Agenda

Doug graduated from Niagara University with a BS degree in Hospitality/Hotel Management. Upon completion of graduation, Doug currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Dellisart Hospitality which assists in developing, owning, and managing hotel properties. In March 2023, Doug founded the Extended Stay Lodging Association (ESLA) where he sits as the current chairman.

For thirty years, Dr. Deborah T. Curtis has been a highly acclaimed leader in the hospitality industry. Her hotel industry experience ranges from ownership of a 60-room property to Director of Sales and Marketing at a 500-room Hilton to National Sales Director with a Convention and Visitors Bureau. Dr. Curtis has a passion for helping individuals and organizations succeed by utilizing her extensive hospitality and international experience. Dr. Curtis worked with experts to deliver effective, integrative, real-world training. In her former role as an Associate Professor for the College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management, she specialized in teaching students about hotel, restaurant, and club management.

Theresa is a Senior Manager at Melbourne Convention Bureau, a company working with North American-based associations to bring global events to Melbourne, Australia. For over 30 years, Theresa has been helping associations and nonprofits fulfill their missions globally through engaging events both in person and virtual. She is an expert in the business of associations having been actively working in this sector since the early 1980's. Theresa is very adapted to building markets from the ground up and her success has been in hotel sales, technology/learning sales, and global business development/global meeting development and virtual meetings.

Rachel recently joined GF Hotels & Resorts as the Assistant General Manager in Chicago, IL. She previously worked for American Niagara Hospitality as a Rooms Controller and served a multitude of roles, including Director of Sales and General Manager for the Hamister Group, LLC. In April of 2022, Rachel was an Athena Young Professional Award finalist and is a certified Beverage Specialist recognized by the Society of Wine Educators. Rachel graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Administration/ Management.

Wendy is a Marketing Manager specifically for Business Dining at Aramark residing in San Antonio, TX. She is a driven leader with a history of delighting clients by exceeding expectations while maintaining the stewardship of the business. Her areas of expertise include marketing, brand management, catering, sales, social media, restaurant management, and logistics management. She executes high brand standards and consistently exceeds client satisfaction and financial results. Wendy graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Melissa is an experienced Sales Manager and Wedding Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. Melissa is approaching 6 years working for the DoubleTree by Hilton currently serving the role as the Catering Sales Manager and Wedding Specialist. Melissa graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor's degree in Tourism and Event Planning.

For almost two years, Kourtney has upheld the position as the Director of the new Visitor Economy Management office for the Seneca Nation. Kortney has been chosen to manage this new office working out of the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center at the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum. Kourtney is an enthusiastic and dedicated hospitality professional with a strong demonstrated background in restaurant management. She has developed skills in organization, planning and development, training, communications, and leadership. Kourtney is currently specializing in Visitor Economy and Tourism. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Niagara University focused on Restaurant Management and a minor in Sociology.

For over a year now, Morgan has worked with Buffalo Lodging Associates, LLC as the Director of Sales. Before her current role, Morgan has enhanced experience in the hospitality industry which includes working for Hyatt Place as the Group Sales Coordinator and working for Hamister Group, LLC as the Director of Sales. Morgan graduated from Niagara University with a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management and continued her education with an MS degree in Business Administration. In 2017, Morgan was awarded the Statler Foundation Scholarship of Excellence.

Brandon currently serves as the Manager of Partnerships for ATPCO. Throughout his career, he has gained experience working within the airline and technology industries. During his time at Niagara, Brandon received a dual degree in Tourism Management and International Tourism Management. He then went on to earn his MBA from Niagara University, while working for Delta Air Lines. Brandon has highly accredited skills such as hospitality, customer service, tourism, problem-solving, and social networking.

Louis resides in Atlanta, Georgia where he is the Vice President of Food & Beverage for Herschend Family Entertainment. Louis has experience in several facets of the industry including theme parks, arenas, hotels, and specialty retail. Louis is a motivational leader with a hands-on style. He is highly analytical, strategic, and detail-oriented. Louis is consistently leading high-volume, complex, and high-quality operations from quick-serve facilities and concessions to white tablecloth environments and specialty grocery retail.

Maria offers a wealth of working knowledge with a strong background in luxury hotels and resorts and strives for 100% guest and employee satisfaction. Maria is approaching her one-year anniversary taking on the role of the Human Resources Manager for Woodcliff Hotel and Spa. Before her current position, Maria worked for Drury Hotel, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capital Hill, and Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. In December 2018, Maria was awarded the Manager of the Year Award from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

Heather is the Manager of Donor and Scholarship Engagement at Niagara University. She specializes in development, events, fundraising, and community relations. Heather graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. She continued her education at Niagara University obtaining a Master's degree in Sport Management. Heather has a variety of experience in community relations, and donor relations, and strives to give back to the communities that we call home.

Kaitlin is the Assistant General Manager at The DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls where she oversees and leads a team of 150+ employees. Kaitlin graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism Marketing. She is a hospitality professional currently pursuing her career within hotel/resort operations. Kaitlin has a passion for what she does, and her work experiences range all over and in many different parts of the United States! Kaitlin loves new adventures and is always up for a new challenge.

Scott graduated from Niagara University with a BS in Hotel Management. He has a wide range of experience working in the hospitality industry including companies such as Essex Hotel Management, Radisson Hotel Niagara Falls/Grand Island, and his current position at Doubletree by Hilton Niagara Falls USA as the General Manager. Scott's specialties include customer and client relations, project management, policy and procedures development/ implementation, risk control, etc.

For almost a decade, Lauren has served as the Area Director of Digital and Brand Marketing for The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air in the Los Angeles Area. Before this position, Lauren worked at The New York Palace obtaining various positions such as the Marketing Manager and Director of eMarketing & Communications. In 2010, Lauren was honored with the Leader of the Quarter award issued by the executive office of The New York Palace. Lauren graduated from Niagara University with a BS in Hospitality Management.

Upon graduating from Niagara University studying Tourism and Recreation Management, Jessica has gained experience in customer service, event planning, and travel sales. Jessica works at the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection where she has worked her way up to earning the title of Marketing Manager. What she loves most about this role is promoting the beauty of the Finger Lakes and Ontario County, NY through managing marketing campaigns, engaging industry partners, and servicing visitor requests.