Ted Kleisner has been named Board Chairman at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts moved Thursday to name a new chairman, Ted J. Kleisner, the company's current CEO, to its board of directors.,
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Mary Culbert has been appointed as General Manager at Residence Inn by Marriott
As General Manager, Culbert will oversee all operational, sales and administrative aspects of the Residence Inn Conshohocken. She brings to her position more than 18 years of hospitality experience, including her role as General Manager for the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, NJ and as Director of Rooms for the Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. Culbert joins the Residence Inn Conshohocken from her most recent position with Carlson Hotels Worldwide as Assistant General Manager for the Country Inn and Suites in Newark, NJ. Culbert holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Penn State University. She currently resides in Deptford, NJ.
Jon Bottone has been appointed as General Manager at Country Inn & Suites Hershey at the Park
Springwood Hospitality is pleased to announce that it has selected Jon Bottone as general manager and Madeleine Cobb as assistant general manager for the Country Inn & Suites Hershey at the Park, 195 Hershey Road, Hummelstown, PA. Bottone brings his excellent leadership, teambuilding and communication skills to Springwood Hospitality. Bottone has been in hotel management since 1986. He has managed various hotel brands including Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof Inn & Suites. From 2000 – 2011, he was VP of Operations and Regional Director of Operations at LBA Hospitality. Under his leadership, his hotels won multiple awards which include 2002 Partnership Circle Award – Marriott International, White Diamond Award – Fairfield Inn, Guest Tracking Platinum Award – Courtyard by Marriott, Guest Tracking Gold Award – Residence Inn, Opening of the Year Award – Courtyard by Marriott, top Hospitality Award – Fairfield Inn. Bottone’s leadership and experience brings significant strength to the team and Springwood is excited to have him on board.
Edie, a white Boxer/Labrador Retriever mix has been appointed as official Canine Ambassador at The Fairmont Pittsburgh
Fairmont Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the appointment of Edie, a white Boxer/Labrador Retriever mix, as the hotel’s official Canine Ambassador. Edie – whose name is inspired by Andy Warhol and his “superstar” Edie Sedgwick – provides guests with a warm welcome in the lobby and is readily available to accompany them on walks around the hotel. Edie was born in March 2010, the same month that Fairmont Pittsburgh opened its doors. She began training in the assistant dog program at Circle Tail, Inc. in Pleasant Plain, Ohio as a puppy. After completing over a year of training, Edie’s friendly and outgoing personality proved to be better suited to the hospitality industry where she gets to meet new people every day. At work five days a week, Edie is stationed in the lobby where she relaxes on her cozy bed near the concierge desk. Just like all colleagues at Fairmont Pittsburgh, Edie wears a nametag, keeps an appointment book and even has her own email address so that guests can keep in touch. Edie is looking forward to hosting her own events at the hotel with other canine companions and getting involved in the community at schools, nursing homes and local events. At the end of the day, Edie heads home with Julie Abramovic, public relations manager, where she spends her free time going for even more walks, playing at the local dog park and chewing on her favorite toys. Fairmont Pittsburgh is a pet-friendly hotel and encourages travelers to bring their own furry friends when they visit. Dogs arriving at the hotel are offered healthy treats made by Executive Pastry Chef Naomi Gallego, along with walking maps and complimentary pet beds and dishes. Guests are also encouraged to visit other canine ambassadors at Fairmont properties throughout North America. They include Santol at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Gracie at Fairmont Tremblant, Catie at Fairmont Copley Plaza, Chunki and Kimi at The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Sonny at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Dakota at The Fairmont Winnipeg, Holly at The Fairmont Waterfront, Mavis and Beau at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and Smudge at Fairmont Algonquin. Photo credit: Kaitlin Bledsoe Photography
Matthew Sterne has been appointed as General Manager at Fairmont Pittsburgh
Fairmont is pleased to announce several recent management and supervisory-level appointments at its properties worldwide. Matthew Sterne, who takes on the role of general manager, Fairmont Pittsburgh. Sterne started with the company as assistant director, human resources, Fairmont Tremblant then transferred to The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa followed by The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and most recently Fairmont Battery Wharf, where he held the role of general manager.
Olivia C. Brown has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Brown is now a board member for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB), The Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association (GPHA), and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC). Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, Brown was the hotel manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga. and the interim general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester in White Plains, N.Y. Brown’s experience also includes almost 18 years of experience with the InterContinental Hotels Group, serving in a wide range of positions, from hotel manager to finance manager. Brown holds a degree in hospitality and tourism administration from the Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto, Ontario. She also completed the managerial accounting and finance program at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto and later earned her CPA. Recently, Brown was honored with the National Award “Walking The Road Less Traveled” by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).
