Experience

• 

  Commonwealth Lodging Management, LLC

  • Columbia, South Carolina, United States

  • Dual Brand Director of Sales | Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites Columbia Downtown

    • May 2022 - Present
    • Columbia, South Carolina, United States

• 

  CN Hotels, Inc.

  • 1200 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC

  • Dual Brand Director of Sales | Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Downtown | Home2 Suites by Hilton Downtown

    • Nov 2020 - May 2022
    • 1200 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC

• 

  Atrium Hospitality

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia-Greystone

  • Director of Sales and Marketing, Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia-Greystone

    • Oct 2015 - Nov 2020
    • Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia-Greystone

    • Skillfully managed crisis communication with hotel team and clients, directed and supported sales efforts, through (5) major natural disasters to include: “2015 Thousand Year Flood," “2016 Hurricane Matthew”, “2017 Hurricane Irma” and "2019 Hurricane Dorian".• Successfully developed new business relationships with Senior Living Communities for hurricane emergency housing; replacing hotel revenues from last minute group cancellations maintaining 100% occupancy and increasing top line revenue for positive outcomes (added $54K to Oct. 2016; $48K to Sept. 2017 and $68K to Sept. 2019 revenues).• Promote and Market hotel presence, events, news and awards via hotel press releases, website content management, creative marketing campaigns through Cvent and Social Media channels.• Created and Implemented "Back to Basics" sales training module to train new hires and refresh sales team annually on the importance of the basics of hospitality, teamwork, sales process, sales systems and resources.• Implement strategic plans and goals aligned with budgeted targets; convey a clear strategic sales vision through internal communication and one on one interactions, effectively manage and coach five (5) sales specialists to win the business and exceed revenue targets. Team exceeded 2019 group rooms budget; achieving 100.61% production.• Manage and nurture key accounts to retain client base, identify new business and optimize revenues. Exceeded 2019 Individual production goal achieving 104% production. • Drive occupancy and rate growth through business remixing, strategic inventory controls, hotel packages, advertising, community involvement, and delivering memorable client experiences.• Analyze market intelligence and trends to prepare annual hotel business plan for corporate presentations, implement programs to gain market share, and determine strategic and promotional pricing.• Achieve a 3% forecast accuracy score monthly; analyze sales statistics and reports weekly.

• 

  John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

  • 200 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210

  • Director of Sales at Embassy Suites Columbia-Greystone

    • Jan 2013 - Oct 2015
    • 200 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210

    • Developed and disseminated strategic plans and goals for sales and catering team; implemented creative incentive programs and hosted team outings to foster team unity and spirit. Trained, coached and managed a team of seven (7) sales specialists.• Secured first airline crew for hotel since 2001 in Oct. 2014; 4-year contract generating 7600 room nights and $676K in room revenue.• Created strategies to improve client loyalty and customer satisfaction, secure repeat bookings, and provide superior customer service to all hotel guests.• Assisted meeting professionals and novice planners with executing successful meetings and events at the Hotel.

• 

  Embassy Suites

  • Columbia, South Carolina Area

  • Sales Manager

    • Jan 2002 - Jan 2013
    • Columbia, South Carolina Area

    • Exceeded individual group rooms revenue goal of $1,015,000 annually for all suite hotel with 214 keys.• Excelled in Association sales; served as a board member for the South Carolina Society of Association Executives (SCSAE) in 2009 and named 2010 SCSAE Associate Member of the Year Award Winner

• 

  Windermere Country Club

  • Blythwood, South Carolina

  • Membership /Business Development Manager

    • Nov 1998 - Dec 2001
    • Blythwood, South Carolina

    • Established a fundraising partnership with Marriott Hotels to co-sponsor a Charity Golf Tournament for the Children's Miracle Network, raised $27,000 for the Children's Hospital at Palmetto Health in 2001.• Increased club revenues through successfully recruiting new members and membership retention.• Promoted Club through business networking, wine diners and special events.• Successfully contracted all private functions to include golf tournaments, banquets, weddings, business meetings and fund-raisers.• Intercommunicated with management and members to improve retention and services.

• 

  Adam's Mark Hotel

  • 1200 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC

  • Director of Catering/Catering Manager

    • 1994 - 1998
    • 1200 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC

    • Managed and coached a team of 5 • Forecasted future catering revenues for 26,000 sq. feet of meeting space• Collaborated on development of Catering Menus with Culinary team • Exceeded annual catering goal of 933,000 by 12% in 1997* Recognized as Manager of the 3rd Quarter and Year for 1997

• 

  Marriott International

  • Columbia, South Carolina Area

  • Sales

    • 1991 - 1994
    • Columbia, South Carolina Area