Elizabeth DerbyMs. Derby’s responsibilities at the hotel development and management company include creating and administrating models for operational excellence. She has oversight of all operations of the hotels including the development of the criteria and guidelines for the company’s hiring practices for all associates as well as the selection, training and mentoring of managers. She also is responsible for the sales and marketing strategies for the hotels including revenue management and ecommerce.Ms. Derby has spent more than 30 years in the hospitality industry. She joined Hotel Equities 16 years ago as the firm’s first Director of Sales & Marketing and helped grow the portfolio from four hotels in Atlanta to more than 40 properties in seven states from Maryland to Louisiana. Her early industry experience includes positions at the The Mills House Hotel in Charleston, the Memphis Marriott, the Lowell Sheraton, and the Charlotte Marriott Executive Park. She began her career at the Kiawah Island Resort near Charleston, South Carolina. A member of the board of the Hospitality Industry Ministries organization in Atlanta, Ms. Derby has held positions on the Fairfield Inn by Marriott Marketing Franchise Committee and the Marriott E-Commerce Franchise Committee.