About Us

Hocking Hills Lodging Owners Association (HHLOA) is a devoted community of short-term rental owners and allied partners committed to promoting and enhancing the lodging experience in this stunning region. Our association serves as a collaborative network, providing invaluable resources, support, and advocacy for property owners and partner businesses.

HHLOA was formed in 2020 shortly after all short-term rentals in Hocking County were shut down as ordered by the local Health Department. Lodging owners quickly realized we lacked advocacy and a unified voice to protect our interests.  Fortunately, brighter days were ahead and the region has experienced exponential growth since then making our Association as important as ever.

Joining HHLOA means becoming part of a vibrant community that prioritizes the success and sustainability of your rental business. We offer members exclusive access to industry insights, educational workshops, fun events, and a platform for sharing best practices. 

Whether you’re a seasoned property owner, new to the short-term rental market, or an area business providing valuable services to lodging owners and their guests, HHLOA invites you to join us in fostering a thriving, well-connected lodging community in the heart of Hocking Hills. Together, we can enhance guest and resident experiences, and contribute to the region’s continued growth and appeal.

HHLOA Board Member Officers

Uma Zielinksi

Uma Zielinksi

Chair

Uma Zielinski is a Regional Vice President at Strategic Resource Management (SRM), a consulting firm that helps financial institutions identify cost savings/revenue opportunities. Uma has 25 years of financial services, account management, and business development experience. She and her husband purchased Cabins at Hickory Ridge in 2018 and have several rental properties in Logan.

Kevin Weaver

Kevin Weaver

Vice Chair

Kevin has been a resident of Hocking county for 19+ years. He is the owner of KW Construction, specializing in Log home construction with 20 years of total construction experience. He is well-known in the industry for his custom designs and builds. He and his wife purchased Woodland Ridge Cabins in 2008.

Linda Thomas

Linda Thomas

Treasurer

Linda Thomas is the Managing partner, operations manager and Co-Owner Hocking Hills Inn & Coffee Emporium. Prior to moving to Ohio Linda had a 20+ year career in management of commercial and industrial real estate in Northern Illinois. Linda and her husband Tim relocated to Logan in the Fall of 2013.

Derek Brammell

Derek Brammell

Secretary

Derek has a variety of experience in his professional career. He has a Civil Engineering degree from Ohio University and used to be bridge designer. Derek has also been a licensed financial advisor before becoming a licensed Real Estate Agent. Currently Derek is the Manager/Member of Blue Rose Cabins, LLC.

RJ Edwards

RJ Edwards

General

RJ Edwards is the Owner of Hocking Hills Cabins & Resort, Broker/Owner of Edwards Realty Company and Owner of Select Management & Investments, LLC. RJ has 25+ years’ experience with buying, selling, developing, and managing real estate in Ohio. In 2007, RJ launched his first cabin rental in the Hocking Hills area. He currently oversees the day-to-day activity and development of three businesses.

Gabe Stockton

Gabe Stockton

General

Gabe Stockton is a co-founder and co-owner of Stockton-Hill Insurance located in Kingston Ohio. He primarily handles commercial lines accounts with an extensive focus and expertise in the short-term rental industry. As an independent agent, he has partnered with multiple top-rated insurance companies that specialize in competitively priced, comprehensive coverage programs made specifically toward vacation rental businesses. Gabe and his wife, Kelli, have an 18 year-old daughter, Grace, who recently graduated from Unioto High School and a 6 year-old son, Oliver, who is starting kindergarten at Ross County Christian Academy in August. Gabe is a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Chillicothe where he serves as a trustee as well as an assistant in the high school basketball program at RCCA. He enjoys activities with friends and family such as volleyball, fishing, camping, and racquetball.

Shaun North

Shaun North

General

Shaun is a resident of Logan raising six children in a bilingual (Spanish, English) family with wife, Maria. Served on the Logan City Council, Chamber Of Commerce Board, Logan Theatre Board, and currently serving on the Logan Town Center Board. Owner of North Fitness Center, Maya Burrito Co. and is a real estate investor in long and short term rentals. He has a passion for downtown revitalization and the Hocking Hills community. Shaun is a CrossFit coach and teaches classes 3 days a week.

Sarah Neichter

Sarah Neichter

General

Sarah holds a business degree in Marketing from Ohio University, and after graduating, worked 10 years as a financial advisor in Columbus. In 2015, Sarah, alongside her husband Chad, ventured into the short-term rental market with the purchase of their first property in Hocking County. Today, Sarah manages their business, Liberty Log Lodging, on a full-time basis. Residing in Delaware, OH, with Chad and their two daughters, the family also maintains a personal residence in Hocking County. Beyond her professional commitments, Sarah enjoys travel, cooking, reading, and cheering on her daughters during their sports activities.

Alisha Fuller

Alisha Fuller

General

Alisha has been a resident of Hocking County all of her life. Most recently she was employed by LHSD for nearly 17 years. Since 2019, she and her husband have owned and operated Fifty Six Furloughs STR business. They have two adult sons and are now enjoying being grandparents!

Supporting local businesses and contributing to all things local is very important to Alisha.
Donna Russell

Donna Russell

General

Donna Russell has been the Senior Commercial Lender at OUCU Financial Credit Union for over twenty years. She enjoys working with businesses to find viable solutions to accomplish their goals and take them to the next level.

She has her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University and has been lending to businesses in Appalachia, Ohio, for over 30 years. Donna currently serves as board chair for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is a Board Member of the Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce and is on the Personnel Committee of her church. In addition, she and her husband are actively involved with the local Elks organization.