Principals

With over 30 years of hospitality management and over 20 years of hotel development experience, Russ Bylsma serves as President for Southern Hospitality Services, L.L.C.  Russ worked in hotels to pay his way through Auburn University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management with a Minor in Business.  His experience includes limited service, select service, full service, extended stay and resort properties.  He is by nature very detail oriented, tenacious and competitive, which has led to superior results including creative solutions and improved building operational functions over brand prototypical drawings.  Some of these improvements have become the prototype for the respective brands in their next generation of plans.  Bylsma’s passion for the hospitality industry has resulted in awards and recognition from all brands SHS has engaged while prioritizing return on investment for the property's investors.  Russ’ responsibilities with WeldenField, encompasses running SHS’ hotel management and development operations in the United States and consulting with non-profits internationally.

Robert Field earned a B.S from the University of Alabama with a major in Accounting.  He was a CPA in the Washington office of Arthur Andersen prior to returning to Alabama. Robert’s responsibilities have included the daily operations of Corinthian Mortgage Company and Highland Mortgage Company prior to the sale of these assets. In addition to other duties within the WeldenField organization, Robert serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Southern Hospitality Services, LLC

Chuck Welden holds a B.S. from the University of Alabama in Commerce and Business Administration, Law Degree from George Washington University and Master of Law in Taxation from New York University.  After practicing law at the Birmingham law firm of Burr & Forman, Chuck joined WeldenField.  He has served as a member of the Young Executive Board of Directors of Compass Bank.  Chuck currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Wildlife Federation.  His primary focus is on acquisition and development opportunities. His experience in acquisitions and development includes retail, office, multifamily, single family, hotel, active adult and land developments.

Bill Welden currently serves as President of SPM, Inc. which manages over 12,000 multifamily homes.  Additionally, Bill has served as an officer and on the Board of Directors of various multifamily housing associations, including the Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association.  Bill holds an Alabama real estate broker’s license and has been involved with the management of over 12,000 units of conventional, bond financed, tax credit, HUD, FmHA, and other government assisted housing for families and elderly.  Before joining WeldenField, Bill earned a B.S. degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law. 

Ed Welden currently serves as a Vice President of SPM, Inc. and has been involved in the Section 202, PRAC and Section 8 programs of HUD for over 12 years.  Ed holds an Alabama real estate sales license, as well as a B.S. degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama.  Before joining SPM, Inc., Ed spent two years in hotel management.