Barbara Bowden has been promoted to general manager of the The Peabody Orlando and will retain her position as the Peabody Hotel Group’s corporate director of revenue management. In her new role, Bowden will be responsible for the overall operation of the hotel including business, staff and financial management.
Alan Villaverde, CHA, has been promoted to managing director of The Peabody Orlando and will retain his position as president of the Peabody Hotels Division of Peabody Hotel Group, overseeing the operations of all three Peabody Hotel properties.
Scott Sopher was previously executive chef and equity partner of Cin Cin Mediterranean Cuisine, a Fort Myers restaurant serving cuisine inspired by the diverse cultures and flavors of the Mediterranean. He has also served as executive chef for Traders of Bonita Springs, Florida. Earlier in his culinary career while based in Asheville, North Carolina, Chef Sopher refined his culinary skills while employed as sous chef for The Richmond Inn. While in Asheville, he participated in prestigious culinary training programs at the landmark Biltmore Estate. Scott Sopher is a graduate of the acclaimed culinary school, Johnson & Wales University of Providence, Rhode Island. He resides in Bonita Springs with his family.
Marriott ExecuStay®, a leader in temporary housing, corporate housing and furnished apartments, is pleased to announce that Hardy Mattox has been named general manager for the Florida markets of Orlando and Jacksonville. ExecuStay apartments in this area are managed by Mainsail Housing, the sole operator of ExecuStay franchises in Florida. In his role as general manager, Mattox will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Orlando and Jacksonville markets, along with sales management and operations. Mattox has nearly 15 years of hospitality experience, including five years with Marriott ExecuStay where he served as vice president of operations for the Florida territories. Mattox has nine years of experience with Temporary Corporate Housing where he served, most recently, as general manager. Mattox is a graduate of the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
As Executive Vice President, Shindler will oversee the global development function for hotel and casinos, as well as the strategic and day-to-day management of the existing assets within the brand's current licensed and franchised portfolio and any new assets derived from the growth of the portfolio. Joining Hard Rock in mid-February, Shindler has been the president and CEO of Four Corners Advisors, Inc., a Chicago-based hotel consulting and advisory firm. Shindler brings almost 25 years of senior experience in the hospitality industry, including positions as Chair of the Board of Directors of Hyatt Gaming Management; Vice President, Development and Asset Management of Las Vegas Sands, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Development for Global Hyatt Corporation; Vice President of Development of RockResorts International, LLC; and Vice President of Development, Americas, for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Before his foray into the hospitality industry, Shindler began his career as an Associate, then a Partner in the Chicago, Illinois, law firm now known as Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP.
Over the past 20 years, Maria Corona has experienced significant success in developing productive relationships with the group meeting and individual guest markets. She was previously senior sales manager for One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, located in Bal Harbour, Florida, where she actively grew leisure and group sales revenues. Prior to this appointment, she served as director of sales and marketing for All Conventions, LLC of Aventure, Florida. While in this position, she streamlined departmental expenses and developed new products to meet the growing needs of the corporate group market. Ms. Corona has held the title of sales manager for international groups and the FIT market for The Westin Diplomat Hotel of Hollywood, Florida. She also served as meeting group coordinator and sales manager for the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Miami. Earlier in her career, Ms. Corona gained international hospitality experience working in positions of increasing responsibility for The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Forte Grand Pyramids in Cairo, and in Venezuela for Norwegian Cruise Lines out of Caracas and the Intercontinental Hotel Valencia. Maria Corona received her Master of Arts in Tourism and Hotel Management from Escuela Superior de Turismo Sol (UNED) in Madrid. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel Management and Culinary Arts from the same institution. Ms. Corona is resides in Sunny Isles, Florida.
Esther began her career with La Quinta Inns, where she was named the brand’s first franchise general manager of the year in 2003. During her career, she managed a variety of branded hotels including Marriott, Hampton and Holiday Inn. Esther gained valuable experience working with boutique motels as well as managing the pre-opening of a four-star timeshare resort. Prior to her new position, Esther worked with Stafford Hospitality implementing sales and marketing initiatives as well as conducting training. Stafford Hospitality, a division of Stafford Development Company, is an award-winning company that owns, manages and develops a wide range of motels.
