# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001046311
**File Stem:** 0001193125-26-232581
**Filing Date:** 2026-5
**Character Count:** 71924
**Document Hash:** e2b5e88b303681bc3a391e9db8f2dc3f
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-26-232581.hdr.sgml**: 20260520

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-26-232581

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 13

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260520

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260520

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260520

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DE
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001046311
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** HOTELS & MOTELS [7011]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 05 Real Estate & Construction
- **EIN:** 521209792
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-13393
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261004078

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 915 MEETING STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 600
- **CITY:** NORTH BETHESDA
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20852
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 3015925000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 915 MEETING STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 600
- **CITY:** NORTH BETHESDA
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20852

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** CHOICE HOTELS FRANCHISING INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19971118

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC/
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19971022

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 8-K

### UNITED STATES

### SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

#### WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

### FORM 8-K

#### CURRENT REPORT

#### PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

#### OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

#### Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 20, 2026

## CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

#### (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-13393** | **52-1209792** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction<br>of incorporation)** | **(Commission<br>File Number)** | **(IRS Employer<br>Identification Number)** |
| **915 Meeting Street** | **915 Meeting Street** |  |
| **Suite 600** | **Suite 600** |  |
| **North Bethesda, Maryland** | **North Bethesda, Maryland** | **20852** |
| **(Address of principal executive offices)** | **(Address of principal executive offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

#### Registrant's telephone number, including area code (301) 592-5000
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

#### Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Title of Each Class** | **Name of Each Exchange<br>on Which Registered** |
| Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share CHH | New York Stock Exchange |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.02.** | **Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers**  |

---

On May 20, 2026, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (the "Company") announced a leadership transition under which Patrick S. Pacious will step down as the Company's President & Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), effective May 20, 2026. Mr. Pacious will serve as an advisor to the Company through August 31, 2026 (the "Transition Period") to support the leadership transition. The Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") has established a search committee to conduct a search for a permanent CEO of the Company.

On May 20, 2026, the Board appointed Dominic E. Dragisich, the Company's Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, as the Company's Interim CEO, effective May 20, 2026. In connection with his appointment, Mr. Dragisich will receive a cash bonus of $500,000 to be paid on December 31, 2026, subject to his continued employment through such date, and a time-vesting restricted stock unit award valued at $500,000 that will vest in full on the one-year anniversary of the award's grant date.

Mr. Dragisich, age 44, has served as Chief Growth & Strategy Officer since March 24, 2026. Previously, Mr. Dragisich served as Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer from September 2023 to March 2026 and Chief Financial Officer from March 2017 to September 2023. Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by XO Communications as Chief Financial Officer from July 2015 to February 2017 and Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis and Strategic Finance from September 2014 to July 2015. Before that, he held several management positions at Marriott International, NII Holdings, Inc., and Deloitte from 2004 to 2014.

Mr. Dragisich has no family relationships with any director or executive officer of the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Dragisich and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Dragisich was selected as the Company's Interim CEO, and there are no transactions involving Mr. Dragisich that would be required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

In connection with the leadership transition, the Company and Mr. Pacious entered into a transition and separation agreement (the "Separation Agreement") on May 20, 2026. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, during the Transition Period, Mr. Pacious will continue to receive his base salary, along with continuation of all employee benefits and perquisites (other than use of corporate aircraft for personal travel) that he was eligible to receive prior to his transition, and Mr. Pacious will continue to vest in his short-term incentive plan cash bonus in accordance with the written terms of the Company's short-term incentive plan. During the Transition Period, Mr. Pacious will also be entitled to continue to vest in accordance with the written terms of previously granted and unvested equity awards under the Company's equity incentive plans.

Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, and subject to his satisfaction of its terms following the Separation Date (as defined below), Mr. Pacious will be entitled to the following payments and benefits, which are substantially the same as the payments and benefits payable under his previously agreed to and disclosed Severance Benefit Agreement, as amended, effective May 24, 2022:

• cash severance equal to 200% of the sum of Mr. Pacious's base salary and target annual bonus, plus a pro rata bonus for the 2026 fiscal year (based on the actual attainment level for the Company's objectives and a 100% achievement of the individual objectives);

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• continued vesting in all unvested equity awards granted after May 5, 2011, for a two-year period commencing on August 31, 2026, or such earlier date that Mr. Pacious's employment with the Company actually terminates (the "Separation Date"), other than Mr. Pacious's 2022 time-based and performance-based restricted stock unit awards, which will vest pro rata based on his period of employment through the Separation Date;

• eligibility to receive monthly cash payments equal to the cost of premiums for coverage comparable to the Company's health and welfare insurance coverage (less the premium amount paid by active employees of the Company) from the Separation Date until September 30, 2032, to the extent that Mr. Pacious is not eligible for coverage under another employer's plans;

• continued "Stay at Choice" benefits for the remainder of 2026 of up to $40,000, and thereafter through 2037, an annual benefit of $25,000, in all cases without any tax gross-up; and

• reimbursement of up to $50,000 in fees for legal counsel and public relations advisors in connection with the Separation Agreement and related announcements.

Each of the Company and Mr. Pacious is providing a release of claims and Mr. Pacious has agreed to comply with obligations to which Mr. Pacious is subject that are intended to survive the termination of his employment with the Company, including, without limitation, confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and other customary terms and conditions.

The foregoing summary description of the terms of the Separation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.

