Welk Resorts, an award-winning and innovative vacation ownership and hospitality company, has expanded its team with the appointment of Patrick Dolan to the position of Chief Fun Officer. Concurrently, Welk has also introduced their innovative and exciting guest experience program, INSPIRED FOR YOU: Unforgettable Moments, Unique Experiences.

INSPIRED FOR YOU has been meticulously and thoughtfully crafted for Welk's valued guests to stimulate every one of the five senses, provide a true sense of place, and to push the limits of fun. This unique approach to guest engagement sets Welk Resorts apart from the competition, as it provides a broader spectrum of experiences designed to make incredible memories. Dolan, a former college athlete with a passion for world travel and experiential activities, will be responsible for the creation and implementation of the INSPIRED program across Welk's family of resorts in San Diego, Palm Springs, Branson, Lake Tahoe and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

"Our new Chief Fun Officer will be a key player in furthering our mission – to create vacation memories that families will cherish for a lifetime," said Glen Clinton, Senior Vice President of Resort Operations. "Patrick brings an adventure-seeking spirit and passionate nature to the team, and has already begun injecting an unprecedented level of fun, laughter and camaraderie into the Welk Resorts guest experience."

In his first weeks as CFO, Dolan has implemented a number of new activities and guest experiences under the new INSPIRED program – including an interactive molecular cooking experience complete with smoke guns, dry ice and a cultural walk through the unique artistry of food in San Diego. The INSPIRED experience will reflect the geographic location of each resort featuring local arts, food and entertainment unique to the area. In addition, INSPIRED is designed create an overall signature guest experience across Welk Resorts' entire portfolio.

A graduate of the University of Utah, Dolan spent his early years designing snowboard parks in the Wasatch Mountains and he eventually surfed his way through Europe, South America, New Zealand, Australia and Asia. Landing in San Diego, CA, he used his diverse background to secure several hospitality industry positions, serving most recently as the Director of Resort Services at a top San Diego resort and spa, and previously as Director of Food and Beverage for a local boutique hotel.

"I am both honored and excited to take on the role of Chief Fun Officer at Welk Resorts," said Patrick Dolan. "After a decade of experiencing the world through travel, I look forward to defining the true 'Welk Experience,' with unforgettable experiences that stay true to each unique destination."

With a legacy dating back to founder Lawrence Welk's days as the long-running host to ABC's popular daytime show "The Lawrence Welk Show," Welk Resorts has grown from an initial land purchase in San Diego in 1964 to a family of five premier vacation resorts. These properties operate as both resorts and timeshares with all five designated as Interval International Premier Resort properties. Three are also affiliated with Resort Condominiums International (RCI), a major worldwide vacation exchange organization, and have been honored with Gold Crown status. Welk Resorts plans to open new vacation properties in Breckenridge, Colorado, and Kauai, Hawaii.

About Welk Resorts
Founded in 1955 by the late entertainment icon, Lawrence Welk, Welk

Resorts is one of the most respected independent brands in the vacation-ownership industry today. Welk remains a privately held, family-owned company led by President and CEO Jon Fredricks, the grandson of Lawrence Welk. Fredricks has established the Welk Resort Group of properties as top vacation destinations. He has helped the company realize unprecedented growth by implementing profitable, high quality, expansion projects that provide superior vacation opportunities for Welk owners and guests.
Welk Resorts is comprised of five gorgeous destination resorts for vacations, retreats and family gatherings in Cabo San Lucas, Lake Tahoe, San Diego, Palm Springs and Branson with developments in Breckenridge (opening in 2017) and Kauai (opening in 2019). Part of the Interval International (II) family of timeshare properties, Welk Resorts delivers impeccable quality and variety whether travelers are booking a timeshare or hotel rental. For more information call 760-749-3000 or visit: www.welkresorts.com