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IHG® celebrates first groundbreaking of new midscale brand, avid™ hotels, in Oklahoma City.

The groundbreaking comes only two months after the brand was launched, well ahead of initial projected timing. Since launching avid hotels, developer interest and demand continues to be strong, with more than 100 franchise applications received, including 34 which have already been converted to signed deals for avid hotels locations across the U.S. Additionally, avid hotels is now franchise ready in Canada, further demonstrating the brand"s rapid start and growth potential.

Stephanie Ford has been appointed as General Manager at Sonesta Es Suites Oklahoma City

Sonesta announced Stephanie Ford as the General Manager of Sonesta ES Suites Oklahoma City. In this role, Ford will be tasked with overseeing the daily operational activities of the property and its staff. Working across teams, Ford will be instrumental in maintaining employee engagement, driving revenue and profitability and ensuring that Sonesta ES Suites Oklahoma City provides guests with more than just a place to stay.

Hilton Opens the First-Ever Tru by Hilton – Its 5,000th Property

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today celebrated the grand opening of the first-ever Tru by Hilton – the company"s 5,000th hotel – at Tru by Hilton Oklahoma City Airport. With more than 425 hotels in various stages of development, Tru by Hilton has achieved the fastest growing pipeline in the history of the hospitality industry, and has captured approximately 2/3 of all net pipeline growth associated with the midscale segment since it launched in 2016.

Matt Cowden has been appointed as General Manager at 21c Museum Hotel

Louisville, Ky. -- 21c Museum Hotels has named Matt R. Cowden general manager of 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City, currently under construction at the historic Fred Jones Assembly Plant, located at 900 W Main Street and set to open Summer 2016. Cowden comes to 21c with a deep knowledge of downtown Oklahoma City and more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience. He started his career with Marriott before joining Starwood Hotels, first as director of sales and marketing and then as general manager. In his role as general manager of 21c Oklahoma City, he will be responsible for overseeing all hotel operations, sales, and community and guest relations. 21c Museum Hotels is currently recruiting for other positions including director of sales & marketing and area director of human resources. For more information, visit http://www.21cMuseumHotels.com/company/careers/.

McKenna Luke has been promoted to Vice President at HVS

has promoted McKenna Luke to Vice President. According to Rod Clough, MAI, Senior Managing Director, “McKenna’s role as corporate trainer ensures that new HVS recruits receive a solid foundation of appraisal techniques and are prepared to enter the ranks of HVS professionals who have achieved a level of excellence.” One valuable component of her training involves cultivating ongoing client communication to engender a final report that responds to the client needs. McKenna initiated a certification program for HVS associates in all aspects of the valuation process.

Brett Sundstrom has been appointed as General Manager at the Skirvin Hilton

Sundstrom began his career with Marcus Hotels & Resorts in 2008 as a project manager in the corporate office. While at Marcus Hotels, he served as general manager of Xona Resort & Suites in Scottsdale, Ariz. and managing director of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Originally from the Oklahoma area, he most recently served as interim general manager of the Skirvin Hilton prior to his promotion. Sundstrom is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and management and a minor in business.

Roseann Grippo has been appointed as General Manager at Skirvin Hilton Hotel

Grippo brings 24 years of hospitality experience to Marcus Hotels & Resorts. A long-time veteran of the Hawaii hotel industry, she most recently served as general manager of the legendary Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. Under her leadership, The Kahala received numerous awards from major tourism publications and organizations, including Forbes Travel Guide, Conde Nast, Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor. She also initiated the hotel’s first James Beard Foundation Dinner, which resulted in funding to establish a new scholarship in the hotel’s name at the Culinary Arts School at Kapiolani Community College. Prior to joining The Kahala, Grippo worked with Starwood Hotels and Resorts for nearly a decade in positions including manager of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Starwood’s flagship property in Hawaii, and director of food and beverage for Starwood in Hawaii and French Polynesia. Her career also includes 13 years with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.