RLJ Lodging Trust announced that the Board of Trustees has appointed Ross H. Bierkan as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company and Leslie D. Hale as Chief Operating Officer of the company. In addition, Mr. Bierkan has been elected to the company's Board of Trustees. Mr. Bierkan has served as the company's Chief Investment Officer since the Company's formation in 2011 and will continue to serve in that role for the time being.

Mr. Bierkan served as a Principal and Executive Vice President of the company's predecessor, RLJ Development, LLC, from 2000 until the Company's formation. Ms. Hale will serve in the dual role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the company. She will continue to oversee all financial matters, investor relations, and remain significantly involved in the daily operations of the company.

Ms. Hale joined RLJ Development, LLC the company's predecessor in 2005 as its Director of Real Estate and Finance and was promoted to Vice President in 2006.