Tim Oldfield has been named president and general manager of Niagara Falls Convention Centre. He was previously vice president of corporate accounts, global sales with Marriott International. As a strategic leader with over 25 years of success in driving strong financial results through business plan execution, associate engagement and customer retention. Oldfield is also a member of the Global Business Travel Association Advisory Board for Canada.
Matt Pivarnik has been named president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. A seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience, Pivarnik most recently served as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership where he helped drive major economic growth and community revitalization. He is expected to officially step into the role by mid-May, bringing his visionary leadership and collaborative approach to the Grand Strand. Pivarnik previously held executive roles at the Tulsa Regional Chamber and is credited with uniting multiple organizations under one successful regional strategy.
Kevin Siegrist has been appointed director of sales and marketing at Kimpton Palladian Hotel in Seattle. With more than 26 years in luxury hospitality, Siegrist brings deep experience from leadership roles at top properties, including Four Seasons Vancouver, Devil’s Thumb Ranch & Spa and Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Most recently, he led sales and events at Bell Harbor International Conference Center & World Trade Center Seattle. A 2011 ICON Award winner, he has managed multimillion-dollar budgets and large-scale teams while staying active in industry associations like ILEA, NACE, MPI and GSBA. Siegrist now returns to Kimpton to lead strategy for the 97-key Palladian and its newly acquired adjoining Glass House.
Kimberly Simone has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing at Mohegan Sun. Since joining the property in 2023 as director of sales, Simone has brought nearly 20 years of MICE industry expertise and played a key role in boosting convention sales and hospitality. In her new role, she will lead strategy across venues including the Earth Expo & Convention Center, Sky Convention Center and Mohegan Sun Golf Club. A Bryant College graduate and Disney alum, she has held leadership positions at Foxwoods and Saybrook Point Resort & Marina and remains active in industry associations like MPI, PCMA and HSMAI. Simone also serves on the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau Board.
Rosy Merlino has been appointed director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. With over 20 years of global luxury hospitality experience, Merlino has held leadership roles with brands like Four Seasons, The Dominick and Morgans Hotel Group. In her new role, she will lead strategic sales and marketing efforts to elevate the hotel’s position in Manhattan’s competitive luxury market. Originally from Milan and now based in Greenwich Village, Merlino brings a creative, multilingual perspective and a passion for delivering standout guest experiences. She is known for blending brand prestige with commercial success and inspiring high-performing teams.
Shari Stauder has been appointed destination sales director for Discover Coronado, the sales partnership representing Hotel del Coronado, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Glorietta Bay Inn. With more than 20 years of experience in group meeting sales across San Diego, Stauder will lead group sales strategy and connect planners with over 100 venues on Coronado Island, just 15 minutes from the airport. She previously held leadership roles with Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Manchester Grand Hyatt and DoubleTree Mission Valley, and returns to Coronado after serving as Sales and Service Manager at Loews from 2005 to 2009.
Kristen Reynolds has been named president and CEO of Choose Chicago, effective May 5. She joins the organization after nearly a decade leading Discover Long Island, where she drove major growth in tourism revenue and strengthened regional economic development. A Certified Destination Management Executive with 27 years of experience, Reynolds brings deep expertise in destination marketing and tourism advocacy. She steps into the role as Chicago rides record-breaking momentum, including historic hotel revenue and its eighth consecutive “Best Big City in the U.S.” title from Condé Nast Traveler.
Hotel Per La in Los Angeles has named James Sheets as its new director of sales and marketing. With more than 26 years of hospitality experience, Sheets has held leadership roles at notable properties including The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey and The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. In his new role, he will lead sales strategies to drive revenue and market share while overseeing multi-channel marketing efforts to elevate brand awareness and audience engagement.
Melissa Braverman has been appointed senior area marketing manager for Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa and Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando. With a background in journalism, PR and hospitality marketing, Braverman brings a dynamic mix of storytelling and strategy to her new role. She previously led marketing at The Pierre in New York, where she launched the Broadway at The Pierre cabaret series, and most recently served as area marketing manager for Hyatt Regency Orlando. Braverman will oversee digital, social and PR efforts, helping to showcase the cultural richness of the Santa Ana Pueblo and the scenic beauty of Tamaya.
Kimber Foster has joined Visit Fort Worth as vice president of marketing and communications. A seasoned leader in destination marketing, Foster returns to Texas after serving as director of Palm Springs Tourism at Visit Greater Palm Springs, where she led high-profile brand partnerships with names like Louis Vuitton and the James Beard Foundation. She also previously directed marketing for the Grapevine CVB. In her new role, Foster will oversee brand development, advertising and digital strategy to support major initiatives including the city’s World Cup 2026 promotion and Convention Center expansion.
