LIV HOSPITALITY - Key Persons
Mr. Klug joined Liv Hospitality as its Chief Financial Officer in 2006 after spending a number of years working for the State of South Dakota Department of Revenue as a financial analyst and auditor with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. Ken is a Certified Public Accountant through the State of South Dakota and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role with Liv Hospitality.
Mr. Klug's responsibilities include oversight of all accounting processes for Liv Hospitality. He is responsible for proper execution of the company's accounting practices, maintenance of accurate financial records, and the timely preparation of financial reports. Mr. Klug holds a BS in Accounting from the University of South Dakota. He enjoys spending time outdoors at his home in Spearfish, SD with his wife Jane and 2 children.
Britton attended Northern State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and Economics. Traveling, usually to a beach location, is her favorite way to spend her free time. At home, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, DIY projects, and gardening.
Caleb Arceneaux joined Liv Hospitality in May 2008, and subsequently held various roles within the company including General Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Casino Operations, and was ultimately named Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Mr. Arceneaux's strengths lie in his 20 years of hospitality and leadership experience in hotel, casino, and food and beverage operations. His hotel management experience originates in the Pacific Northwest, where he worked within several full-service resorts, gaming operations, and limited-service hotels, uniquely qualifying him to lead the Liv Hospitality portfolio of properties. Mr. Arceneaux has extensive experience in direct marketing efforts, digital marketing and operational platforms & efficiencies, internal controls, and maximizing ROI with various CRM management systems.
Mr. Arceneaux's food, beverage, hotel and casino experience originates in conference services, and has developed into a robust background that consists of new construction design and development, project management, franchised food and beverage operations, and operational efficiencies. In addition to leading the LIV Hospitality team, Mr. Arceneaux serves on the South Dakota State Tourism Advisory Board, the South Dakota State Workforce Advisory Council, Board of Directors for SoDak Title, and The Governors Council of Economic Advisors. He has been active in successfully lobbying for visitor and travel industry legislative initiatives during his tenure as CEO of Liv Hospitality, and is a shareholder in Atlantis, LLC. Mr. Arceneaux and his wife, Amy, enjoy spending time in the beautiful Black Hills with their 3 children and a grandchild on the way!
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer at Liv Hospital
Devin Blasius is a Graphic Designer at Liv Hospitality and our Prince of Pantones. He joined the team September 2022. He went to college and received a Bachelor's Degree specializing in Graphic Design. While attending SDSU Devin worked in an automotive repair shop to make ends meet. Growing up around cars he developed a passion for all things cars at a young age.
Outside of work he enjoys being active and participating in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, side-by-siding, as well as drag racing, and car shows. During the winter he likes to remain indoors and play video games.
Jake Titus joined Liv Hospitality in May 2022 as the Corporate Controller. He was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a BS and Master of Accounting. He worked in Minneapolis as a public accountant for several years before moving west and continuing his auditing career in Rapid City before eventually joining the Liv Team. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the states of Minnesota and South Dakota.
His role as the Corporate Controller will be to assist with the completeness and accuracy of financial statements and daily accounting functions. Outside of the office, Jake can be found biking, hiking, and exploring the Black Hills with his wife and two dogs.
Jeff Paulsen joined the Liv Hospitality team in March of 2006 as the Senior Staff Accountant. Born and raised in Rapid City, SD, Jeff studied accounting at the National American University. With his strong financial background, his primary responsibility is the daily accounting for Country Inn & Suites, Liv's ATM business, including preparing financial reports and cash management.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, the outdoors and playing with his dogs.
Jessica Ries joined Liv Hospitality in January 2021 as the Payroll & Benefits Administrator and swiftly ascended to the role of Director of Payroll and Benefits in April 2022, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the organization. As our "Cheddar Getter," Jessica brings forth a wealth of experience, underpinned by her academic achievements and degree in paralegal studies. With an impressive 22 years of hands-on expertise, Jessica has consistently demonstrated a nuanced understanding of her craft.
In her capacity as the Director of Payroll and Benefits, Jessica assumes a pivotal role in overseeing and guiding the strategic direction of payroll administration and benefits programs. Her focus on precision, compliance, and associate satisfaction has elevated these critical functions to new heights of efficiency within the Liv Hospitality framework. Jessica's style is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that policies align seamlessly with the company's commitment to Leadership, Integrity, and Vision, encompassing fair compensation practices and the overall well-being of its associates.
Jessica Ries is not merely an accomplished professional; she is a driving force behind Liv Hospitality's commitment to excellence in payroll management. Her journey from Payroll & Benefits Administrator to Director is a testament to her dedication and commitment to excellence in this vital aspect of the organization's operations.
Jessie began her career with Liv Hospitality as the Digital Marketer in May 2019. Within her first year, she was promoted to her current role as the Digital Strategist. She earned a Bachelors in both Corporate Communications and Graphic Design from Black Hills State University. While pursuing her Bachelor's degree, Jessie gained experience working in the marketing department and participating in both the Public Relations Club and Swarm Advertising Solutions Club at Black Hills State University. It is through her education, experience, and involvement at the University that Jessie discovered her passion for all things digital marketing. Outside of the office, Jessie is active outdoors and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
Kayti Ratigan joined Liv Hospitality in April 2011 and has over 20 years of experience in the hotel and tourism industry. She has extensive experience in working and managing time-shares, resorts, and hotels of all sizes. She started her career at a time share resort in Orlando, Florida where she quickly fell in love with the industry.
