LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 91

2 min

From Front Desk to Finance

👨‍💻 Leah Roberge, after starting a front desk job in high school, progressed from operations to accounting, combining her passions. Mentored by her father and Mike Straube, she values the lessons on following one's heart and the importance of patience. With over 20 years of experience, she notes significant growth in women's leadership roles in the hospitality industry and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion for both staff and guests.

2 min

Championing Safety and Well-Being

👨 Christy Haycraft entered the hospitality industry focusing on staff safety and well-being, particularly housekeepers. Mentors included Patricia Kavanaugh, known for building strong client relationships and George Winker, SVP of sales for North America, who excels in customer service and market understanding. The sector is increasingly valuing diversity and inclusion, enriching the guest experience and workplace environment. Progress in gender equality is seen with more women in leadership, driven by mentorship programs and supportive policies.

2 min

AHLA Grows Leadership Team With Two Executives

📢 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) expanded its executive team with Ralph Posner as Chief Communications Officer and Khristyn Brimmeier as Chief of Staff, under President and CEO Rosanna Maietta. Posner has decades of experience and was formerly with Seven Letter. Brimmeier's 25-year career includes work with Lot Sixteen and political campaigns. Additionally, Neal Daftary joined AHLA as VP, Market Development, Green Key Global, bringing over a decade of experience from OYO Hotels and other roles.

2 min

How Finance Led to Hospitality

🏨 Katelyn Majcen, with a finance major and consulting background, transitioned into the hospitality industry through real estate investment trust clients. Mentored on resilience and adaptability, she values diverse perspectives and continuous learning. In sales, Majcen notes progress in women's leadership roles within the lodging sector, seeing initiatives such as flexible policies and mentorship programs contributing to industry success and inclusivity.

2 min

Lessons from Mentors and Progress in Hospitality

👨 Stacy Silver entered the hospitality business unexpectedly, with a full-time role launching a hotel industry publication. Mentored by Jerry Merkin, Jerry Daly, and Pat Ford, she learned industry fundamentals, the importance of relationships, and hotel financing. Silver acknowledges the progress in diversity and inclusion, with increasing women's participation from a mere handful to significant presence in leadership, yet anticipates further advancements. She envisions diversity as a future norm in hospitality.

1 min

Loews Hotels Releases New Culinary Program Focused on Sustainability

🌿 Loews Hotels introduced Freshly Rooted, a sustainable culinary program serving salads with locally sourced ingredients. Mark Weiss, SVP of food, beverage, and design, emphasized support for local farms and natural, healthy ingredients. The program, featuring regional harvests and artisanal ingredients, includes dishes like Beet & Citrus Salad (Loews Arlington Hotel), Local Burrata Salad (Loews Miami Beach Hotel), and others, aiming to expand into banquets and meetings.

2 min

stayAPT Suites Signs Franchise Agreement With Destiny Partners for Five New Locations

📌 stayAPT Suites announced a franchise agreement with Destiny Partners, LLC/Destiny Hospitality, LLC to open five new locations in Pennsylvania. The towns include Lancaster, Reading, York, Bethlehem, and Allentown, with construction of the Lancaster property starting in spring 2025. This hotel will have 94 rooms. Gary A. DeLapp highlighted the expansion's importance. Shakher Patel of Destiny Partners praised stayAPT's business model and guest experience. The brand targets various guests like business travelers and relocating families.

4 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📌 Crescent Hotels & Resorts appointed Elie Khoury as COO. Highgate named Ben Thomas as COO for Europe. First Hospitality promoted Jenna Fishel to CCO since 2004. Vision Hospitality Group named Mary Beth Cutshall as CGO. Peregrine Hospitality welcomed Jason Druso as SVP of operations. Dreamscape Hospitality appointed Christy Jernigan as VP of feasibility. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group hired Kristina D’Amico as VP. Stonebridge appointed David Wahba as VP of sales. Concord Hospitality promoted Dannialle Neville to regional VP of operations. IHG Hotels & Resorts appointed Yann Gillet as area GM. Four Seasons named Diego Angarita as GM for Naples Beach Club, opening Fall 2025. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz welcomed Simon Spiller as GM. Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk appointed Chryssaldo Thomas as GM. R Collection Hotels, The Ava Hotel, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, Hyatt Regency Greenwich, The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, Park Lane New York, SLS Baha Mar, and Riverhouse Lodge announced new GMs or food and beverage directors. Bob W added Philip Ward to its Board. BH Properties hired Taylor Reid as senior asset manager. Montage Healdsburg appointed Nikki Severson as director of spa. Fairmont Chicago, Millennium

2 min

Shaping Hospitality’s Future

👥 Sarah Dinger, influenced by her community of 20,000 where Super 8 originated, cites hard work and "Midwest nice" as her inspiration in hospitality. She joined My Place in 2012, mentored by founders Ron Rivett and Ryan. Advocacy and supportive leadership were crucial lessons from Rachel Humphrey. Dinger sees progressive diversity and inclusion within hospitality and is optimistic about women's increasing leadership roles, acknowledging organizations like Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and AHLA ForWard Network for their efforts in advancing women.

2 min

Finding the Perfect Fit

📌 Laura Brouk's career in hospitality began with an economics and travel interest in high school, leading to a hospitality major and a pivotal internship at Marriott in St. Louis. Mentors like Patty Clark and Maureen Healy at Marriott, and Jean-Luc Barone and Chris Anderson from White Lodging, were crucial in fostering an inclusive environment. Observing more women and minorities in hospitality leadership, Brouk recognizes the industry's progress and the AHLA's commitment through the acquisition of the Castell Project, aimed at advancing women's leadership.

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