Paul Pomerantz
As managing director of ASAE’s Association Governance Institute (AGI), Pomerantz will lead the launch of the new initiative, which is dedicated to promoting excellence in governance practice for Associations. He served as CEO of the American Society of Anesthesiologists for nearly 11 years, where he implemented best practices in association management. In 2016, ASAE presented him with the Key Award, which honors CEOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to voluntary membership associations.
James Wardell
Wardell takes on the role of general manager at Canyon Ranch Woodside. Throughout his career, he has managed numerous hotel portfolios and successfully led operations in various California hotel communities. In his most recent role as general manager of Calistoga Motor Lodge, he spearheaded a construction project that added 39 rooms, reduced food and beverage costs and skillfully managed finances.
Michael Punchios and Jessica Dringman
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe expands its executive team with two new leaders.
Punchios takes on the role of director of sales. He brings over a decade of hospitality experience, and most recently served as assistant director of sales at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa. He began his hospitality career with the Disney College Program, and later played an important part in launching Disney Cruise Line’s first ship, Disney Magic. Along with expertise in corporate travel events and hotel contracting, he brings a passion for community service.
Dringham enters as director of marketing. She most recently served as director of marketing at Davidson Hospitality Group, where she provided both on-property and task force marketing leadership to numerous properties. Throughout her career, she has held multiple strategic marketing positions. She brings expertise in digital marketing, brand development, social media strategy and analytics tools, which she will use to lead the resort’s marketing initiatives.
Jose de Jesus Angulo
Angulo takes on the role of general manager at Kimpton Palomar South Beach. Throughout his 28 years in the hospitality industry, he has represented premier hotel brands from IHG to Hilton, plus various lifestyle hotels. He has received numerous awards, including the Kimpton Shoptalk Team Award in 2015. In 2011, he received both the IHLA Chicago Department Head of the Year Stars of the Industry Award and the Hostmark Hospitality Director of Sales and Marketing of the Year.
Dan McDermott and Michelle Serra
Nassau hotel British Colonial makes two significant appointments.
McDermott fills the role of general manager, with over two decades of luxury hospitality experience. In 2022, he was named HSMAI General Manager of the Year for South Florida. His significant accomplishments include directing the launch of Telluride Mountain Lodge and renovating Nashville’s Union Station. With this experience, he is well-prepared to successfully lead the reopening of British Colonial.
Serra serves as director of sales and marketing. Local to Nassau, she brings over 25 years of industry experience. She is skilled in collaborative marketing and selling of resort lifestyle, luxury rental properties and convention centers. Through her work at a variety of major hotel brands and assets, from Margaritaville Resort Orlando to numerous Hilton locations, she brings diverse experience across sales, catering and events management.
Kristopher White
The Point Resort welcomes White as general manager. With nearly two decades of hospitality management experience, he will oversee all daily operations, including marketing, food and beverage, rooms, guest experience and customer relations. White is motivated to uphold a continued level of high-quality service and the experiential traditions for which the hotel is known.
Edward Roe
Iconic Berkeley resort Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, appoints Roe as general manager. Most recently, he served as general manager of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. He is an active community member, having served as president and board member of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and board chair for Sonoma County Tourism during his former role. He has now taken a post with the Visit Oakland Board.
Christoph Moje
Hotel Bel-Air promotes Moje to the role of general manager from his earlier role as hotel manager. He began as hotel manager in 2021, and brings nearly 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. He has held numerous managerial positions within a number of hotel groups, including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and the Langham Hospitality Group.
Steve Grimes
Grimes takes on the role of chief marketing officer for Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. He will lead all advertising, promotions, marketing, market intelligence, digital, communications and social media efforts for the organization. Grimes brings over 20 years of marketing experiences and has successfully driven revenue growth through strategic partnerships, leveraging emerging technologies and creating award-winning content.
Benjamin Palmer
Kimpton Everly Hollywood appoints Palmer to the role of general manager. He brings extensive experience in luxury lifestyle hospitality, and most recently served as hotel manager at Sunset Tower Hotel. He possesses a proven ability to streamline strategic growth and is deeply committed to employee engagement.
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