Her vast knowledge of hotel operations, revenue management, front desk training, and sales techniques has assisted in escalating her career. Mrs. Ratigan currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer and is responsible for maintaining operational excellence, improving operating procedures for optimal efficiency, maximizing company-wide profits, talent recruitment and mentoring property level leaders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and her three children.
Kelli Mitchell-Digges joined Liv Hospitality in Jan of 2022, bringing a 31 year career of designing hospitality interiors on an international level. Kelli received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech); which is a CIDA accredited program. She began her design career working with Hugh W. Dear & Associates, Inc., in 1991. At that time, the firm was ranked 55 in Interior Design Magazine's top 100 Hospitality Giants. She later became Director of Design and eventually, Vice President, and led the firm to consistently rank nationally in the top 20 Hospitality Giants. Kelli has worked with Historic & Boutique Hotels, which have been given "Certificate of Recognition for Architectural Preservation and Restoration" and listed in the top 20 hotels and resorts in the United States Zagat; the World's Best 500 hotels; Top 50 US Resorts, and Virginia's # 1 Resort by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
In 2002, Kelli founded Dear Mitchell Digges Design, Inc., located in Williamsburg, Virginia. She enjoys the challenge each project brings, from researching local flavor, addressing aesthetic & architectural themes to carefully create interior spaces that are serviceable and stand out in the marketplace. From conceptual design, through specification and purchasing, to installation & delivery, she strives to give the client a product that delivers a great return on their investment. Liv Hospitality was a top client for the last 14 years, which lead to a seamless transition in joining the Liv team.
Kelli has served on the board of Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission working with the homeless population; as a women's ministry leader and on the building committee in her church. Currently she volunteers with Promiseland's Storehouse foodbank and is an Officer of Elections in her city. Her greatest pet peeve is to be called a decorator instead of interior designer. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and watching her two sons play soccer and lacrosse.
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hotel Alex Johnson
Lynzie Montague joined Liv Hospitality as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hotel Alex Johnson in October 2016. Ms. Montague was then promoted to the General Manager of the Hotel Alex Johnson and began the oversight of what was an extensive 2-year renovation, while rapidly learning the operational side of hotel management.
joined Liv Hospitality as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hotel Alex Johnson in October 2016. Ms. Montague was then promoted to the General Manager of the Hotel Alex Johnson and began the oversight of what was an extensive 2-year renovation, while rapidly learning the operational side of hotel management.
She has since worked with numerous large brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. In her current role, she is responsible for all group sales efforts, talent acquisition, increasing market share growth, and developing strategic marketing initiatives across the entire Liv Hospitality portfolio. In her free time, Ms. Montague enjoys spending time on Pactola Lake boating and wake surfing with her husband, Scott, and their 2 children.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Director at Liv Hospital
Morgan Moller is the Marketing Director at Liv Hospitality and is our Marketing Mastermind. She joined the team in May 2019 after moving back to the Black Hills. Morgan completed her Master's in Sport Management from the University of South Dakota and has a Bachelor's in Sport Management from Bemidji State University.
When pursuing her degrees, Morgan was able to work for the sport marketing departments at both Bemidji State and the University of South Dakota, which allowed her to find her true passion and enjoyment for marketing. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, watching sports, and being outdoors!
Paige Bond is an innovative Senior Interior Designer with 18 years of experience in hospitality interior design. She officially joined Liv Hospitality in January 2022 after working for Liv's go to interior design firm, Dear Mitchell Digges Design, Inc. Since 2007 Paige has been an integral part of the Liv team, working on various projects including design lead for the Hotel Alex Johnson, Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort and SpringHill Suites, to name a few. Paige has utilized her creativity and artistic talents to develop and execute numerous design concepts for hotels, restaurants and casinos throughout the United States. Projects include both new construction and renovation for boutique hotels, Navy Lodges and well-known brands such as IHG, Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, and Wyndham. She has extensive experience in designing custom and prototypical projects for renovation. Her expertise includes specification of interior finish & furniture selection, space planning, budget development, project management and vendor to contractor coordination.
Paige is certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Board (NCIDQ). She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited program. Paige works remotely through Liv's Interior Design office in Williamsburg, VA.
In her free time, Paige is involved in various church activities; previously working as the Children and Youth Coordinator from 2016-to 2020 and serving as the church's Vice Chair/Designer of the Capitol Improvement committee. She is currently involved in a women's group that is focused on local mission projects that impact the community for Christ. Paige also enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs in the Blueridge Mountains and Tidewater areas of Virginia.
Melissa joined Liv Hospitality in February 2012 as the Director of Sales for WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort. Throughout the years, Mrs. James has held numerous roles within Liv Hospitality, including Group Sales, Food & Beverage, Operations, and Revenue Management.