A copy of the press release regarding this announcement is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01.** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.**  |

---

(d) Exhibits.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Exhibit 10.1 | [Separation Agreement, dated May 20, 2026, between Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Patrick S. Pacious](d228027dex101.htm) |
| Exhibit 99.1 | [Press Release of the Company, dated May 20, 2026](d228027dex991.htm) |
| Exhibit 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

---

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#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Date: May 20, 2026 | /s/ Jeffrey W. Lobb |
|  | **Jeffrey W. Lobb** |
|  | **Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary** |

---

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1** 

**TRANSITION AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND** 

**GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS** 

This TRANSITION AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS ("***Agreement***") is entered into as of May 20, 2026 (the "***Effective Date***") by and between Choice Hotels International, Inc. (the "***Company***"), and Patrick Pacious ("***Employee***"). The Company and Employee are referred to individually as a "***Party***" and collectively as the "***Parties***."

**WHEREAS**, reference is made to (a) the Amended and Restated Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation & Severance Benefit Agreement effective as of the 12th day of September, 2017 between the Parties, and as further amended by that certain Amendment to the same, dated and effective as of May 24, 2022 (collectively, the "***Severance Agreement***"); and (b) those certain equity award agreements entered into between the Parties, as follows: (i) the Restricted Stock Agreement dated February 25, 2022, relating to 170,440 shares of restricted stock (the "***2022 RSA***"), (ii) the Total Shareholder Return Vesting Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated February 25, 2022 relating to 34,088 performance-based restricted stock units (together with the 2022 RSA, the "***2022 Equity Awards***"), (iii) the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement 2024 Performance Vesting Award, dated February 29, 2024 relating to 20,101 performance-based restricted stock units, (iv) the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement 2025 Performance Vesting Award dated February 27, 2025 relating to 27,920 performance-based restricted stock units, and (v) the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated February 26, 2026 relating to 12,225 time-based restricted stock units (all such equity award agreements, collectively, the "***Equity Awards***");

**WHEREAS,** Employee's employment with the Company will end no later than August 31, 2026**;**

**WHEREAS**, Employee is willing to provide transition assistance to the Company in the role of a Special Advisor prior to the end of his employment, and the Company wishes to receive such assistance;

**WHEREAS**, the Parties desire to enter into this Agreement in order to memorialize their agreement regarding Employee's role and continued employment through the Separation Date (as defined below), and Employee's transition of Employee's duties;

**WHEREAS**, provided that Employee enters into this Agreement and satisfies the terms herein, then the Company will provide Employee with the severance benefits and other consideration as set forth herein; and

**WHEREAS**, the Parties wish to resolve any and all claims that Employee has or may have against the Company or any of the other Released Parties (as defined below), including any claims that Employee may have arising out of Employee's employment or the end of such employment and certain claims the Company has or may have against Employee.

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**NOW, THEREFORE**, in consideration of the promises set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by Employee and the Company, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1. <u>Special Advisor Role; Separation from Employment; Transition Period</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) As of the Effective Date, Employee hereby voluntarily resigns from the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as of the Effective Date, Employee no longer serves as a Company officer, and Employee's title as an employee of the Company shall be Special Advisor. As of the Effective Date, that certain letter agreement dated May 24, 2022 between the Parties memorializing the agreement for the Company to provide Employee with the right to use the Company's then-current corporate aircraft (the "***Aircraft Agreement***") shall be null and void, and Employee shall have no further or future rights arising from the Aircraft Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Employee's employment with the Company shall end no later than August 31, 2026. Unless earlier terminated by the Company with or without Cause (as defined in the Severance Agreement), or due to Employee's earlier resignation for any reason, or as a result of Employee's death, Employee's employment with the Company shall automatically end on August 31, 2026. As used herein, the "***Separation Date***" means August 31, 2026 or such earlier date that Employee's employment with the Company actually terminates. In entering into this Agreement, Employee acknowledges and agrees that, from and after the Effective Date, Employee shall not have Good Reason (as defined in the Severance Agreement) to resign from employment, and any resignation of employment by Employee shall not be for Good Reason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) From the Effective Date through the Separation Date (such period, the "***Transition Period***"), Employee shall serve as an employee in the non-executive capacity of Special Advisor to the Company and, in such capacity, Employee shall report solely and directly to the Company's Chairman and shall provide such advice and assistance commensurate with such position as the Chairman may reasonably request from time to time, which may include providing leadership transition assistance to the Company's interim Chief Executive Officer and assisting with the Company's search process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer. During the Transition Period, Employee may work remotely and is not required to report to Company headquarters or other premises (but may access Company headquarters and his office at his election) and may engage in other business, charitable, or civic activities so long as such activities do not violate the Ongoing Covenants (as defined below) or affect in any material respect Employee's abilities to substantially provide the services required of him hereunder. During the Transition Period, Employee shall remain employed by the Company and, for all services provided during the Transition Period, Employee shall continue to (i) receive the base salary, along with continuation of all employee benefits and perquisites (other than those benefits and perquisites provided pursuant to the Aircraft Agreement), that Employee was eligible to receive from the Company immediately prior to the Effective Date and (ii) vest in his short term incentive plan cash bonus and Equity Awards in accordance with the written terms of such short term incentive plan and Equity Awards (in each case, as may be modified by the Severance Agreement).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) As of the Separation Date, Employee will have no further employment relationship with the Company or any other Company Party.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2. <u>Severance Benefits</u>.** Provided that Employee (i) provides the services required of Employee during the Transition Period and complies with the terms of this Agreement, and the Separation Date occurs on August 31, 2026 (or the Separation Date occurs prior to August 31, 2026 due to any reason (including, without limitation, Employee's voluntary resignation) other than the Company's termination of Employee's employment for "Cause" as such term is defined in the Severance Agreement), (ii) timely executes this Agreement and returns it to the Company, care of Jeff Lobb, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at [ ], so that it is received by Mr. Lobb no later than 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 20, 2026, (iii) timely executes and returns to the Company (and does not revoke in the time provided to do so) the Confirming Release as set forth in <u>Section 6</u> below, and (iv) abides by each of Employee's commitments set forth herein; provided, that, in each case, in the event of an alleged failure to comply with an applicable term or obligation, the Company shall provide Employee with written notice of such failure to comply, and not less than five (5) days to cure, if curable, then the Company will provide Employee with:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The severance benefits set forth in Section 6 of the Severance Agreement, (the "***Severance Benefits***"), which Severance Benefits shall be provided in the time, and subject to the terms, set forth in the Severance Agreement (with the Parties' understanding that Employee's satisfaction of the terms of this Section 2 shall be deemed to have satisfied Employee's requirements set forth in the Severance Agreement with respect to the Release Agreement (as defined in the Severance Agreement); provided, however, that the following changes shall be made to Section 6 of the Severance Agreement and with respect to the Severance Benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. The 2022 Equity Awards shall not be subject to Section 6(c) of the Severance Agreement, but shall instead
be governed by the terms of the applicable 2022 Equity Award, treating Employee's termination of employment under this Agreement on the Separation Date as a termination by the Company without "Cause" for purposes of Section 3
of the 2022 Equity Awards; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. For purposes of the monthly welfare benefit payment provided for in Section 6(e) of the Severance
Agreement, the reference in Section 6(e) to "the day preceding the Employee's 65th birthday" shall be deleted and replaced with reference to "September 30, 2032." For the avoidance of doubt, the Monthly Welfare
Benefit Payment shall not include any tax gross-up amounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Regarding the Company's "Stay at Choice" program (or any successor program or arrangement substantially similar thereto): (i) for any portion of 2026 after the Separation Date, the Company shall provide Employee with a benefit of $40,000 worth of hotel accommodations, less the amount of Employee's reimbursed "Stay at Choice" program stays incurred in 2026 prior to the Separation Date (but in no event more than $25,000), without any tax gross-ups, and (ii) thereafter for each of the next ten calendar years, the Company shall provide Employee with an annual benefit of $25,000 worth of hotel accommodations, without any tax gross-up*.***

