NORTH POINT HOSPITALITY - Key Persons
Bryan Cornelius joined North Point Hospitality 20 years ago and is currently the general manager of the Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/Riverfront. During his tenure, Bryan has worked in several of North Point's hotels in Savannah, four of which he was a part of the opening team as well as assuming his first general manager role at the age of 24.
In total, throughout his hotel career, he has assisted in the opening of seven hotels and two brand conversions - including four as general manager. Bryan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Savannah Downtown Business Association (2021-2023) and Visit Savannah (2022-2024).
During his free time, Bryan enjoys traveling with his wife and two young children - preferably to sunny beach destinations.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Director of Human Resources
Carla Forbes currently serves the Corporate Director of Human Resources, specializing in training and employee relations. She began her career with North Point Hospitality in 2009 as a front office manager for the DoubleTree Savannah Historic District and the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District, moving on to a human resources and accounting role. She has an extensive background in hospitality and has worked for several brands since attending East Carolina University. Carla and her husband, Lin, have lived in Savannah since 2009.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Human Resources
Christy serves as Vice President of Human Resources for North Point Hospitality and is responsible for ensuring a strategic and dynamic approach to the human resources needs of the organization. Christy has more than 15 years of human resource management experience. Prior to joining North Point in March 2018, she translated the HR function in the fields of banking, healthcare, higher education, and telecommunications.
Christy is a certified human resources professional who holds a bachelor's degree from University of Richmond and a master's Degree from Old Dominion University. She is a Savannah native and stays busy with the lives and interests of her four children.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Project Manager for Northpoint Hospitality
Dan Ryan serves as a Project Manager for Northpoint Hospitality. He has over 9 years of development and military leadership experience. As a development professional, he has managed numerous projects in the utility scale solar and wind industry totaling over $250 million before moving to North Point. Dan served 8 years as an Amor officer and held multiple leadership roles during his time in the service.
Dan is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with Where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and received his commission as an Army officer.
Ed Stelling - Chief Legal Officer, VP
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Vice President
- Vice President & General Counsel / Development
Ed Stelling joined North Point Hospitality in January 2013 and serves as Vice President and General Counsel for the company. In that role, Ed has responsibility for legal matters associated with site acquisition and development, contract negotiations, and legal issues related to the management of the company and the company's operation of hotels.
Ed graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History before returning to the University of Georgia to earn his Juris Doctor degree. He enjoys spending his free free time with his wife and daughter.
Felton has always had the spirit to serve. His first hotel job was at the Hyatt Regency where he worked as a busboy, but always looked for the opportunity to advance. He served as a guest services agent at the front desk for two years before finding an opportunity to join North Point Hospitality. He onboarded with North Point just one month after it opened the doors to its first Savannah property, the then Radisson Hotel. He took on a few roles from night manager to hotel trainer to front office manager over the next three years. He then served as dual front office manager after aiding in the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District. He served as assistant general manager of Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown while preparing and opening the sister property, the Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Midtown. Mr. Clark served as general manager to that hotel for eight years before relocating to the North Carolina area to serve as general manager of the Springhill Suites Lumberton. Felton Clark SpringHill Suites Lumberton
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Accounts Payable
Gary joined the North Point Hospitality team in September 2001, bringing with him over 17 years of hospitality experience. His first assignment was general manager of the rebranded Hampton Inn Alpharetta-Roswell. In 2005, Gary was assigned to the rebranded Doubletree Atlanta-Alpharetta, a two-time Connie award-winning hotel. Later in 2005, he was promoted to the position of area general manager, overseeing three Alpharetta properties; the DoubleTree Atlanta-Alpharetta, Hampton Inn Alpharetta-Roswell and the Hampton Inn & Suites Alpharetta-Windward. Gary will serve as the opening general manager at the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown.
Gary spends his leisure time group hiking throughout Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Sales and Marketing
- Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Gina Peper serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North Point Hospitality, having joined the company in December 2001. During that time, she has assisted in opening 16 new hotels and three brand conversions. Gina is responsible for the overall sales & marketing efforts for all North Point owned and managed hotels, as well as the pre-sales efforts for hotels under construction.
