Dinelia Smiles has been appointed Director of Security at Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago
Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dinelia Smiles as the first female Director of Security in the hotel's 151-year history. Smiles brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, exclusively with Hilton hotels across Illinois, beginning with her role in the Front Office of the Hilton Oak Brook Suites following her high school graduation in 1996. In her new position, she will lead compliance within her 24-member team, while ensuring the safety and security of the hotel and everyone in it.
Most recently, Smiles served as Assistant Director of Security at The Palmer House, where she distinguished herself and earned a reputation for being accessible and engaging with both guests and team members, while also showing commitment to the community of Chicago. In 2000, Smiles had joined the Security Department at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, starting off as Safety Coordinator and working her way through the department before moving on to become Assistant Director of Security at The Drake Hotel in 2017. During her tenure at The Drake Hotel, Smiles spent 8 years assisting the Director of Security in overseeing and implementing all safety and security programs and initiatives. Notably, Smiles is also a veteran, who was deployed multiple times following the tragedies of 9/11, which has played an active role in the development of her passion for serving and protecting.
Smiles studied Political Science and Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. She values her time at home, in Lindenhurst, Illinois, with her husband, two children and pets.