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) In the event that Employee's employment as Special Advisor is terminated by the Company prior to August 31, 2026 without "Cause" (as defined in the Severance Agreement), Employee shall continue to receive the compensation and benefits described in Section 1(c)(i) and (ii) of this Agreement until August 31, 2026 as if Employee had remained continuously employed through August 31, 2026.

For the avoidance of doubt, Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that (x) Employee shall have no further or future rights to payment or benefits pursuant to the Severance Agreement other than the payments and benefits specifically referenced in this <u>Section 2</u>, and (y) as of the Effective Date, other than as set forth in this <u>Section 2</u>, Employee is not eligible for, and has no further rights or entitlements with respect to, any severance payments or severance benefits from the Company or any other Company Party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3. <u>Receipt of Leaves, Bonuses, and Other Compensation</u>.** Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that Employee would not be entitled to the consideration described in <u>Section 2</u>, or any portion thereof, but for Employee's entry into this Agreement and compliance with the terms herein. Employee further represents, acknowledges and agrees that, with the exception of (x) any unpaid base salary earned by Employee in the pay period in which the Signing Date occurred, and (y) any sums to which Employee may be entitled pursuant to <u>Sections 1</u> and <u>2</u> of this Agreement, Employee has been paid in full all bonuses, been provided all benefits, and otherwise received all wages, compensation, and other sums owed or that could be owed by the Company and the other Company Parties to Employee. Employee further represents, acknowledges and agrees that Employee has received all leaves (paid and unpaid) that Employee has been entitled to receive from the Company and the other Company Parties through the date that Employee signs this Agreement (the "***Signing Date***").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4. <u>Employee's Release of Claims</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Employee, on behalf of Employee and Employee's successors, heirs, affiliates, estate, assigns, and anyone purporting to claim through or on behalf of Employee, does hereby forever, fully and finally release, acquit, and discharge the Company and its subsidiaries and other affiliates (collectively, each of the foregoing entities are referred to herein as the "***Company Parties***" and each is a "***Company Party***"), and each of the Company Parties' respective past, present and future affiliates and subsidiaries and each of the foregoing entities' respective (i) predecessors, successors, significant shareholders, members, partners, officers, managers, directors, and fiduciaries in their personal and representative capacities, and (ii) employees, representatives, agents, and benefit plans (and the fiduciaries of such plans), in their representative capacities (collectively, each Company Party and each other person and entity referenced in this sentence, the "***Released Parties***" and each a "***Released Party***"), from liability for, and does hereby covenant and agree never to institute or cause to be instituted any suit or other form of action or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against any of the Released Parties based upon, claims, demands, losses, indebtedness, agreements, promises, causes of action, obligations, damages and liabilities of any nature whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether or not known, suspected or claimed, that Employee has ever had, has claimed to have, now has, or could have against any Released Party by reason of any act, omission, event, occurrence, or thing existing or occurring on or before the Signing Date, including any and all claims, demands, losses, indebtedness, agreements, promises, causes of action, obligations, damages and liabilities, in each case, relating to Employee's employment with or engagement by any Released Party, Employee's awards under any equity incentive, compensation or bonus plan or arrangement sponsored or