Chef Martorano brings with him more than 20 years of experience, having served as a chef in California, Tennessee, Maryland, and Florida. Prior to his arrival at the Hilton Orlando, Martorano was executive chef of the National Pastime at the Gaylord National Hotel & Resort located in National Harbor, Md. In this role, Martorano was responsible for the hotel’s second grand opening, as well as the management of all departmental functions and 41 culinary staff members, including three sous chefs. Previously, Martorano worked for 11 years at the Boca Raton Resort and Club as chef of the Mizner Center and later of the Lucca Restaurant.
Steve Dorcy, a hotelier with 30 years experience managing four-and five-star independent resorts, has been named general manager of the newly upgraded Inn at Pelican Bay in North Naples. Prior to his appointment, Dorcy served as general manager of the Marriott Hotel in St. Petersburg where he and his team achieved the highest guest service scores for the state of Florida in 2009. Dorcy’s extensive hospitality background includes serving as the general manager of the Plantation Golf Resort & Spa, Plaza Resort & Spa, Sundial Beach & Tennis Resort and Hilton East Memphis where he and his team achieved #1 Hilton Hotel status for guest satisfaction in the U.S. for two years in a row. He holds a hospitality management degree from Lynn University and has held leadership positions with a number of industry associations including serving as chairman of the Memphis Lodging Association. Industry recognition includes being named General Manager of the Year by Ocean Waters Development, Hotelier of the Year by Memphis Tennessee Hotel Lodging Association and receiving the White House staff “Above and Beyond” service award.
Johann began his Gaylord career in 2001 as director of front services for Gaylord Palms. During his eight years with Gaylord, he has led bell services, CID, valet, concierge, and celebrity services where he developed a deep understanding of operations from all levels. He has become a pillar of support for the Gaylord Palms property. In 2005, Johann was promoted to director of rooms and further grew his expertise before moving to his current role as VP and hotel manager. “Johann has been a critical part of the success the Palms has achieved over the years, and we are excited that he will be stepping into this leadership role at the property,” said Kloeppel. “He is part of the heart and soul of the Palms and we are confident his team will continue to benefit from his deep understanding of Gaylord operations, unique service perspective, customer engagement, and dedication to our culture and family of STAR employees.”
Wahba’s homecoming is welcomed as he returns to the recently renovated properties after multi-million dollar transformations from the Sheraton Yankee Trader and Sheraton Yankee Clipper Hotels, where he oversaw sales and marketing efforts two years ago. Wahba brings more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the oceanfront resorts. Most recently, Wahba worked as the director of sales and marketing at The Westin Resort, Aruba where he oversaw the property’s 481 room revenue. Prior to that position, he served at the iconic Sheraton Yankee Trader and Sheraton Yankee Clipper Hotels. A graduate of Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Wahba currently resides in Weston, Florida with his wife and two sons.
Jeffery Homad’s tenure and most recent position prior to joining Ocean Reef Club was Director of Sales and Marketing at The Mansion on Forsyth Park/Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront. In addition he has held this position at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, Daufuskie Island Resort and Spa in Hilton Head Island South Carolina and at the Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel in Washington DC. Homad also lead the group sales effort as Director of Sales at Wild Dunes Resort outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Rounding out his resume, Homad held the position of National Sales Manager at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, The Sagamore Resort in New York and with Omni Hotels in their Regional Sales office in Southern California. Homad graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in Finance and then completed Hyatt Hotels Management Training program.
Hugo Corrales most recently served as Managing Director for The 365 Group, Inc. Prior to that, he held a global sales position as Director of Strategic Accounts for LXR Luxury Resorts. His other hotel and resort experience includes exceptional sales roles at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Miami and Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Corrales holds an active role in the meetings and events community as Board Member for SITE Florida as well as other local initiatives in the community. He is also a graduate of Florida International University’s Hospitality Management program and lives in Miami Beach, Florida.
After a two year restoration, and through a range of strategic partnerships, the newly restored Betsy Hotel has become a catalyst for energized discourse, innovative thinking, and good works. Indeed, The Betsy has emerged with a beauty that is more than skin deep, offering an inspiring outlook that extends beyond its own neighborhood in South Beach — to the world. In this effort, the property names Dr. Deborah Briggs as Vice President for Philanthropy to provide strategic and operational leadership for The Betsy's community-conscious efforts, that will, in the words of Jonathan Plutzik, Chairman and Principal Partner, “build our business and make the world a better place.” As a proven leader and social entrepreneur with almost 30 years of experience bridging profit and non-profit business, Briggs takes on the role of charitable giver and community activist in the name of The Betsy and its growing family of global guests.
