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Sam Francois has been appointed as Director of Marketing & Communications at The Biltmore Hotel

In his new role at The Biltmore, Sam Francois will be responsible for optimizing current and new revenue streams for the hotel and its amenities, including its world-renowned golf course. He will also oversee public relations and communications efforts while directing all marketing initiatives at the Hotel and its divisions. Francois joins The Biltmore with more than 15 years of marketing, ecommerce, and communications experience.

Chawnacee Bryan has been appointed as Director of Spa at The Biltmore Hote

Chawnacee Bryan recently joined The Biltmore Hotel as the new Director of Spa & Fitness. Bryan brings more than 20 years of experience in the wellness industry, running 5-star spas along the east coast of the United States. As a seasoned hospitality executive with a strong focus on spa and wellness management, she has become an expert in discovering and delivering natural and healing tactics from around the world. In her new role at The Biltmore, she will be supervising teams, implementing effective communication and organizational procedures to deliver premium guest experiences in the spa, salon, and fitness center - while helping boost retail sales in the Spa's boutique shop. Chawnacee began her career at a renowned 5-star resort in Boca Raton. She studied Psychology, attended Massage Therapy School, and also attended the Institute for Integrated Nutrition.

Lara Pavloff has been promoted to Director of Golf at The Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore is proud to announce that it has promoted Lara Pavloff, as the Hotel's Director of Golf. Previously, she served as the Assistant Golf Professional and worked her way through the ranks to become Head Golf Professional and Tournament Director. Throughout her tenure at the Biltmore, she has worked on the PGA of America's apprentice program. She is now a Class A member of the PGA of America and is also a Titleist Performance Institute certified golf professional. Pavloff earned her Bachelor's Degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She grew up playing golf with her dad, Mike Pavloff at the Oxford Country Club where her house was located on the second hole fairway.

Pablo Molinari has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Haya

An industry veteran with 23 years of experience, Molinari will leverage his international hospitality knowledge to oversee Hotel Haya in Tampa, FL. Most recently, he was general manager at Haya's sister Aparium property in Minneapolis, Hewing Hotel, for more than two years. Prior to joining the Aparium team, Molinari worked in various Hyatt properties, having risen the ranks from bellman in 1996 at Park Hyatt Buenos Aires--where he is originally from--to Director of Operations at Park Hyatt Washington in D.C. His work ethic and dedication allowed him to move through various roles at Hyatt properties around North America, including in Toronto, Columbus, OH and Albuquerque, NM. Molinari earned a degree in Hospitality from CENCAP in Buenos Aires.

Winter The Dolphin's Beach Club, An Eco-Friendly Hotel, Joins Ascend Hotel Collection

Winter the Dolphin's Beach Club is now a member of Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s (NYSE:CHH) Ascend Hotel Collection, a global portfolio of resort, boutique and historic hotels. The marine-themed hotel is located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, where the Gulf of Mexico's welcoming blue waters make it an ideal destination for guests seeking a beachfront stay. Named after the subject of the "Dolphin Tale" movies, the hotel provides upgraded amenities that are purposefully designed to deliver a distinct marine experience in an unforgettable setting.

Peachtree Hotel Group Opens Orlando Property

Owned, developed and operated by Peachtree, the extended-stay hotel at 8278 Universal Blvd. is just east of Interstate 4, some 10 miles from the metro's downtown and about 14 miles from Orlando International Airport. The surrounding area offers more than 40 restaurants, bars, entertainment and boutiques, and the Orange County Convention Center, Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando are nearby.

Lakeland Hospitality Group and McKibbon Hospitality Open New SpringHill Suites in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland Hospitality Group, McKibbon Hospitality, and local officials gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of Lakeland's newest and cleanest hotel, SpringHill Suites Lakeland, with a ribbon cutting and tours. The hotel, which broke ground on October 1, 2018, and was completed this spring, will be managed by Tampa-based McKibbon Hospitality with General Manager John Loute overseeing all operations and leading the team on property.

Greg Cook has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

An industry veteran with a wealth of knowledge and passion, Cook's expertise and leadership will bring the guest experience to another level, further distinguishing the Amelia Island beach resort as the premier luxury hotel Florida's Northeast Coast. Cook most recently served as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale where he led the luxury service experience and oversaw substantial enhancements to the property. His most recent projects there include the successful $17 Million nautically-inspired renovation of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale's guest rooms and Club Lounge, along with the launch of the sought-after dining destination, Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits. Prior to his time there, Cook was the General Manager of Eden Roc Renaissance where he aided in repositioning the iconic lifestyle property following a $230 million renovation.

Cambria Hotels Introduces Third Florida Location In Madeira Beach

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), continues its expansion with the opening of the Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg - Madeira Beach Marina. The five-story, 125-room hotel joins the Cambria Hotel Ft. Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port and the Cambria Hotel Miami Airport - Blue Lagoon as the brand's third location in Florida. 

Naples Hotel Group Opens Fairfield by Marriott in Riverview, Florida

The 108-room Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Riverview, officially opened in March with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 10743 Big Bend Road, the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Riverview Hotels & Resorts LLC and managed by Naples Hotel Group of Naples, Florida.