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maintained by any Released Party, any equity or equity-based interest in any Released Party, or any other acts or omissions related to any matter existing or occurring on or prior to the Signing Date, including: (i) any alleged violation of any federal, state or local employment law, including those relating to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation, or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance, including, for the avoidance of doubt, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("***ERISA***"); the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Immigration Reform Control Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; any federal, state or local wage and hour law; (ii) any public policy, contract, tort, or common law claim, including any claim for defamation, emotional distress, fraud or misrepresentation of any kind, promissory estoppel, breach of any implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, breach of implied or express contract, breach of fiduciary duty or wrongful discharge; (iii) any allegation for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys' fees incurred in, or with respect to, any Released Claims (as defined below); (iv) any claim, whether direct or derivative, arising from, or relating to, Employee's status as a holder of any shares or interests in any Released Party; (v) any and all rights, benefits or claims Employee may have under (x) any employment agreement, incentive plan, bonus agreement, or award agreement, or otherwise with respect to any amount owed on or before the Signing Date or (y) any other agreement, plan or arrangement with, or sponsored or maintained by, any Released Party; and (vi) any claim for compensation or benefits of any kind through the Signing Date (collectively, the "***Released Claims***"). **THIS RELEASE INCLUDES MATTERS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SOLE OR PARTIAL NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER GROSS OR SIMPLE) OR OTHER FAULT, INCLUDING STRICT LIABILITY, OF ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The foregoing release does not release or impair (i) any rights to vested benefits under an employee benefit plan of any Released Party that is subject to ERISA and that cannot be released pursuant to ERISA, (ii) any claims first arising after the Signing Date, including rights to payment pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) Employee's ability to file a claim for unemployment insurance or workers' compensation benefits or any other claims that cannot be released as a matter of law, (iv) any rights with respect to vested equity interests or as a shareholder of the Company, in each case to the extent first arising after the Signing Date, or (vi) any right or claims to indemnification pursuant to applicable Company policies or bylaws or any individual written agreement with Employee, or coverage under any directors and officers liability insurance policy. Further, nothing in this Agreement prevents Employee from filing any non-legally waivable claim, including a challenge to the validity of this Agreement, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (collectively "***Governmental Agencies***") or participating in (or cooperating with) any investigation or proceeding conducted by any Governmental Agency; however, Employee understands and agrees that, to the extent permitted by law, Employee is waiving any and all rights to recover any monetary or personal relief or recovery from the Released Parties as a result of such Governmental Agency proceeding or subsequent legal actions.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Nothing herein waives (and the Released Claims do not include) Employee's right to receive an award for information provided to a Governmental Agency (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any monetary award or bounty from any governmental agency or regulatory or law enforcement authority in connection with any protected "whistleblower" activity), and nothing herein or in any other agreement between Employee and any Released Party shall prohibit or restrict Employee or any other individual from (i) initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing information or making statements to, causing information to be provided to, or otherwise assisting in an investigation by, any Governmental Agency; (ii) responding to any inquiry or legal process directed to Employee from any Governmental Agency; (iii) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in any action or proceeding by any Governmental Agency; (iv) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in any action or proceeding by any Governmental Agency relating to a possible violation of law; or (v) making any disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement requires Employee to obtain prior authorization before engaging in any conduct described in the previous sentence or to notify any Released Party that Employee engaged in any such conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5. <u>The Company's Release of Claims</u>**. In entering into this Agreement, Employee expressly represents that he has not committed any fraudulent act, breached any fiduciary duty, or otherwise violated any with respect to any Company Party or in the course of employment or providing services for any Company Party. In express reliance on the representations in the previous sentence, and subject to the accuracy of such representations, and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company does hereby forever, fully and finally release, acquit, and discharge Employee from liability for, and does hereby covenant and agree never to institute or cause to be instituted any suit or other form of action or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against Employee based upon, claims, demands, losses, indebtedness, agreements, promises, causes of action, obligations, damages and liabilities of any nature whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether or not known, suspected or claimed, that the Company has ever had, has claimed to have, now has, or could have against Employee by reason of any act, omission, event, occurrence, or thing existing or occurring on or before the date the Company signs this Agreement, including any and all claims, demands, losses, indebtedness, agreements, promises, causes of action, obligations, damages and liabilities relating to Employee's employment with or engagement by the Company, or any other acts or omissions related to any matter existing or occurring on or prior to the date the Company signs this Agreement. **THIS RELEASE INCLUDES MATTERS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SOLE OR PARTIAL NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER GROSS OR SIMPLE) OR OTHER FAULT, INCLUDING STRICT LIABILITY, OF EMPLOYEE.** The foregoing release by the Company does not release or impair (i) any claims first arising after the date the Company signs this Agreement or (ii) any non-legally waivable claim. The Company represents that, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company is not aware of any claims, demands, causes of actions, fees and liabilities of any kind whatsoever, which it or others had, now have or may have against Employee as of the date of this Agreement, by reason of any actual or alleged act, omission, transaction, practice, conduct, statement, occurrence, or any other matter related to Employee's employment with the Company or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6. <u>Confirming Release</u>.** On the Separation Date or within twenty (21) days thereafter, Employee shall execute the Confirming Release Agreement that is attached as <u>Exhibit A</u> (the "***Confirming Release***") and return the executed Confirming Release to the Company, care of Jeff Lobb, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at [ ], so that it is received by Mr. Lobb no later than twenty (21) days after the Separation Date.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7. <u>Review of Agreement; Advice to Consult with Attorney; Employee's</u> Representations; Revocation Right.** *This is an important legal document, and the Company hereby advises Employee to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Employee acknowledges and agrees that: (i) Employee has been advised, and hereby is advised in writing, to discuss this Agreement with an attorney of Employee's choice before signing this Agreement, and Employee has had adequate opportunity to do so; (ii) Employee has had sufficient time to consider this Agreement before signing it, and no changes to this Agreement (whether material or immaterial) will re-start the period for Employee to consider whether to enter into this Agreement; (iii) Employee is receiving, pursuant to this Agreement, consideration in addition to anything of value to which Employee is already entitled; and (iv) neither the Company nor any other Released Party has provided any tax or legal advice to Employee regarding this Agreement, and Employee has had an adequate opportunity to receive sufficient tax and legal advice from advisors of Employee's own choosing such that Employee enters into this Agreement with full understanding of the tax and legal implications thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Employee is signing this Agreement knowingly, voluntarily and of Employee's own free will. Employee relies on Employee's own judgment in entering into this Agreement, and Employee understands and agrees to each of the terms of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The only matters relied upon by Employee and causing Employee to sign this Agreement are the provisions set forth in writing within the four corners of this Agreement, and in entering this Agreement, Employee has not relied on any representation or statement, written or oral, of any Released Party or any Released Party's agent that is not set forth in this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8. <u>Return of Company Property; Ongoing Obligations and Non-Disparagement</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Employee agrees that, not later than the Separation Date, Employee shall return (without retaining copies of) all property belonging to the Company and any other Company Party, including the originals and all copies of any records, documents, electronically stored information, computer files or drives, or other materials which contain information about the Company's business or were provided to Employee by the Company or any other Company Party in the course of Employee's employment or engagement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee may retain his contacts, calendars, correspondence that is solely personal and non-business related, and any information or documents reasonably necessary for the preparation of his tax returns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Employee acknowledges and agrees that, both before and after the Separation Date, Employee has ongoing obligations to the Company and the other Company Parties with respect to the protection of trade secrets, non-use and non-disclosure of confidential information, non-solicitation and non-competition, including as set forth in Sections 3 through 5 of the Severance Agreement (the "***Ongoing Covenants***"). Employee acknowledges the continued effectiveness and enforceability of the Ongoing Covenants and expressly promises to abide by all such Ongoing Covenants, both before and after the Separation Date.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Employee hereby agrees, at all times following the Signing Date, not to disparage, defame, or cast in a false light the Company, any of its affiliated entities, or any of their respective officers, directors, managers, members, or representatives. The Company hereby agrees, following the Signing Date, to instruct its officers and directors not to disparage, defame, or cast in a false light Employee and agrees that it shall not make or release any press release, filing, public announcement, or other official statement that disparages, defames or casts Employee in a false light. Nothing in this <u>Section 7(c)</u> will prevent any individual or entity from making any truthful statements to any Governmental Agency or required by law or legal process, engaging in any activity described in <u>Section 4(c)</u> above, or from rebutting false, misleading, disparaging or defamatory statements made by one party (in the case of the Company, including its officers and directors) about the other.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9. <u>Fee Reimbursement</u>**. The Company will reimburse Employee for up to $50,000 worth of the total fees actually incurred by Employee in order to engage legal counsel and a public relations consultant in order to advise Employee with respect to the review of this Agreement and any proposed public announcements regarding Employee's transition from the President and Chief Executive Officer role and separation from employment. Employee will submit invoices to the Company for such fees no later than ten (10) days after the Separation Date, and the Company will provide such reimbursement within thirty (30) days after its receipt of such invoices.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10. <u>Applicable Law; Dispute Resolution</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement shall in all respects be construed according to the laws of the State of Maryland without regard to its conflict of laws principles that would result in the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be subject to the dispute resolution (including arbitration) provision set forth in Section 11 of the Severance Agreement, which is hereby incorporated by reference. IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY, KNOWINGLY, AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11. <u>No Waiver</u>.** No failure by either Party at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12. <u>Interpretation</u>.** In this Agreement, (a) the use herein of the word "including" following any general statement, term or matter shall not be construed to limit such statement, term or matter to the specific items or matters set forth immediately following such word or to similar items or matters, whether or not non-limiting language (such as "without limitation", "but not limited to", or words of similar import) is used with reference thereto, but rather shall be deemed to refer to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of such general statement, term or matter; (b) references to Sections refer to Sections of this Agreement; (c) the words "this Agreement," "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereunder" and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the

