McKibbon Hotel Group Inc. has announced the hiring of James “Jim” Coyle as general counsel for the McKibbon Hospitality organization, which offers hotel development, hotel management, construction management and renovations management services.

He is based in McKibbon’s Gainesville office.

Coyle is a Gainesville native and Gainesville High graduate.

He a has master’s degree in law with a focus in taxation from Boston University School of Law, and he earned his law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. Coyle attended Washington and Lee University for his undergraduate degree.

After graduating from Boston University, he returned home to Gainesville to begin his private practice at Stewart, Melvin & Frost LLP, where he spent the last 14 years working in collaboration with former McKibbon board member Woody Stewart.

Coyle will provide legal oversight and support McKibbon Hotel Group and McKibbon Hotel Management, headquartered in Tampa, Fla. McKibbon Hotel Management operates more than 80 hotels representing 14 brands throughout the U.S.

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