Bringing more than 16 years of experience to W South Beach, Cozonis joins the team from the soon to open W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island (Puerto Rico) where he oversaw pre-opening operations of the property set to be unveiled this winter. Cozonis began his career with Omni Hotels in Boston and New York before relocating to South Florida in 1993 to manage the group’s prestige Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables. Following a successful eight year stint at the property, he was tapped to manage the Triple A-rated Five Diamond Omni Houston Hotel in Texas. Cozonis returned to South Florida in 2004 as Vice President and General Manager of the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel in Coconut Grove. Cozonis joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2008 as the General Manager of the Atlantic Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale Beach and has since been a key player in the management of properties in Florida and the Caribbean.
Prior to joining The Seagate Hotel & Spa, Sander was General Manager of the award-winning XV Beacon Hotel in Boston from 1999 through 2009. During his tenure, XV Beacon was repeatedly honored by the nation’s top travel publications, including being named as the #1 Hotel in Boston by Travel + Leisure; one of the “Top 100 Best Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure; and one of the “Top 100 Best Hotels in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler. The hotel was also honored “Best Boutique Hotel in the World” by Robb Report after only being open one year. Previously, Sander served as director of room operations at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and as director of food and beverage at the Boston Harbor Hotel, where he hosted and operated the Boston Wine Festival, one of the country’s premier vini-cultural events. He maintains a passion for wine, and holds a spot on the board of Diderot, a North Carolina-based wine marketing company. During Sander’s time at XV Beacon, the hotel’s then-restaurant, The Federalist, was awarded Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award for Excellence” each year beginning in 2001. Wine lists created by Mr. Sander for Rosewood’s Hotel Crescent Court and The Claremont were also honored with Wine Spectator’s “Best Award of Excellence.” The Seagate Hotel & Spa in Delray Beach, Florida, is set to open in November 2009.
Boasting an extensive background in the hospitality industry, prior to Trump International Beach Resort, Mr. Gold held significant positions in hotel management operations at a number of Hyatt Hotel & Resort properties including the Hyatt Regency Jersey City and The Stanhope Park Hyatt New York where he served as Executive Assistant Manager for three years. Mr. Gold also worked at Grand Hyatt New York; Hyatt Regency San Francisco; Hyatt Regency Alicante in Anaheim, California; Resort Squaw Creek in Lake Tahoe, California; and Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California. Mr. Gold earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Smith began his career with Marriott in 1997 at the Residence Inn Las Vegas Convention Center where he served as front desk agent. A year later, Smith progressed to manager in training at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, Calif. and then was quickly promoted to housekeeping manager at the Santa Clara Marriott in Santa Clara, Calif. In 2001, Smith joined Marriott Vacation Club as the director of services at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, Calif. where he was named manager of the year in 2002. Over the next three years, Smith served as front office manager at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas in Palm Desert and senior manager of operations at Marriott Vacation Club International’s corporate headquarters in Orlando, Fla. In 2006, Smith left the company for a short period of time and served as director of hospitality operations for Centex Destination Properties. In his most recent role, Smith held the position of vice president of operations for TerraMesa Resorts, LLC located in Orlando where he was in charge of overseeing the daily operation of six resort communities.
Over the course of his career, Stamets has worked with a number of established hotels in the United States. He has dedicated his career to five Ritz-Carlton hotels over the past decade, including properties in Orlando, South Beach and Amelia Island, Fla., as well as Boston and Rancho Mirage, Calif. His experience at these establishments ranged from handling major meetings and events to directing and managing the entire hotel staff. Prior to becoming part of The Ritz-Carlton team, Stamets began his hotel tenure at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites in Los Angeles, where he spent six years and received 11 promotions. Stamets is a graduate of the esteemed Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and graduated Cum Laude.
Casey has had 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry with sales and marketing positions with the Waldorf=Astoria, Hilton Hotels, and Carnival Hotels and Casinos. Most recently, Casey served as vice president of sales & marketing for a prominent hotel development and management company where he worked with brands including the Intercontinental Hotel Group, Choice Hotels and Hilton Hotels. Prior to that, as vice president hotel sales & marketing, he headed the pre-opening sales and marketing team of the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino followed by his position as vice president of sales & marketing for Skip Barber Racing School, both located in Connecticut. Casey served on the board of several professional and civic organizations including the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce; Meeting Professionals International; Professional Convention Management Association; the American Society of Association Executives; and the Easter Seals New Orleans. In his spare time, Casey, who resides in Weston, Fla. with his wife, Mary Beth, enjoys sports car racing, golf and Cajun cooking.