The Westin Columbus is pleased to welcome Halley Karas as the new General Manager of the downtown hotel owned and operated by Ultima Hospitality. Halley comes to Ohio from Illinois where she was the Director of Operations at the Double Tree by Hilton Chicago North Shore. Halley was responsible for operations of the 369 guest room property. Her focus on team-work and quality service produced outstanding results during her time at the hotel.
An excellent leader, Halley regularly assisted on several Task Force teams. Between 2012 and 2013, Halley accepted a number of assignments with Ultima Hospitality sister properties. These roles included Interim General Manager of the Holiday Inn Mill Valley, Operations Support at the Holiday Inn Countryside and the Sheraton Framingham, and Acquisitions at Double Tree by Hilton Pittsburgh Airport and the Courtyard by Marriot Marlborough.
Prior to working with Double Tree, Halley was the Director of Rooms at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport, managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts. She led a team of 40 employees fostering a productive and positive work environment. Halley was promoted to Director of Rooms from her position as Front Office Manager. Before beginning her employment with Crowne Plaza, Halley worked for Hyatt Hotels. She spent two years at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in the Rooms Division and Front Office Management and three years at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee as a Front Desk Agent and Concierge. Throughout her tenure, Halley consistently increased room profitability and guest satisfaction scores.
Halley attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she majored in Political Science, Pre-Law. She is the two time recipient of the Ultima Hospitality Leadership Award given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding results in finance, guest service, efficiency, strategic and organizational development.