Carissa Giliam has been appointed as General Manager at The Wildbirch Hotel - JDV by Hyatt
The Wildbirch Hotel, the first upscale boutique hotel in Anchorage and Alaska’s first JdV by Hyatt property, is proud to announce the appointment of Carissa Giliam as general manager. In her new role, Giliam oversees hotel operations, guest experience, commercial strategy, food and beverage, and team development at the 252-room hotel in the heart of downtown’s Mushing District. She steps into the role from within, having served as The Wildbirch Hotel’s director of sales and commercial affairs since August 2025, where she led the hotel’s commercial strategy through its first full year of operation, before moving into an interim GM role and now the official title.
With nearly two decades of professional experience in hotel operations, sales, and guest experience and having been immersed in the industry since she was a child – Giliam grew up in her family's locally owned hotel company, Aspen Hotels – she is recognized for building high-performing teams, running efficient operations and creating a culture where both guests and team members feel at home. Prior to joining The Wildbirch Hotel, Giliam served as general manager of the Hilton Anchorage and opening GM of the Aloft Anchorage. She also spent a year as director of hospitality and visitor experience at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center; the same Smithsonian-affiliated institution that partners with The Wildbirch Hotel.
A dedicated advocate for Alaska’s tourism industry, Giliam currently serves on the boards of Visit Anchorage and the Anchorage Downtown Partnership. Her career also includes nearly five years as general manager of Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown, and years of hotel taskforce experience.