Lesly Connolly has been appointed as Senior Sales Manager at Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
Connolly joins the resort from the Mason Inn Conference Center & Hotel at George Mason University, which she opened as Group Sales Manager in July 2010. Previously, she served as the Convention Sales Manager of the DC satellite office of the Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau and enjoyed more than 15 years of success in hotel sales with various hospitality organizations, including Benchmark Hospitality, Interstate Hotels and independently-owned boutiques. An active and engaged professional, Connolly currently serves as Vice President of Communications for the Potomac Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, which named her to its board of directors and honored her with its Rising Star Award in 2008. The National Capital Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals named her Supplier of the Year in 2007. Connolly earned an Associate of Science degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Bay Path College in Longmeadow, MA.
Tonia Lewis has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing at Mount Airy Casino Resort
Mount Airy Casino Resort, the Pocono’s premier casino resort, announced today that Tonia Lewis has been appointed Vice President of Marketing. Lewis will lead Mount Airy’s integrated marketing initiatives for its casino and hotel amenities including gaming promotions, resort events and entertainment. With her roots in the Pocono region and 17 years of national marketing and event experience with two of the largest travel/hospitality brands, Caesar’s Entertainment and Norwegian Cruise Lines, Lewis brings unique insight to the local and regional markets. Lewis holds a degree in Business from East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
John Gadbois has been appointed as Sales Manager at The Inn at Pocono Manor
A 21-year veteran of the hospitality industry, John Gadbois comes to The Inn at Pocono Manor having most recently served with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, where he was responsible for selling several of the luxury brand’s landmark Canadian resorts to Northeastern US clients. Mr. Gadbois has also previously worked in sales for Interstate Hotels and for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Bob Krol has been appointed as General Manager at The Westin Philadelphia
Krol joined HEI as general manager of the Embassy Suites Philadelphia in 2007 from Interstate Hotels & Resorts, where he served as general manager of the Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. Prior to that he was general manager of the Four Points by Sheraton. In addition, he was rooms division manager and director of sales for the Sheraton University City, for Carnival Hotels. Krol went to Fairleigh Dickinson University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He will report to Michael Miner, senior vice president of operations, Region 1.
Andrew Taymans has been promoted to Vice President, Asset and Revenue Management at GF Management
Since its founding in 1988, GF has represented hotel owners, banks and servicing companies on a variety of operational and investment matters. The formation of a dedicated formal asset management division at this time is in response to increased demand for hotel reviews, feasibility studies and ongoing asset management services among those core clients. In order to provide proper leadership and focus to the new division, GF concurrently announced the promotion of Andrew Taymans to vice president, asset and revenue management. Mr. Taymans is a long-term employee of GF, having served as general manager, regional vice president and most recently, vice president of revenue management, during his 30-year career.
David Noto has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
Chef Noto joins the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa following seven years as Executive Chef of the AAA Four Diamond-rated Hilton Dallas Lincoln Center. Previously, he held senior positions at an array of highly rated properties including Executive Chef of the Petroleum Club in Fort Worth, Texas (1999-2003); Executive Sous Chef of The Fairmont in San Francisco (1997-1999); Banquet Chef at The Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth (1995-1997); and Garde Manger Chef at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia (1994-1995). Noto got his start at The Worthington in 1991. An engaging professional, Noto was a culinary instructor at the Art Institute of Dallas from 2006-2010, teaching courses covering American Regional Cuisine with Latin Influences, Classical Cuisine and food purchasing. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, with an AA Degree in Culinary Arts in 1991.
Dean Gress has been appointed as Executive Chef at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Executive Chef Gress brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to the table. He most recently worked with Sage Restaurant Group in Pittsburgh, where he served as a Task Force Executive Chef, designing and implementing new banquet menus as well as implementing new standard operating procedures. Prior to that, he served as the Food and Beverage Director at The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport in Irving, Texas, the Executive Chef and Restaurant and Beverage Manager at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dallas Market Center in Dallas and as the Executive Chef for Culinnaire International, a Dallas food service company.
