Names in the News – March 2010

The Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach, Calif., appointed Terri Reid as the executive director of sales and marketing. Reid has 26 years of experience in the hospitality and travel industry.

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev., promoted Sally Gentile to director of meetings and conventions.

Chef Heem K. Chee (left) joined The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach as vice president of food and beverage, overseeing operations for banquets, bars and eateries throughout The Resort Collection’s properties. Stacey Aronson (right)  is the new vice president of lodging, responsible for managing all aspects of the front desk, housekeeping, laundry, and rental maintenance and services. John F. Ward is now the vice president of golf and resort activities. His responsibilities include managing Hombre Golf Club, Majestic Beach Resort Health Club and resort activities, as well as golf, tennis and the health club for Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort. Michelle Lacewell, marketing director, was recognized by Florida State University Panama City as one of three Notable ‘Noles for 2009.

SmithBucklin, an association management company, appointed Leslie Thornton managing director of Courtesy Associates, responsible for the day-to-day management of the Washington, D.C.-based conference and event management firm.

Visit Jacksonville’s Recognition of Service Excellence Awards chose Kevin McCarthy as a finalist out of 97 nominees for a Rose Award. Owner of the Amelia River Cruises and Cumberland Sound Ferry, McCarthy was nominated by his staff for the award, which recognizes personnel in the hospitality industry who are ambassadors for Jacksonville, Fla.

The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev., promoted Denise Banks to vice president of sales, meetings and conventions. Banks joined the property in 1980 and has held a number of key management roles including vice president of meetings and conventions.

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course named Kathryn McMahon senior sales manager. McMahon has more than 16 years of experience in sales and works from her home office in Washington State.

Loews Hotels appointed Robert L. Nee director of marketing for Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Calif. Nee brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to his new role.

Bob Nelson was named general manager of the Wyndham Virginia Crossing Hotel and Conference Center. Nelson has 25 years of hospitality experience