David J. Cocco
Founder, President, and CEO
David J. Cocco is the Founder, President, and CEO of North Star Lodging and Development Inc. and North Star Lodging Management Inc., companies specializing in the development and operation of custom hotels. With more than 35 years of hospitality experience, North Star is recognized as a leader in developing and operating award-winning hotel properties.
Through North Star, David and his team have developed and currently operate five hotels, including SpringHill Suites, a Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites properties, with several additional Marriott-branded hotels in pre-development. Prior to founding North Star, David served as Partner and Vice President of Development and Operations for a Pittsburgh-based hotel development and management firm, where he helped grow the portfolio to 8 developed Marriott hotels and fifteen managed properties.
Throughout his career, David has led teams whose hotels have earned more than 30 prestigious Marriott International awards, including Custom Design Hotel of the Year, Opening Hotel of the Year, and Renovation of the Year. In 2012, he and his colleagues were honored with Marriott International’s elite Partnership Circle Award, recognizing the most distinguished franchise developers and operators.
Recently, Marriott International appointed David to their Franchise Advisory Council for the SpringHill Suites brand where he currently sits as an active board member.