A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, Gina has over 20 years of hospitality experience. She served as president of the Savannah Downtown Business Association in 2019 and was named 2019 Community Service Star, and 2018 New Guard. She was in the 2013-2014 Leadership Savannah class and was a 2014 "Big Wig" for the Susan G. Komen of Coastal Georgia fall campaign. Gina currently lives in Nashville, TN and in her free time, enjoys spending time with her husband, Wes, and three children, Caroline, Kailey and Jacob.
Job Titles:
- General Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic
Jake Warner is the General Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District. Jake first joined North Point Hospitality in 2009 as an executive chef after several years of fine dining experience. Since then, he has served as director of food and beverage before being promoted to the area director of food and beverage where he oversaw the food and beverage operations for three North Point hotels.
Jake has over 20 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two boys at the beach or out on the water.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- President
As president and CEO, Jay is responsible for the overall direction and guidance of the company. Jay is also personally involved in all strategic growth decisions related to site selection and brand options in potential markets. His relationships with franchisors and lenders pave the way for future hotel developments and continued company success.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
At the age of 38, JK Patel immigrated to the United States in 1978 from Kisumu, Kenya with his wife and two young children. In Kenya, Mr. Patel had worked with Barclays Bank where he served as senior loan officer. That strong financial background served him well when he bought his first hotel in Aiken, South Carolina in 1979: a full-service Ramada Inn. Since then, Mr. Patel has developed, owned and operated more than 30 hotels throughout the Southeast. Today, Mr. Patel still enjoys an active role in the day-to-day operations of the company. In 1996, Mr. Patel had the distinct honor of serving as chairman of the Asian American Hotels Owners Association (AAHOA), an organization that currently boasts a membership of more than 19,500. JK Patel currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Geeta. He enjoys traveling with his family and friends and spending time with his four grandchildren who live close by.
Juan got his start in hospitality as a bellman at the Canyon Ranch Resort in Tucson, Arizona. From there, he was promoted to night auditor, desk agent, and then front office manager. Juan then moved on to work for Remington Hotels, where he served as a rooms division manager and sales manager. He then went to work for Meristar Hotels as a rooms manager at the Latham Hotel in Georgetown, and got his first general manager job at the Hampton Inn Atlanta Gwinnett. Juan joined North Point Hospitality in 2004 and has served as the opening general manager at several current and former North Point hotels, including the SpringHill Suites Buckhead Atlanta, Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown, Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Midtown and the Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites Atlanta Midtown, a dual-branded property opened in 2012. Juan has also served as the area general manager of the DoubleTree Savannah Historic District, the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District and the Quality Inn Savannah Historic District. He currently serves as general manager for the first tri-branded Marriott hotel in the country, the SpringHill Suites/Residence Inn/AC Hotel Nashville Downtown. Juan is from Lima, Peru and enjoys traveling as much as he can and spending time with his wife, Harumi, and his family. Juan Mera AC Hotel, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites Nashville Downtown Convention Center
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Regional Controller
Kevin Giesse joined North Point Hospitality in March 2014 as a night auditor. Soon after, he became the accounting and human resources Manager in Midtown, Atlanta. He now serves as the Assistant Regional Controller for North Point Hospitality at the corporate office in Atlanta. Kevin started his hospitality career in 2007, and graduated from a German hospitality management school in 2010. He collectively has 13 years of hospitality experience with Hilton and one of Germany's largest hotel chains, Maritim.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Sales Coordinator
Meghan Broome serves as the Marketing and Sales Coordinator for North Point Hospitality, having joined the company in December 2021. Meghan supports marketing and sales for North Point as well as develops social media and web content.
A graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, Meghan is just beginning her career in the hospitality industry. Being from Frankenmuth, MI, Meghan has several years of hospitality experience. Meghan currently lives in Nashville, TN and enjoys exploring Nashville and cooking.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Sales & Revenue Analyst
Melaina serves as the Corporate Sales & Revenue Analyst for North Point Hospitality. She is responsible for developing revenue management strategies and maintaining the overall sales revenue processes throughout all properties. A seasoned sales and revenue professional, she has extensive experience with both Hilton and Marriott brands. Melaina joined the company in 2009 and has served as director of sales for multiple North Point properties. She attended the University of Georgia, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. She and her husband, Chad are Savannah natives and are proud parents of their daughter, Rylee.