Matthew Rosenberg has been appointed as Front Office Manager at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
A graduate of the University of Delaware, Mr. Rosenberg most recently served as the Assistant Front Office Manager at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, he held management-level positions at the Georgetown University Conference Center Hotel, also in Washington, D.C., the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia and the Marriott Beach and Golf Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Kurt Titus has been appointed as Senior Sales Manager at The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
Titus joins the Omni Bedford Springs Resort from the Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where he spent the past two years as Director of National Accounts. Over the previous decade he led sales efforts in regions across the country. Positions Titus has held include: Director of National Accounts for Boca Raton Resort & Club in Florida; Director of Group Sales and other positions for Intercontinental Hotels Group in Los Angeles, Miami and New York; and Global Sales Manager at the national sales office of Dolce International in Montvale, New Jersey. Titus has worked with several other hotel groups and resorts including Hyatt, Best Western and Hawks Cay Resort and Marina. He got his start as an Account Manager for AT&T/US West Communications in 1984. Titus will oversee sales and marketing efforts for two of the luxury resort’s key markets – Washington D.C. and Virginia, and will be based at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in the nation’s capital.
Jill Nadorlik has been appointed as Marketing Manager at Unique Venues
Chuck Salem, President of Unique Venues, announced the appointment of Jill Nadorlik as Marketing Manager for the member-based organization recognized for marketing non-traditional meeting and event venues in North America and the United Kingdom. Nadorlik says her primary goal will be to expand the company’s already-strong brand. “We know who we are as a brand and a company,” says Nadorlik. “It’s one of the reasons more and more customers are attracted to us and want to belong.” Jill Nadorlik is a graduate of Penn State University and is currently studying for her M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications at West Virginia University. Jill works out of the Marketing and Sales office in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Linda Lynge has been appointed as Spa Director at Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
Lynge arrives in Bedford, Pennsylvania from Colorado, where she spent a year as the Spa Director of Vail Resorts RockResorts Spa at The Lodge at Vail. Her experience in the industry runs deep. In 1990, she designed her first athletic club & spa as General Manager of the University Athletic Club in Littleton, Colorado. From there, she moved onto Las Vegas, first joining Caesars Palace for the opening of their spa as the Spa Desk Supervisor before becoming Spa Manager of Mandalay Bay and then Assistant Start-Up Manager for the opening of the Paris Spa by Mandara.
Roger Dow has been named 2010 Hospitality Executive of the Year at Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society
Roger Dow, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Travel Association, has been named the 2010 Hospitality Executive of the Year by the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS). Dow will receive the award during the forty-ninth Hospitality Executive of the Year Award Reception on Sunday, November 14, 2010, at the Rosenthal Pavilion of the Kimmel Center, New York University. As part of the honor, Dow will also be inducted into the Penn State Hospitality Hall of Fame, located at The Nittany Lion Inn on Penn State’s University Park campus. “Mr. Dow has been a real pioneer for the hospitality industry. We are pleased to induct him into the Penn State Hospitality Hall of Fame,” said Joe McCann, president of Optimum Hotel Brokerage and president of the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society. “In recognizing Roger Dow, we also recognize U.S. Travel Association’s influence and leadership within the hospitality industry.” Dow has served as president of U.S. Travel since 2005. Prior to this, he served in many roles with Marriott International for thirty-four years, ending with senior vice president, Global and Field Sales, leading Marriott's 10,000-person worldwide sales organization. His many accomplishments for the company included the development of Marriott Rewards, the world's leading frequent traveler program.
Jonathan P. Quidore has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Inn at Pocono Manor
Jonathan P. Quidore was previously general manager for The Chestnut Inn at Oquaga Lake in Deposit, New York, where he was responsible for overall property operations, including food and beverage management. He served as food & beverage manager for The Kessler Collection of Hotels prior to this, overseeing the company’s Casa Monica Hotel, The Mansion at Forsyth Park, and the Kehoe House, each a Preferred Hotel located in Savanna, Georgia.
Edward Busch has been named General Manager at the Residence Inn by Marriott
Edward Busch has been named general manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott in Conshohocken, PA. As general manager, Busch will oversee all operational, sales and administrative aspects of the hotel. The 137-room Residence Inn is managed by Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel and convention center management firm. With more than 18 years of hospitality experience, Busch joins the Conshohocken team from the Trenton Marriott Downtown, a 197-room hotel in Trenton, NJ also managed by Waterford Hotel Group. He joined the Trenton Marriott as Director of Food & Beverage before being promoted to Director of Operations in 2009. Previously, he served as Food and Beverage Manager of the Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, NY and Director of Food and Beverage for the Renaissance Syracuse Hotel in Syracuse, NY. Busch’s past experience also includes management positions with the Jedediah Hawkins Inn in Jamesport, NY, The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL and the Equinox Resort and Spa in Manchester Village, VT.