GIBSON HOTEL MANAGEMENT - Key Persons
Alicia is responsible for purchasing Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment for all new construction hotels, renovation projects associated with product improvement plants, and targeted hotel refurbishment endeavors. She has over 20 years of industry experience including the food & beverage component of hotels, sales & catering, management of full service hotels, and bed & breakfast establishments. Alicia also served as a member of East Tennessee Meeting Professionals and Executive Women International. She has earned two Associates degrees, with one attained in hospitality management, while the other was achieved in Special Education. Alicia brings a consistent track record of success in the coordination of several critical projects, including 10 new construction hotels within a three year time period. She provides a results focused perspective in challenging project management situations. Alicia has proven to be an excellent problem solver with strategic and tactical skills. She is also a strong leader who inspires confidence and trust in others while motivating staff members to perform at high levels to consistently meet project expectations.
Job Titles:
- Payroll & Benefits Manager
With a Human Resources, Payroll, and Benefits career spanning 13+ years, Allison joined Gibson Hotel Management, Inc., as the Payroll & Benefits Manager. As Payroll & Benefits Manager, Allison's main focuses include: processing company-wide payrolls, benefit management and compliance, recruiting, pre-employment verification, onboarding, employee relations, employee training & development, and labor law compliance. Prior to joining Gibson Hotel Management, Inc. in February of 2022, Allison was a Senior Level Payroll Specialist for a well-known, award winning, multi-million-dollar company. Since 2012, Allison has been an involved member of the American Payroll Association, where she held multiple positions on the Executive Board, including: Secretary, Vice President, President, and President Emeritus. Allison attended East Tennessee State University, majoring in Public Relations, and minoring in Mass Communications. Allison is consistently described as a hard-working, dedicated, loyal, honest, and compassionate person; this rings true both professionally and personally. Outside of work, Allison enjoys traveling, paddleboarding, reading, cooking, and above all, spending time with her wife Lauren, and her two sons, Charleston & Gatsby. Allison's words to live by: A kind gesture touches the soul, in a way words never will!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Project Management Team
- Director of Project Management
Job Titles:
- District Manager
- General Manager
- General Manager of the Full Service Holiday Inn Knoxville West
Anna is the General Manager of the full service Holiday Inn Knoxville West. She also assists corporate operations at various IHG properties within the Gibson Hotels portfolio. Anna received her degree in hospitality at Paul Smith's College located in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. She then moved to beautiful Tennessee and in 1999 began working for Gibson Hotels' first property Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville Airport/Alcoa as a Guest Service Representative. From there, she learned all aspects of the hotel and grew her career. Anna has performed and managed every position in a full-service hotel, from scrubbing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning rooms to becoming a General Manager at numerous Gibson managed properties. Anna has also worked at the Gibson Hotels corporate office providing accounting and human resources assistance for properties; however, she realized her passion was in operations and returned to property level daily operations. Anna won the manager of the year award from Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association in 2018 and General Manager of the year for Gibson Hotel Management in 2021. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Levarr and her two children Kaleea and Juwelz, who enjoy being outside and playing sports.
As Financial Compliance Manager, Darrell works closely with the hotels on their daily reports and ensures that the ledgers stay in balance. He also reconciles the hotel bank accounts on a weekly basis and strives for uniformity in invoice coding. Monthly he prepares the financial packets for all GHMI hotels. Annually he enters the budgets in M3 and prepares and distributes 1099's as week as handling business tax and annual report filings. Darrell started in the hotel industry in his hometown of Morristown in 1987 when he was hired by the Ramada Inn as relief night auditor. Other positions held include front desk manager, Rooms Division Manager and bookkeeper. The hotel rebranded as Holiday Inn Conference Center in 2000 and he assumed the role of Assistant General Manager. During their 10 years with IHG the hotel earned five Torchbearer Awards. The hotel converted to Best Western Plus in 2010 and Darrell was named General Manager. In 2018 the hotel began a partnership with GHMI for accounting and payroll services. Darrell's favorite saying is "perfect will be fine" and one of his former employees embroidered this and had it framed for him. It is on display in his office. While not working Darrell enjoys watching a variety of sports on TV and tends to his tropical fish aquarium.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Staff Accountant
Desmund started his hospitality career with Gibson Hotel Management in May of 2022 as a staff accountant. He reconciles bank accounts on a weekly basis, sales tax monthly, and creates financial packets for some of our hotels. He has had other accounting experience with small businesses and healthcare in Nashville, TN for 3 years before he decided to move back to the Knoxville, TN area. In his free time, Desmund likes to travel, watch sports, and is very family oriented.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Real Estate / Development