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Confirming Release), and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited; (d) references in any Section or definition to any clause means such clause of such Section or definition; (e) reference to any agreement (including this Agreement), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or modified (including any waiver or consent) and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof; (f) reference to any law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, within the Confirming Release) means such law as amended, modified, codified, reenacted or replaced and in effect from time to time; and (g) references to "or" shall be interpreted to mean "and/or". The Section titles and headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against any Party hereto, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise. On the contrary, this Agreement has been reviewed by each of the Parties hereto and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to fairly accomplish the purposes and intentions of the Parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13. <u>Severability</u>.** To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company and Employee hereby agree that any term or provision of this Agreement that renders such term or provision or any other term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect shall be severable and shall be modified or severed to the extent necessary to avoid rendering such term or provision invalid or unenforceable, and such modification or severance shall be accomplished in the manner that most nearly preserves the benefit of the Parties' bargain hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14. <u>Withholding of Taxes and Other Deductions</u>.** The Company shall withhold from all payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, local, and other taxes and withholdings as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15. <u>Section 409A</u>.** Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all provisions of this Agreement are intended to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "***Code***"), and the applicable Treasury regulations and administrative guidance issued thereunder (collectively, "***Section 409A***") and shall be construed and administered in accordance with such intent. If Employee or the Company shall determine in good faith that any provision of this Agreement contravenes Section 409A or would cause Employee to be subject to additional taxes, interest or penalties under Section 409A, Employee and the Company shall discuss in good faith modifications to the payment timing set forth in this Agreement in order to mitigate or eliminate such taxes, interest or penalties, with intent to maintain the original economic intent of the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payment(s) and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with or are exempt from the requirements of Section 409A and in no event shall the Company or any other Company Party be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by Employee on account of non-compliance with Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Any payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to any additional Section 409A payment timing provisions set forth in Section 12 of the Severance Agreement, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**16. <u>No Mitigation</u>**. In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek or obtain other employment after the Separation Date or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17. <u>Counterparts</u>.** This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including portable document format (.pdf) counterparts), each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18. <u>Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment</u>.** Each Released Party that is not a signatory hereto shall be an intended third-party beneficiary of Employee's covenants, representations, and release of claims set forth in this Agreement and shall be entitled to enforce such covenants, representations, and release as if a party hereto. The Company has the right to assign this Agreement, including to any other Company Party or successor, but Employee does not. This Agreement inures to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company, who are intended third party beneficiaries of this Agreement. In the event of Employee's death, the Company shall provide Employee's estate (or beneficiaries) with any payments due to Employee under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19. <u>Entire Agreement; Amendment</u>.** This Agreement, together with the Equity Awards (and, as referenced herein, the Severance Agreement), represents the entire agreement between the Company and Employee regarding the subject matter herein. Subject to <u>Section 13</u>, this Agreement may not be changed except by written amendment duly executed by Employee and the Company.