Milos Davidovic has been appointed as General Manager at Barbary Beach House Key West

DiamondRock Hospitality has announced the appointment of Milos Davidovic as general manager of the highly anticipated Barbary Beach House Key West (2001 South Roosevelt Boulevard) - a 184-room, oceanfront property overlooking the seemingly endless stretch of Smathers Beach. Davidovic will oversee a dedicated team of hospitality professionals and day-to-day operations at the property, which is owned by DiamondRock Hospitality.

Rod O’Connor has been appointed as General Manager at The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

Paramount Hospitality Management's (PHM), The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando announces the appointment of hospitality veteran, Rod O'Connor, as General Manager. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Rod oversees all day-to-day operations of the 878 all-suite property, including management of the executive team.

Lindsay Gilmour has been appointed as Guest Services Manager at SpringHill Suites Lakeland

Lindsay Gilmour, Guest Services Manager - Lindsay is no newcomer to the Marriott brand, having honed her management skills as a Management Trainee at the Courtyard by Marriott and a Guest Service Associate at Marriott Grande Vista Resort in Orlando. She completed the brand's award-winning, global leadership program, Voyage, and gained expertise in various, guest experience software systems. Lindsay earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida and completed the Hospitality Management program at Rosen College.

Katherine Arrieta has been appointed as Assistant General Manager at SpringHill Suites Lakeland

Katherine Arrieta, Assistant General Manager - Katherine comes to SpringHill Suites from Hilton Garden Inn in Lakeland, where she served as Assistant General Manager. Prior to that role, Katherine spent 11 years strengthening her corporate sales and management skills as Assistant General Manager for Hyatt Place RP Funding Center. Katherine is bilingual and has a knack for building lasting relationships with guests.

Mallory Brendmoen has been appointed as Sales & Catering Manager at SpringHill Suites Lakeland

Mallory Brendmoen, Sales & Catering Manager - Mallory brings extensive event planning, banquet management, and hospitality sales experience to her new role. Mallory's most recent post was as Director of Banquets and Private Events for the esteemed, century-old Lakeland Country Club, before which she spent a year as Catering and Events Sales Manager for Florida Southern College. She earned her Bachelor's in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida.

Steven Hiblum has been appointed as General Manager at Shelborne South Beach

Menin Hospitality, a leading collection of upscale lodging, lifestyle restaurants and nightlife venues, announced today that Steven Hiblum has been appointed as general manager of Shelborne South Beach. Miami's famed 1940s Art Deco gem pioneers the city's hotel scene, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean in a tropical, relaxed setting.

Luis Arancibia has been appointed as General Manager at Aloft Orlando Downtown

Arancibia has been part of the McKibbon family for 8 years and most recently served as General Manager for the 128-room Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport, where he managed 46 associates and all hotel operations. He began his hospitality career in 2007 as Task Force Support for Hilton Hotels, moving up to Operations Manager for Hampton Inn by Hilton in Melbourne and Orlando. Arancibia attended Florida International University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Business Administration and Management. During his leadership at Homewood Suites by Hilton, Arancibia led his team to achieve outstanding service scores which resulted in the property receiving Hilton's highest honor: the Connie Pride Award in Overall Hotel Performance for 2014, 2016 and 2017. He also guided the team into securing the top hotel for TripAdvisor City Ranking in Orlando. Arancibia spends his free time raising awareness for the LGBTQ+ community through a non-profit organization that assists Orange County residents with medical prevention causes.

Natalie Cohee has been promoted to Executive Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, spanning 28 acres within the heart of International Drive, proudly promotes Natalie Cohee to executive chef, selecting the culinary leader with more than 12 years of experience in the DoubleTree Orlando kitchens to lead the team. Tenured executive chef Alberto Correa - Chef Cohee's mentor - is promoted to director of culinary experiences. In their new roles, the duo expands offerings for groups using the 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space and leisure guests enjoying the multiple dining options at DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. A leader of the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld culinary team since 2007, Chef Cohee has developed an expertise in banquets and catering in her time with the resort. She expertly blends Caribbean flavors and adds an Asian twist, with a uniquely modern approach to grilling, smoking and roasting, resulting in memorable and tempting dishes. Her creativity is evident on restaurant and catering menus with dishes like Sweet Citrus Glaze Salmon, Guava BBQ Chicken Flatbread and Lobster Empanadas. Growing up in the industry as the daughter of restaurant owners, Chef Cohee knew she wanted to pursue a career as a chef from a young age. She spent countless hours in the kitchens of Paco's Cantina and Calypso, creating flavorful concoctions and learning to recreate dishes. Chef Cohee graduated top of her class at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Ariz., and she started her career with a coveted externship at Latitudes Restaurant at the well-known Hilton Sunset Key. Prior to joining the team at DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, Chef Cohee served as the executive sous chef at the Sheraton in Key Largo and as a chef on private yachts sailing through the Caribbean, where her she developed a strong appreciation for local cooking styles and finessed her talents working with fresh seafood.