Karie Brittano ~ Co-CEO of The Brittano Group
Karie Brittano, wife of Julian Brittano, is the co-founder and Co-CEO of The Brittano Group, and its subsidiary The Rook Hotels, where she leads strategic operations and the development for one of the nation’s most dynamic and transformative hospitality and real estate enterprises on the East Coast.
As a distinguished Class A CIC General Contractor, Karie brings a wealth of expertise in large-scale construction and property development. Her career is marked by a commitment to reshaping traditionally male-dominated industries through inclusive growth and mentorship.
Before The Brittano Group, she served as an adjunct professor, where she developed curriculum and initiatives focused on workforce development, skill-building, and hands-on learning opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Karie is a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, making history as the first woman to speak on construction at CHOICE Hotels’ HerTel conference, championing diversity and equity within hotel development. Her leadership at The Brittano Group extends beyond operations; she plays an instrumental role in The Rook Hotels’ community-focused mission, as well as aligning unprecedented capstone opportunities at Block Builders Academy, which aim to empower young Black professionals.
Her vision for building generational wealth, access, and social impact in African-American communities underpins every endeavor of The Brittano Group, positioning her as a prominent figure in creating equitable opportunities and shaping the future of American hospitality.