[*Signatures begin on the following page*]

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**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties hereto have knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement with the intent to be legally bound.

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| |
|:---|
|  **PATRICK PACIOUS** |
|  /s/ Patrick Pacious |
|  Date: May 20, 2026 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.** | **CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.** |
| By: | /s/ Jeffrey W. Lobb |
| Name: | Jeffrey W. Lobb |
| Title: | Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
| Date: | May 20, 2026 |

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**EXHIBIT A** 

**CONFIRMING RELEASE AGREEMENT** 

This Confirming Release Agreement (the "***Confirming Release***") is that certain Confirming Release referenced in Section 6 of the Transition and Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims (the "***Separation Agreement***"), entered into by and between Choice Hotels International, Inc. (the "***Company***"), and Patrick Pacious ("***Employee***"). Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined have the meanings assigned to them in the Separation Agreement. In signing below, Employee agrees as follows:

**1. <u>Complete Release of Claims</u>.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) For good and valuable consideration, including the consideration set forth in Section 2 of the Separation Agreement (and any portion thereof), Employee, on behalf of Employee and Employee's successors, heirs, affiliates, estate, assigns, and anyone purporting to claim through or on behalf of Employee, does hereby forever, fully and finally release, acquit, and discharge the Company and its subsidiaries and other affiliates (collectively, each of the foregoing entities are referred to herein as the "***Confirming Release Company Parties***" and each is a "***Confirming Release Company Party***"), and each of the Confirming Release Company Parties' respective past, present and future affiliates and subsidiaries and each of the foregoing entities' respective (i) predecessors, successors, significant shareholders, members, partners, officers, managers, directors, and fiduciaries in their personal and representative capacities, and (ii) employees, representatives, agents, and benefit plans (and the fiduciaries of such plans), in their representative capacities (collectively, each Confirming Release Company Party and each other person and entity referenced in this sentence, the "***Confirming Released Parties***" and each a "***Confirming Released Party***"), from liability for, and does hereby covenant and agree never to institute or cause to be instituted any suit or other form of action or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against any of the Confirming Released Parties based upon, claims, demands, losses, indebtedness, agreements, promises, causes of action, obligations, damages and liabilities of any nature whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether or not known, suspected or claimed, that Employee has ever had, has claimed to have, now has, or could have against any Confirming Released Party by reason of any act, omission, event, occurrence, or thing existing or occurring on or before the date Employee signs this Confirming Release (the "***Confirming Release Signing Date***"), including any and all claims, demands, losses, indebtedness, agreements, promises, causes of action, obligations, damages and liabilities, in each case, relating to Employee's employment with or engagement by any Confirming Released Party, Employee's awards under any equity incentive, compensation or bonus plan or arrangement sponsored or maintained by any Confirming Released Party, any equity or equity-based interest in any Confirming Released Party, or any other acts or omissions related to any matter existing or occurring on or prior to the Confirming Release Signing Date, including: (i) any alleged violation of any federal, state or local employment law, including those relating to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation, or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (including as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("***ERISA***"); the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993;

EXHIBIT A-1

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the Immigration Reform Control Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; any federal, state or local wage and hour law; (ii) any public policy, contract, tort, or common law claim, including any claim for defamation, emotional distress, fraud or misrepresentation of any kind, promissory estoppel, breach of any implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, breach of implied or express contract, breach of fiduciary duty or wrongful discharge; (iii) any allegation for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys' fees incurred in, or with respect to, any Confirming Released Claims (as defined below); (iv) any claim, whether direct or derivative, arising from, or relating to, Employee's status as a holder of any shares or interests in any Confirming Released Party; (v) any and all rights, benefits or claims Employee may have under (x) any employment agreement, incentive plan, bonus agreement, or award agreement, or otherwise with respect to any amount owed on or before the Confirming Release Signing Date or (y) any other agreement, plan or arrangement with, or sponsored or maintained by, any Confirming Released Party; and (vii) any claim for compensation or benefits of any kind through the Signing Date (collectively, the "***Confirming Released Claims***"). **THIS RELEASE INCLUDES MATTERS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SOLE OR PARTIAL NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER GROSS OR SIMPLE) OR OTHER FAULT, INCLUDING STRICT LIABILITY, OF ANY OF THE CONFIRMING RELEASED PARTIES**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The foregoing release does not release or impair (i) any rights to vested benefits under an employee benefit plan of any Confirming Released Party that is subject to ERISA and that cannot be released pursuant to ERISA, (ii) any claims first arising after the Confirming Release Signing Date, (iii) Employee's ability to file a claim for unemployment insurance or workers' compensation benefits or any other claims that cannot be released as a matter of law, (iv) any rights with respect to vested equity interests or as a shareholder of the Company, in each case to the extent first arising after the Confirming Release Signing Date, or (vi) any right or claims to indemnification pursuant to applicable Company policies or bylaws or any individual written agreement with Employee, or coverage under any directors and officers liability insurance policy. Further, nothing in this Confirming Release prevents Employee from filing any non-legally waivable claim, including a challenge to the validity of this Agreement, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (collectively "***Governmental Agencies***") or participating in (or cooperating with) any investigation or proceeding conducted by any Governmental Agency; however, Employee understands and agrees that, to the extent permitted by law, Employee is waiving any and all rights to recover any monetary or personal relief or recovery from the Confirming Released Parties as a result of such Governmental Agency proceeding or subsequent legal actions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Nothing herein waives (and the Confirming Released Claims do not include) Employee's right to receive an award for information provided to a Governmental Agency (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any monetary award or bounty from any governmental agency or regulatory or law enforcement authority in connection with any protected "whistleblower" activity), and nothing herein or in any other agreement between Employee and any Confirming Released Party shall prohibit or restrict Employee or any other individual from (i) initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing information or making statements to, causing information to be provided to, or otherwise assisting in an investigation by,

