Claudia Eggspuhler
Rockbridge and Crescent Hotels & Resorts hired Claudia Eggspuhler as the first female general manager of The Adolpuhs in Dallas. Eggspuhler will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the 23-story Rockbridge Portfolio property. She was previously the complex general manager of Westin Reston Heights and Sheraton Reston Hotel. Eggspuhler received general manager certification with Starwood, Marriott and Hilton.
“Eggspuhler’s wealth of knowledge within the hospitality industry coupled with her outstanding record of management success makes her a valuable addition to our team at The Adolphus,” said Michael George, CEO of Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “She brings more than 15 years of expertise, and we’re excited to have her oversee the continued growth and advancement that has been admired throughout the hotel’s 100-year heritage.”
Matthew Quick
Matthew Quick joined the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, Ga. as Rooms Executive. Quick brings his years of hotel leadership experience to the 251-room hotel. Before joining the Ritz-Carlton Lodge team, he was director of rooms at Stowe Mountain Lodge and rooms division manager at Paradise Point Resort & Spa.
“It is an honor to call the beautiful Lake Oconee resort my new home,” he said. “I have always admired The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to the highest caliber of customer service, and I look forward to doing all that I can to ensure guests of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation feel at home.”
Doug Gehret
Doug Gehret was appointed as the area vice president of Hilton Worldwide’s operations in Central Florida and South Carolina. Most recently, Gehret served as general manager of the 1,417-room Hilton Orlando, a position he held since 2008. In his new role, Gehret will lead hotel operations for 18 of Hilton’s owned and managed assets, as well as Hilton Grand Vacations properties in the region.
Jena Baker McNeill
As the new senior director of the U.S. Travel Association, Jena Baker McNeill is bolstering efforts to promote policies that increase travel to and within the U.S. McNeil brings a wealth of public policy experience to her new role. She previously served as deputy director for the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. While there, she helped manage travel-related issues, including national and border security.
“Jena brings an abundance of political know-how and homeland security expertise,” said Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association president and CEO. “The U.S. travel community evaluates every travel-related policy though the lens of safety and security first and foremost and Jena’s background speaks directly to that emphasis.”
Joe Pagone
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants hired Joe Pagone as general manager of Hotel Van Zant, which will open in Austin, Texas this September. Pagone will oversee the hotel’s opening, as well as all personnel, business development, property operations and guest relations. The property will have 319 guest rooms and 41 suites.
Pagone joins Hotel Van Zant from Hotel Monaco Baltimore, another Kimpton property. As general manager, he maintained customer satisfaction rankings and increased hotel revenue. He was previously assistant general manager at Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Chicago. Pagone is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.
“We’re thrilled to have an experienced industry professional usher in this hotel and help create an environment that reflects Austin’s vibrant personality,” said Ron Vlasic, regional vice president of hotel operations. “Our intention is to bring highly localized and personalized experiences to our guests as we do at all of our Kimpton hotels.”
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