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Appointment

Drew Gallegos has been appointed as Director of F&B at NOUN Hotel

NOUN Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Drew Gallegos as the new Director of Food and Beverage. Gallegos brings over three decades of hospitality leadership experience with a track record of operational excellence and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction. He joins the team from Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse, where he held the position of general manager, overseeing all food and beverage operations, driving revenue growth and leading high-performing teams. Over the course of his career, Gallegos has held a range of leadership roles including executive chef, culinary director, beverage director, and food & beverage director. These roles have allowed him to develop a well-rounded expertise in both the culinary and operational sides of hospitality, from menu development and concept creation to team leadership, financial performance, and brand growth. His diverse background in culinary arts and front-of-house leadership perfectly positions him to elevate NOUN Hotel’s food and beverage programs through strengthening operational performance and delivering elevated yet approachable dining experiences. 

Coury Hospitality
Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Development Rebranding

Wyndham Expands Upscale and Lifestyle Offerings with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company, today unveiled an expansion of its upscale and lifestyle offerings through a new multi-hotel deal with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The agreement brings four Choctaw Casino & Resorts properties, representing nearly 2,000 rooms, into the Wyndham portfolio. Led by Choctaw's flagship resort, Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant, now part of the Wyndham Grand portfolio, three additional properties join Wyndham's globally recognized Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand, with the Choctaw Nation retaining ownership and management of all four resorts.

Wyndham Grand
Durant, Oklahoma, United States
Appointment

Kyle Lippe has been appointed as Hotel Manager at The National, Autograph Collection | Downtown OKC

With more than 28 years in hospitality and 14 years in executive leadership, Lippe is recognized for cultivating exceptional leaders, strong company cultures, driving operational success, and building community-rooted partnerships. His most defining chapter was at The Skirvin Hilton, where he led the historic hotel to national recognition, including the Historic Hotels of America "Hotel of the Year" Award win in 2021 and the Hilton Blue Energy Award. Throughout his career, Lippe has led major full-service hotels and renovations across Oklahoma and the Midwest, delivering record-setting service scores. He currently serves on the Board of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and is committed to mentoring future hospitality leaders and advancing the state's tourism industry. In his new role as Hotel Manager at The National, Autograph Collection | Downtown OKC, Lippe will play a key role in driving operational excellence and elevating the overall guest experience.

Autograph Collection Hotels
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Development Renovation

The Skirvin, a Hilton Hotel, Completes $22 Million Renovation

The Skirvin, a Hilton Hotel, has unveiled a $22 million renovation, revitalizing the historic 225-room property. The nine-month project, led by Robinson Park and managed by Hilton, touched nearly every corner of the hotel, from guest rooms and meeting spaces to the grand lobby, ensuring The Skirvin continues to shine as a landmark of Oklahoma City.

Hilton
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Appointment

Justin George has been promoted to General Manager at NOUN Hotel, Norman, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

An Oklahoma native, Justin George is a food and beverage expert turned hotel operator. A graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, George joined Coury Hospitality in 2018, serving as the Assistant General Manager and Interim General Manager of Colcord Hotel. At the downtown Oklahoma City property he was at the helm when Colcord Hotel was awarded the coveted Hilton Award of Excellence. In 2024 he accepted the role as General Manager of NOUN Hotel in Norman, Oklahoma. George now oversees the daily operations of the historic Campus Corner property, including the noteworthy food & beverage program as well as the rooms division of the hotel.

Tribute Portfolio
Norman, Oklahoma, United States
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Appointment

Delane Mccoy has been appointed as General Manager at The Colcord Hotel and The Ambassador Hotel

With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, McCoy began his career with Hilton as an assistant food and beverage manager. From there he managed properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Little Rock, and Tulsa. In his new role, McCoy will oversee the daily operations at Colcord Hotel, including guest satisfaction and curator engagement, as well as operational oversight over Ambassador Hotel Tulsa.

Coury Hospitality
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
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Appointment

Patrick Dougherty has been promoted to Area GM at The National and The Barfield Hotel, Autograph Collection

Dougherty brings nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality realm to his new role at The National and The Barfield. He has honed his skills at properties across the country before joining the Coury Hospitality team as the opening General Manager at The Barfield Hotel, Autograph Collection in Amarillo, Texas. During his tenure in West Texas, he was awarded Hotel Opening of the Year by Marriott as well as Best Hotel in the Best of Amarillo Awards. He also was awarded General Manager of the Year within Coury Hospitality for 2023. Dougherty now oversees daily operations at The National, as well as regional operational oversight of The Barfield, working to ensure they both uphold the exceptional standards of excellence synonymous with the Autograph Collection brand.