EXHIBIT A-2

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any Governmental Agency; (ii) responding to any inquiry or legal process directed to Employee from any Governmental Agency; (iii) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in any action or proceeding by any Governmental Agency; (iv) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in any action or proceeding by any Governmental Agency relating to a possible violation of law; or (v); making any disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any applicable law. Nothing in this Confirming Release requires Employee to obtain prior authorization before engaging in any conduct described in the previous sentence or to notify any Confirming Released Party that Employee engaged in any such conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2. <u>Satisfaction of Obligations; Receipt of Leaves, Bonuses, and Other Compensation</u>.** Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee has been paid in full all bonuses, been provided all benefits, been afforded all rights and otherwise received all wages, compensation, and other sums that Employee has been owed or ever could be owed by each Confirming Release Company Party (with the exception of (i) any severance benefits to which Employee is entitled pursuant to Section 2 of the Separation Agreement, (ii) and, if still unpaid on the date Employee signs this Confirming Release, Employee's base salary for the pay period in which the Separation Date occurred). Employee further acknowledges and agrees that Employee has received all leaves (paid and unpaid) that Employee has been entitled to receive from each Confirming Release Company Party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3. <u>Employee's Acknowledgments; Advice to Consult with Attorney</u>.** *This is an important legal document, and the Company hereby advises Employee to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Confirming Release*. In executing and delivering this Confirming Release, Employee expressly acknowledges that: (a) Employee has carefully read this Confirming Release and has had sufficient time (and at least twenty-one (21) days) to consider this Confirming Release before its execution and delivery to the Company; (b) Employee is receiving, pursuant to the Separation Agreement and Employee's execution of this Confirming Release, consideration in addition to anything of value to which Employee is already entitled; (c) Employee has been advised to discuss this Confirming Release with an attorney of Employee's choice before signing this Confirming Release, and Employee has had an adequate opportunity to do so prior to executing this Confirming Release; (d) Employee fully understands the final and binding effect of this Confirming Release; the only promises made to Employee to sign this Confirming Release are those contained herein and in the Separation Agreement, Employee is relying upon Employee's own judgment in entering into this Confirming Release and, in entering this Agreement, Employee has not relied on any representation or statement, written or oral, of any Confirming Released Party or any Confirming Released Party's agent that is not set forth in the Separation Agreement (including this Confirming Release); (e) Employee is signing this Confirming Release knowingly, voluntarily and of Employee's own free will, and Employee understands and agrees to each of the terms of this Confirming Release; and (f) the only matters relied upon by Employee and causing Employee to sign this Confirming Release are the provisions set forth in writing within this Confirming Release and the Separation Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4. <u>Revocation Right</u>.** Employee may revoke the delivery (and therefore the effectiveness) of this Confirming Release within the seven-day period beginning on the date Employee executes this Confirming Release (such seven day period being referred to herein as the "***Confirming Release Revocation Period***"). To be effective, such revocation must be in writing signed by Employee and must be received by the Company, care of Jeff Lobb, Senior Vice

EXHIBIT A-3

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President, General Counsel and Secretary at [ ], so that it is received Mr. Lobb no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the last day of the Confirming Release Revocation Period. In the event Employee exercises Employee's revocation right as set forth herein, this Confirming Release will be of no force or effect, Employee will not be entitled to receive the consideration set forth in Section 2 of the Separation Agreement, and all other provisions of the Separation Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5. <u>Return of Property</u>.** Employee represents and warrants that Employee has returned to the Company all property belonging to the Company or any other Company Party, including the originals and all copies of any records, documents, electronically stored information, computer files or drives, or other materials which contain information about the Company's or any other Confirming Release Company Party's business or were provided to Employee by the Company or any other Confirming Release Company Party in the course of Employee's employment or engagement.

EMPLOYEE HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS CONFIRMING RELEASE, FULLY UNDERSTANDS SUCH CONFIRMING RELEASE, AND SIGNS IT AS EMPLOYEE'S OWN FREE ACT.

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| |
|:---|
|  Patrick Pacious |
|  Date: |

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EXHIBIT A-4

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1** 

**Choice Hotels International Announces CEO Transition** 

*Patrick Pacious Steps Down as President and Chief Executive Officer* 

*Chief Growth & Strategy Officer Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer* 

*Company Reaffirms Full Year 2026 Financial Guidance* 

**NORTH BETHESDA, Md., May 20, 2026** – Choice Hotels International, Inc. ("Choice Hotels" or "the Company") (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today announced a leadership transition under which Patrick Pacious will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer. Pacious will serve as an advisor to the Company through August 31, 2026, to support the transition. The Company's Board of Directors has appointed Dominic Dragisich, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective May 20, 2026.