Job Titles:
- Director of Design and Construction
Mike White serves as the Director of Design and Construction for North Point Hospitality. He has over 17 years of construction and military leadership experience. As a construction professional, he has managed numerous projects from minor interior remodels to large retail and hospitality developments totaling over $338 million. Mike was a combat helicopter pilot and company commander while he served in the Army, deploying to combat multiple times during his service of over 9 years.
Mike is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Building Construction and received his commission as an Army officer.
Molly Sundermann serves as the Complex Director of Sales for North Point Hospitality. She is responsible for overseeing the sales and revenue efforts for the AC Hotel, SpringHill Suites, and Residence Inn - Downtown Nashville, TN.
Molly joined the company in 2021, bringing 13 years of extensive sales experience with Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG brands.
She attended the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management.
Molly currently lives in Nashville, TN and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling abroad, and exploring new restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Vice President of Finance
Niraj Patel serves North Point Hospitality as Vice President of Finance. In this role, he builds productivity and profitability through his ability to design and deliver next-generation finance management tools for all North Point's properties. Niraj brings over 20 years of experience in accounting to provide effective analysis and report building, and leads all matters related to property taxes, insurance, construction budgeting and cost tracking, loan packages and monthly construction draws. He is especially strong in problem solving and analyzing data to find accounting information to allow officers to course-direct business at a moment's notice. Niraj has a successful record of demonstrating the use and application of technical best practices to companies to improve recordkeeping and produce reports that meet audit and regulatory requirements.
Niraj earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Finance from Carleton University and his CPA membership is through the American Institute of CPAs.
Selina began her hospitality journey in 1997 as a housekeeper and breakfast hostess. In 2003, she was presented with the TLC Leadership Council Award for Excellent Service while working at the Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District. Selina joined our North Point Hospitality in 2013 and has worked multiple positions within the company, varying from front desk clerk, front office assistant, executive housekeeper and front office manager. In 2018, Selina became the General Manger of the Quality Inn Savannah Historic District. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Selina exemplifies North Point's "Serve from the Heart" proclamation, and uses her drive for hospitality and her energy to push her team to greatness. Her passion for providing exceptional hospitality services has qualified her as a valuable team member to the North Point family. During her spare time, she values moments with her husband, children, and her menagerie of pets. Selina is active within her community by dedicating her services to volunteer organizations. Selina Gibbons Quality Inn Savannah Historic District
Job Titles:
- Area Director of Sales for North Point Hospitality 's Savannah
Stacy earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Valdosta State University and moved to Savannah shortly after graduating. She enjoys spending time with her two kids and volunteering as a Girl Scout Troop leader, which has allowed her to develop many new skills and discover her love of the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Revenue & Inventory Coordinator
Valencia Weston currently serves as the Revenue and Inventory Coordinator at North Point Hospitality. Valencia joined the North Point team in 2007 as a Guest Service Associate. Since that time, Mrs. Weston has served as a F&B Supervisor, Assistant Front Office Manager, and Sales Coordinator, giving her over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
During Valencia's free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children outdoors or playing board games.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
Whip Morrison Triplett serves as Chief Operating Officer for North Point Hospitality and joined the company in August 2001. In that capacity, Whip oversees the daily operation of the company, which includes operations for all North Point owned and managed hotels, construction of current projects, and due diligence of potential hotel development opportunities.
A 1992 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Whip has more than 35 years of hospitality experience.
With a commitment to community, he served as the 2006 chairman of Visit Savannah, the 2011 and 2019 Chairman of Savannah Tourism and Leadership Council, and chairman of the 2016 Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he has served as president of Leadership Savannah, and he currently holds a position on the Hilton Product Advisory Council. In 2014, he and his wife, Stephanie, established an endowed scholarship in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Auburn University, where he currently serves as Chair of that program's advisory board. Mr. Triplett also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Dean of the School of Human Sciences at Auburn University.