Autograph Collection Hotels
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Development Pipeline

The Noun Hotel Slated To Open In Norman, Ok In Late August

The highly anticipated NOUN Hotel debuts in Norman, OK, in late August of this year. NOUN Hotel is an elevated and independently owned four-story boutique hotel located steps away from Campus Corner, local bars, restaurants and shops, and 200 steps away from The University of Oklahoma. The NOUN Hotel is sophisticated yet the perfect home away from home for travelers and locals alike, and opens just in time for Sooners football season.The newest addition to Norman hospitality will feature 92 guest rooms inclusive of two suites, 24 King bedrooms, and 66 double queen rooms.

Coury Hospitality
Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Appointment

Cheyenne Albert has been appointed as General Manager at Home2 Suites by Hilton El Reno

Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Cheyenne Albert has been appointed the general manager of the Home2 Suites by Hilton El Reno. Ms. Albert brings over 6 years of hospitality experience to her new role as general manager having previously served as the property's operations manager since joining the Home2 Suites El Reno in 2020.

Commonwealth Hotels, LLC
El Reno, Oklahoma, United States
Appointment

Ginger Thompson has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Home2 Suites El Reno Oklahoma

Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Ginger Thompson has been appointed the Director of Sales and Marketing of the Home2 Suites El Reno Oklahoma. Ms. Thompson brings over 25 years of hospitality experience to her new role as Director of Sales and Marketing having previously served as the Convention Sales Manager for the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Commonwealth Hotels, LLC
El Reno, Oklahoma, United States
Development Groundbreaking

NOUN Hotel Breaks Ground In Norman, Oklahoma

Managing partner Scott Lambert is pleased to announce NOUN Hotel, a premiere four-story boutique hotel, has broken ground and is expected to welcome its first guests in summer 2022. Located in downtown Norman at 542 South University Boulevard on Campus Corner next to the University of Oklahoma, NOUN Hotel will feature 92 modern guest rooms, including two luxurious 900-square-foot suites, a signature restaurant and bar, an intimate speakeasy bar, a banquet room for up to 150, boardroom, an outdoor/indoor bar, and on-site parking.

Coury Hospitality
Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Development Opening

Dynamic And Energetic Glō® Brand Continues Expansion In The State Of Oklahoma

Best Western® Hotels & Resorts today announced that its GLō brand continues to light the way in providing leading boutique offerings to the state of Oklahoma with the addition of the new-construction GLō Enid OK Downtown/Convention Center Hotel. GLō is designed for the connected traveler in mind, delivering a modern and seamless stay with its tech-centric design, upgraded amenities and innovative shared spaces, along with a bold and bright aesthetic that is meant to both energize and relax today's savvy travelers.

GLō
Enid, Oklahoma, United States
Appointment

Dr. Li Miao has been appointed as Executive Editor at Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research (JHTR)

OSU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management professor Dr. Li Miao has been selected as an executive editor for the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research (JHTR) by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE). Miao will serve a five-year term beginning in 2021, along with colleagues and co-executive editors Dr. Peter Kim of Auckland University in New Zealand and Dr. Jean-Pierre Van der Rest of Leiden University in the Netherlands. "The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research is one of the leading journals in our academic discipline, and we are extremely proud of Dr. Miao's professional achievement," said Dr. Brij Thapa, head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. "This is not only a big honor and privilege for her to serve but is also significant for our HTM program as it offers a global spotlight for recognition of our research enterprise. I am confident her team will serve effectively and further enhance the research reputation of the journal." Miao is looking forward to her tenure as an editor for the publication. "The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research is close to my heart," she said. "I published my very first research paper in this journal when I was a doctoral student 20 years ago. I am privileged to lead JHTR and through this platform, to continue the work in advancing research and scholarship in the field of hospitality and tourism management. I am also proud to play a small part in our collective effort to continue to raise the visibility of the HTM program at OSU. The institutional support I get as an HTM faculty has been incredible."

Oklahoma State
Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States
Development Opening

Hyatt Place Tulsa/Downtown Celebrates Official Opening

Hyatt Place Tulsa/Downtown announced today its official opening. The new hotel is the first Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Tulsa and the second within city limits, joining Hyatt Place Tulsa-South/Medical Center. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand's intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.

Hyatt Place
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Appointment

Skip Harless has been promoted to General Manager at Skirvin Hilton Hotel

An experienced industry veteran, Skip Harless has more than 32 years of hospitality experience. Harless joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts in May 2014 as the resident manager at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Most recently, Harless led the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin as general manager. Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Harless spent 27 years with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Harless graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Marcus Hotels
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States