The Board will conduct a comprehensive search in partnership with a leading executive search firm to identify the Company's next Chief Executive Officer and will consider all qualified internal and external candidates.

Over the course of his nearly 21-year tenure with Choice Hotels, including as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2017, Pacious has led a period of significant growth and transformation for the Company. Under his leadership, Choice Hotels expanded its portfolio from 11 to 22 brands, grew its presence in the upscale and extended-stay segments through the acquisitions of WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas, established a high growth direct franchising international platform, advanced franchisee-focused technology and digital initiatives, and more than doubled adjusted EBITDA.

"Leading Choice Hotels has been the greatest privilege of my career," said Pacious. "Together, we have built a higher-quality portfolio of hotels, a more accretive, diverse pipeline, and a capital-light model that enables the Company to capture significant opportunities ahead. Having laid the foundation for a customer-centric, AI-enabled business, in alignment with our long-term strategic plan, now is the right time for a new leader to guide Choice Hotels into its next phase of growth. I look forward to partnering with the Board, Dom and the entire leadership team to facilitate a smooth transition."

"Pat's leadership has helped define a new era for Choice Hotels. Through strategic acquisitions, disciplined portfolio growth, international expansion, and a relentless focus on franchisee success, Choice has become a more resilient and diversified company," said Stewart W. Bainum, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors for Choice Hotels International. "On behalf of the Board, the Bainum family and other shareholders, we thank Pat for his leadership, vision, and many contributions."

Bainum added, "Choice Hotels is a stronger Company today with a solid operational and financial foundation, a talented leadership team and significant long-term growth potential. The Board has full confidence in Dom's leadership and the Company's continued momentum as we conduct a comprehensive search process for Choice's next CEO."

Before becoming Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, Dragisich previously served as EVP, Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer and as the Company's Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2023. Dragisich has helped lead the Company's strategic evolution, overseeing transformative acquisitions and other major growth initiatives to enhance long-term value.

"I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO and look forward to building on the Company's strong foundation. We remain focused on delivering long-term value for our franchisees and shareholders and creating great experiences for our guests and associates," said Dragisich.

**Reaffirms Full-Year 2026 Outlook** 

In connection with today's announcement, the Company is reaffirming its full-year 2026 financial outlook provided in the Company's first quarter 2026 earnings results reported on April 30, 2026. The Company remains focused on executing its strategic priorities, driving franchisee success, and delivering long-term shareholder value.

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**About Choice Hotels<sup>®</sup>** 

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, with over 7,500 hotels, representing more than 650,000 rooms, in 51 countries and territories. A wide-ranging portfolio of 22 brands that includes full-service upper upscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy properties enables Choice<sup>®</sup> to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges<sup>®</sup> rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.

**Forward-looking Statements** 

Information set forth herein includes "forward-looking statements." Certain, but not necessarily all, of such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "expect," "estimate," "believe," "anticipate," "should," "will," "forecast," "plan," "project," "assume," or similar words of futurity. All statements other than historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, assumptions, and expectations regarding future events, which in turn are based on information currently available to management. Such statements may relate to Choice's financial outlook, adjusted EBITDA, leadership transition process, strategic plans, artificial intelligence technologies, value creation, growth rate and plans related thereto, among other matters. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors.

Several factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes to general, U.S. and foreign economic conditions, including access to liquidity and capital; changes in consumer demand and confidence, including consumer discretionary spending and the demand for travel, transient and group business; the timing and amount of future dividends and share repurchases; future U.S. or global outbreaks of epidemics, pandemics or contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks, and the related impact on the global hospitality industry, particularly but not exclusively the U.S. travel market; changes in law and regulation applicable to the travel, lodging or franchising industries, including with respect to the status of our relationship with employees of our franchisees; the potential impact of new laws and regulations generally, including, without limitation, those relating to taxes, wages, labor and immigration; foreign currency fluctuations; changes in global interest rates and rate differentials; variability and unpredictability in trade relations, sanctions, tariffs or other trade controls; the federal government funding lapse and related government shutdowns; impairments or declines in the value of our assets; our assumptions underlying our critical accounting estimates; operating risks common in the travel, lodging or franchising industries; changes to the desirability of our brands as viewed by hotel operators and customers; changes to the terms or termination of our contracts with franchisees and our relationships with our franchisees; our ability to keep pace with improvements in technology utilized for our marketing and reservation systems and other operating systems; our ability to grow our franchise system; exposure to risks related to our hotel development, financing, franchise agreement acquisition costs and ownership activities; exposures to risks associated with our investments in new businesses; fluctuations in the supply and demand for hotel rooms; our ability to realize anticipated benefits from acquired businesses; impairments or losses relating to acquired businesses; the level of acceptance of alternative growth strategies we may implement; the impact of inflation; cyber security and data breach risks; introduction and integration of artificial intelligence technologies; climate change; our sustainability strategy; ownership and financing activities; hotel closures or financial difficulties of our franchisees; operating risks associated with our international operations; political instability, conflicts and terrorism; labor shortages; the outcome of litigation; and our ability to effectively manage our indebtedness and secure our indebtedness.

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These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

**Investor Contact** 

Allie Summers, Senior Director, Investor Relations

IR@choicehotels.com

**Media Contact** 

Dana Stambaugh, Senior Director, Strategic Communications & PR

MediaRelations@choicehotels.com