Texas

Located smack dab in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth, less than a three-hour flight from either the West or East Coasts, is the city of Irving.

In 1927, Hilton Hotels’ founder Conrad Hilton said, "Abilene, Texas, will be well prepared to handle large conventions and please the most fastidious visitor." Nearly 95 years later, Abilene has fulfilled this vision and is excited to welcome back the Hilton family of hotels in the heart of downtown Abilene with a recently announced DoubleTree by Hilton.

League City CVB manager Stephanie Polk shares her career journey.

Originally from Kentwood, Louisiana, Stephanie Polk, TDM, CTE, first made her mark on the travel and tourism industry as director of marketing for the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. There, she helped to elevate the city as a destination for recreation travelers and business groups. Wowed by her accomplishments, in 2020, League City brought her on board to lead its marketing efforts. She shares with us highlights and advice from her experience in the industry. 

Larrisey shifted from ad agency exec to buzzworthy events expert.

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.

John S. Hernstat Jr. was recently hired as director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa San Antonio, Texas.

1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role as director of sales and marketing?

The soon-to-open Omni Frisco Hotel in Dallas has announced the names of its new director of operations, director of finance, director of sales and marketing, director of engineering, director of human resources and neighborhood services general manager.

The hotel will open in July 2017. All of the announced positions will report to Jeff Smith, hotel general manager.

Kindred Resorts & Hotels has revealed a number of new activities that span across North America. Some of these additions include romantic getaways, culinary adventures, wellness corporate retreats, and more.

Grand Hotel, located in Mackinac Island, Michigan will reopen on May 4 after completing its renovation. Renovations include three new suites, with interior design by Dorothy Draper & Company, and changes to the world’s longest porch at 660-feet. It will be open the first weekend in May through the end of October.

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.

Bethany Hastings was recently hired as director of sales for Plano Centre in Texas.

1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role as director of sales for Plano Centre?

Olivella, a new Italian restaurant in North Bergen is on the cusp of opening. The first New Jersey project from chef Salvatore Olivella, one of the country’s top pizza makers, the new Olivella in North Bergen will serve brick oven pizza and a full menu of antipasti, pasta and entrees on a busy stretch of Bergenline Avenue, just steps from James J. Braddock Park. The restaurant will have its soft opening next week, but there is no hard date.

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.

Michael Salerno was recently hired as the general manager for Neighborhood Services at Omni Frisco Hotel in Frisco, Texas.

1. What are you looking forward to in your new role as General Manager for Neighborhood Services at Omni Frisco Hotel?