Hunter Hall

A progressive hospitality and business advocacy professional, Hunter brings a wealth of information and insight into association management, civic engagement, emerging trends, and best practices. He now serves in the role of Executive Director of the Main Street Business Improvement District in Santa Monica, acting as the chief lobbyist and advocate for all merchants on Main Street in Santa Monica and as a liaison to The City. In this role, he regularly negotiates issues affecting the interests of Main Street with City Council, City Staff, and community stakeholders as well as neighborhood groups and residents.

Hunter was the primary architect of Main Street’s wildly successful ‘Al Fresco’ Parklet program early in the pandemic. He also worked as a government contractor Citywide on other outdoor dining projects. Under his leadership, Main Street has enjoyed an explosive renaissance and is the most successful business district in Santa Monica.

 He regularly works alongside City Staff and The Chamber of Commerce, and was honored at the Chamber’s annual dinner for his advocacy work on behalf of the small business community surrounding controversial legislative changes. He often acts as the point person for legislation affecting the hospitality and small business communities. He is also a certified Human Resources professional with extensive experience in hostile takeovers, bankruptcy operations, compliance, and restructuring. He has also been tapped by technology companies to work on applications and systems unique to the hospitality industry, having worked with corporate brands and independent operations. 

Hunter served as the President of the California Restaurant Association’s L.A. Chapter before helping to launch the IHC, and is a regular speaker in Southern California, covering issues specific to the hospitality industry. He is a thought leader in Alternative Compensation Models (A.C.M.’s) and is regularly called upon for advice and practical insight on the topic, both culturally and legally speaking