Thomas J. Baltimore Jr. of Park Hotels & Resorts Honored as a Visionary with 2025 Horatio Alger Award

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The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating extraordinary individuals who have triumphed over adversity while championing education and opportunity, has announced its 2025 honorees. Among them is Thomas J. Baltimore Jr., chairman and CEO of Park Hotels & Resorts. Mr. Baltimore joins an elite group of 11 other civic, cultural, and corporate leaders recognized for their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to empowering future generations.

For 78 years, the Horatio Alger Award has celebrated individuals who embody perseverance, resilience, and a dedication to education and philanthropy. These honorees serve as role models for overcoming significant challenges while fostering positive change within their communities and beyond.

A Journey Rooted in Perseverance

Born in Front Royal, Virginia, to teenage parents, Thomas J. Baltimore Jr.’s life story is one of relentless determination. Raised in a family that faced financial instability, Mr. Baltimore witnessed his parents’ sacrifices firsthand. His mother worked multiple jobs, including answering after-hours calls for doctors’ offices, while his father pursued his passion for ministry, founding a Baptist church. As the eldest of five children, Mr. Baltimore took on a variety of jobs during his youth, from delivering newspapers to landscaping, to support his family and fund his education.

Education became Mr. Baltimore’s pathway to a brighter future. As a first-generation college graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and later completed an MBA at UVA’s Darden Graduate School of Business Administration.

A Trailblazing Career in Hospitality

Mr. Baltimore began his professional journey in public accounting at Price Waterhouse before transitioning into hospitality, where he held senior leadership roles at Hilton Hotels Corporation, Marriott Corporation, and Host Marriott Services. In 2000, he co-founded RLJ Development, overseeing its growth into a hospitality powerhouse that acquired 19 hotels for $630 million.

In 2011, Mr. Baltimore took RLJ Development public, merging it with affiliated private equity funds to create RLJ Lodging Trust. The entity grew to encompass 125 hotels across 21 states, with an enterprise value exceeding $4 billion. Since 2016, Mr. Baltimore has led Park Hotels & Resorts as chairman and CEO, steering a portfolio of 40 prime U.S. properties with assets valued at approximately $8 billion.

Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Mr. Baltimore serves on the boards of major organizations like American Express, Comcast Corporation, and the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce Foundation.

Transforming Lives Through Philanthropy

Mr. Baltimore’s dedication to education and community upliftment is evident in his philanthropic initiatives. Together with his wife, Hillary, he has established numerous scholarships and fellowships, including the Thomas J. and Hillary D. Baltimore-Jefferson Scholars Foundation at UVA. The couple has donated over $2 million to UVA and has supported institutions like the Ridley Scholarship Fund, Landon School, and Bullis School.

Their generosity extends to civic causes, including a $2.5 million commitment to the Wolf Trap Foundation for Education and Arts, and support for N Street Village, a shelter for homeless women in Washington, D.C. Park Hotels & Resorts also actively participates in programs like Don Bosco Cristo Rey’s work-study initiatives, providing valuable opportunities to underserved youth.

“Although I grew up in a loving home, my family dealt with many economic hardships. That lack of financial stability forced me to rely on my education to lift me out of those circumstances,” said Mr. Baltimore. “I truly believe that with prayer, preparation, and perseverance, anything is possible. That’s why I’m honored to join an organization like the Horatio Alger Association, whose growing list of impressive Members share similar stories to my own. Through our collective efforts, I hope we can empower the next generation of Horatio Alger Scholars to achieve their dreams and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.”

The Legacy of the Horatio Alger Association

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association strives to inspire future generations to pursue the American Dream. Its members exemplify resilience, self-reliance, and the pursuit of excellence, embodying the values the Association seeks to instill in young people. Since 1984, it has awarded over $265 million in scholarships to 37,000 high school students who have demonstrated determination and a commitment to education despite significant hardships.

“Tom’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an iconic leader in the hospitality industry exemplifies the resilience and determination we celebrate at the Horatio Alger Association,” said Mike Jackson, former chief executive officer, AutoNation, Inc., and 2014 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “His commitment to education, philanthropy and empowering underserved communities reflects the very essence of the American Dream. We are honored to welcome him as a Member, and I have no doubt that his story will inspire many future classes of Horatio Alger Scholars.”

Induction into a Prestigious Legacy

Thomas J. Baltimore Jr. and the Member Class of 2025 will be formally inducted during the 78th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies, to be held in Washington, D.C., from April 3-5, 2025. This three-day event will honor the achievements of both Members and National Scholars, offering a platform for meaningful connections and the sharing of inspiring stories.

Mr. Baltimore’s journey from a modest upbringing to the helm of a multi-billion-dollar hospitality enterprise exemplifies the power of perseverance, education, and philanthropy. As he joins the ranks of the Horatio Alger Association, his story continues to inspire countless individuals to pursue their own dreams against all odds.