Name: John C. Brogan
Age: 63
Position: Pres., Sheraton Hotels in Hawaii; Sr. vice pres., North American division
First job: Newsboy
Hobby: Tennis

"However, we continue to be concerned that government does not fully understand the importance of tourism promotion," Brogan said. "Increased funding is absolutely necessary to guarantee the viability of the industry."

Brogan has 37 years with Sheraton, and opened the chain's Waikiki hotel in 1971. He was president of Sheraton's North America division, based in Boston, from 1976-81.

For the past 12 years, Brogan has been chair of the University of Hawaii's Travel Industry Management advisory board.

Brogan is past chairman of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau and the Hawaii Convention Park Council. He also is past president of the Hawaii Hotel Association and the Waikiki Improvement Association.