About Us
Hocking Hills Lodging Owners Association (HHLOA) is a devoted community of short-term rental owners and allied partners committed to promoting and enhancing the lodging experience in this stunning region. Our association serves as a collaborative network, providing invaluable resources, support, and advocacy for property owners and partner businesses.
HHLOA was formed in 2020 shortly after all short-term rentals in Hocking County were shut down as ordered by the local Health Department. Lodging owners quickly realized we lacked advocacy and a unified voice to protect our interests. Fortunately, brighter days were ahead and the region has experienced exponential growth since then making our Association as important as ever.
Joining HHLOA means becoming part of a vibrant community that prioritizes the success and sustainability of your rental business. We offer members exclusive access to industry insights, educational workshops, fun events, and a platform for sharing best practices.
Whether you’re a seasoned property owner, new to the short-term rental market, or an area business providing valuable services to lodging owners and their guests, HHLOA invites you to join us in fostering a thriving, well-connected lodging community in the heart of Hocking Hills. Together, we can enhance guest and resident experiences, and contribute to the region’s continued growth and appeal.
HHLOA Board Member Officers
Uma Zielinksi
Chair
Uma Zielinski brings more than 25 years of experience advising financial institutions, with a focus on executive benefits for leaders in the credit union and nonprofit sectors. She works for a consulting firm where she combines strategic insight with a client-first approach, helping organizations develop benefit solutions that support long-term success.
In addition to her professional work, Uma and her husband own and operate Cabins at Hickory Ridge, where they are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their business. She is proud to serve as board chair and is passionate about supporting the local lodging community. Uma and her husband have two adult children, both living in Ohio.
Gabe Stockton
Vice Chair
Gabe Stockton is a co-founder and co-owner of Stockton-Hill Insurance located in Kingston Ohio. He primarily handles commercial lines accounts with an extensive focus and expertise in the short-term rental industry. As an independent agent, he has partnered with multiple top-rated insurance companies that specialize in competitively priced, comprehensive coverage programs made specifically toward vacation rental businesses. Gabe and his wife, Kelli, have an 18 year-old daughter, Grace, and a 6 year-old son, Oliver. Gabe is a member and trustee of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Chillicothe. On his downtime, he enjoys activities such as volleyball, fishing, camping, and racquetball.
Linda Thomas
Treasurer
Linda Thomas is the managing partner, operations manager, and co-owner of Hocking Hills Inn & Coffee Emporium. She plays a hands-on role in daily operations and enjoys creating a welcoming experience for guests and the community.
Before moving to Ohio, Linda spent more than 20 years managing commercial and industrial real estate in Northern Illinois, building a strong foundation in business and operations. She and her husband, Tim, relocated to Logan in 2013 and have been proud to call it home ever since.
Sarah Neichter
Secretary
Sarah Neichter holds a degree in Marketing from Ohio University and began her career as a financial advisor in Columbus, where she worked for 10 years. In 2015, she and her husband, Chad, entered the short-term rental market with the purchase of their first property in Hocking County. Today, Sarah manages their business, Liberty Log Lodging, full-time.
Sarah and her family live in Delaware, Ohio, and also maintain a home in Hocking County. She and Chad have two daughters and enjoy spending time together traveling, cooking, reading, and cheering them on in their activities.
Alisha Fuller
General
Alisha has been a lifelong resident of Hocking County and is deeply connected to the community she calls home. She spent nearly 17 years working with LHSD, building strong relationships and a passion for serving others. In 2019, she and her husband began their journey in the short-term rental industry, launching Fifty Six Furloughs, which they own and operate together.
Alisha is passionate about supporting local businesses and contributing to the growth and success of her community. She and her husband have two adult sons and are now enjoying life as grandparents.
Donna Russell
General
Donna Russell has been the Senior Commercial Lender at OUCU Financial Credit Union for over 20 years, working closely with businesses to help them find practical solutions and achieve their goals. With both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University, she has spent more than 30 years supporting businesses throughout Appalachian Ohio.
She serves as board chair for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, is a board member of the Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce, and is active in her church and the local Elks organization.
Christine Simmons
General
Christine Simmons is a Lancaster native, community leader, and co-owner of Party Plus Event Rentals. She loves bringing people together and being part of what makes her community strong. A graduate of Ohio University, she’s built her business on meaningful relationships, a trusted local network, and years of professional experience. She strongly believes that meaningful connections make a lasting impact.
Family means everything to Christine. She and her husband, Scott, recently celebrated 30 years of marriage and are proud parents of two adult sons. These days, they’re especially enjoying life as grandparents—a role Christine absolutely cherishes.
Nathan Krantz
General
Nathan Krantz is a resident of Hocking County where he owns and operates The Hocking Lodging Company and Deck Rescue Hocking Hills. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. His professional background spans experience within real estate property management, log home staining and general maintenance, finance/economics, as well as small business. He enjoys working with property owners and sharing the Hocking Hills area with local friends, family and the many guests that have stayed in the area over the years. While outside work he finds his time spent with his wife and children and traveling to see new areas and visit friends/family as often as possible.
Shaun North
General
Shaun is a Logan resident and business owner who is deeply involved in his community. He and his wife, Maria, are raising their six children in a bilingual (Spanish and English) household. Shaun has served on Logan City Council, the Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Logan Theatre Board, and currently serves on the Logan Town Center Board.
He is the owner of North Fitness Center and Maya Burrito Co., and is also a real estate investor in both long- and short-term rentals. Shaun is passionate about downtown revitalization and the Hocking Hills community. In addition to his business and community involvement, he is a CrossFit coach and enjoys teaching classes throughout the week.