, New Hampshire. Richard has a B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame; and has pursued graduate studies at the University of Rhode Island.

Jeffrey P. Pineault, C.F.O.
Chief Financial Officer since 1995. As a member of the leadership team, Jeff plays a key role in the overall management and direction of the company. He oversees all aspects of financial management, budgeting and the annual audits with external auditors. Jeff graduated with honors from the University of Rhode Island in 1989, with a B.S.B.A. in Accounting. Before joining Lafrance Hospitality, he spent three years in public accounting and four years as an accounting manager with a large international engineering and construction firm headquartered in the United Kingdom.

R. Christian Lafrance, Vice President – Restaurant Operations
Third generation of Lafrance family, working through most every position on the restaurant side of the business. B.S.B.A., Marketing, from Spring Hill College. Completion of the University of New Hampshire Family Business Studies in January, 2006. Joined the company full time in 1993. Organized Christian’s Catering in 1995.

Timothy D. Burkhardt, C.H.A., V.P., Hotel Operations
Over twenty years of progressive responsibility within all aspects of full service and limited service hotels. Multi-flag experience, including Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Hampton Host Resort and Conference Center. Educational background includes a B.S., Hospitality Management and an M.S., in Managerial Technology – both from Johnson & Wales University. Mr. Burkhardt is responsible for oversight of all the hotel properties.

Charles F. Fellows, IV, General Manager – White’s of Westport, Corporate Marketing
Joined the company in 1994. Has cycled through most every area within the organization. Helped launch both Bittersweet Farm Restaurant & Tavern, and Rachel’s Lakeside, as well as the re-branding of the ala carte restaurant, within White’s of Westport – The Galley Grille. Additionally functions as Director of Security and Marketing. Education includes a B.S.B.A., in Accounting, from Merrimack College. Prior experience includes an accounting position in an unrelated industry.

Sean R. Lafrance, Director of Facilities
Joined Lafrance Hospitality in 2000. Oversees all properties and their maintenance. Manages development projects from site layout through opening. Initiates and negotiates with outside contractors, when necessary. Education includes a B.S. in Construction Management from Wentworth. Prior work experience includes several years as a field supervisor, estimator and project manager with a marine contractor, Cashman Company, and two general contractors; A.J. Martini, and J.L. Marshall.

Charlene J. Jarest, Director of Corporate Services
Currently the Human Resources, Marketing and Public Relations director for Lafrance Hospitality Company. Prior experience includes progressive positions in those fields in banking, human resources consulting and manufacturing environments. B.S.B.A., magna cum laude, Management Science, Central Connecticut State University. Certificates in Human Resources. Graduate of the School of Bank Marketing, UNH RMA/NE Loan Officers Program.

Tyler S. Carlson, Director of Information Services
After graduating from Rollins College in 1995, Tyler started his career with the Lafrance Hospitality Company as a Guest Service Representative at both the Westport & Fairhaven Hampton Inns.  He eventually transferred to the Corporate Office where he now oversees the POS System for the Restaurants, the Company Website as well as the production of all Marketing/Menu collateral for the company.