Nando joined Gibson Hotel Management, Inc. in 2019 after a successful twenty-five-year career in Commercial Real Estate Brokerage, most recently focusing primarily in Hotel and Restaurant site acquisition. Prior to real estate Nando had a career in the hospitality industry and gained a valuable management experiences within the hotel, restaurant and banquet/catering fields, and worked for Michael Gibson in 1985-1987. Nando has worked with hotel development clients who developed Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and La Quinta hotels. In addition, he was Project Manager on construction of multiple units for a national fast-food franchisee. He worked as the Assistant Food & Beverage Director at the Holiday Inn- Starkville (MS), Holiday Inn World's Fair Park in Downtown Knoxville, Garden Plaza- Murfreesboro (TN) and Food and Beverage Director at the Torchbearer award-winning Holiday Inn- Hattiesburg (MS). Nando is a Louisville, KY native and attended both the University of Kentucky and Mississippi State University, where he studied architecture and landscape architecture, before embarking on his hospitality management career. He currently holds a real estate license in KY and UT, and is pending in TN.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Operations
Jason joined Gibson Hotel Management in 2022. Jason oversees a variety of brands including Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, and Choice hotels. He played baseball for Becker College where he received his Bachelors degree in Business administration. Jason began his career in Massachusetts with Linchris Hotel Corporation where his spent 7 years in multiple positions including Director of Sales, Front Office Manager, Assistant General Manager and General Manager. Most recently Jason was a Regional Director of Operations in Texas with Whitestone Hospitality where he oversaw pre-openings and renovations with Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott hotels. In his free time Jason enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Cydney, and his two dogs. He enjoys golfing and visiting sporting events.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Operations / Development
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Operations Development
Jeremy oversees most of Gibson Hotel Management's Marriott products. Jeremy provides leadership to General Managers to drive exceptional results through a people-oriented culture. He also supports GHM's Development team on Marriott and Hilton branded developments. Jeremy fell into hospitality while playing baseball at Bethune Cookman University where he graduated with a bachelor's in Hospitality Management. His love for hospitality started in the kitchen. However, Jeremy began his career in sales when he was recruited by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Thereafter, he worked for Duke Hospitality, assisting with expanding the company from 4 hotels to 12 in a few years. A jack of all trades, Jeremy was an Area Director of Sales, Dual General Manager, Corporate Director of Sales, and Project Manager for the company. In 2019, he was presented the opportunity to expand the family Diesel Compliance business where he was successful in implementing new processes and controls, driving revenue, and increasing bottom line results. Jeremy is passionate about real estate, drag racing, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Project Management Team
- Executive Vice President of Development
Joe began his 30-year career in hospitality while attending the University of Tennessee Restaurant Management program. He has held numerous positions in the hospitality industry, each with new challenges and increasing responsibilities, including owner and operator of Pasta Trio, a successful restaurant in downtown Knoxville, and Food and Beverage Director for the Knoxville Marriott and Holiday Inn World's Fair Park in Downtown Knoxville. In 2012 he joined Gibson Hotel Management as General Manager for the La Quinta Inn and Suites in Sevierville, TN. Over the next 10 years with Gibson Hotels, Joe progressed through various roles including GM of SpringHill Suites Pigeon Forge, Regional Operations Manager, Vice President of Operations and ultimately Executive Vice President of Operations, Development and Investments. Joe's career trajectory changed from operations to development in 2016 when he led the new construction development at Fairfield Inn, Johnson City. Joe took on a key role in the organization and opened 15 hotels over the next 6 years with our franchise partners at Marriott, IHG and Hilton. After a brief pause to focus on other projects, Joe has now returned to Gibson Hospitality Ventures as Executive Vice President of Development and leads the new construction and development team as we focus on full service, lifestyle and resort brands. Outside of work, Joe enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Kristin, and 2 children, Thomas and Sophia.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Revenue Manager
Mark joined Gibson Hotel Management in 2022 as Corporate Revenue Manger. He is responsible for implementing revenue management strategies and working directly with Sales & Marketing teams and General Managers to maximize revenue and improve performance. Mark began his career in hospitality with Hilton in Food & Beverage. He quickly moved into sales and then to management where he found his passion for the hotel industry. As a Marriott General Manager, Mark and his team were presented and recognized with 15 Marriott awards including the Chairmans Award in 2013 for having the highest guest service scores within the Courtyard by Marriott brand. In his free time Mark enjoys visiting with friends and family, spending time with his wife and daughter, playing golf, and attending his daughter's softball games.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Human Resources
- GHMI As the Director of Human Resources
- Payroll & Benefits Manager
Melissa joined GHMI as the Director of Human Resources in 2013. Melissa's role focuses on compensation, benefits, training & development as well as staffing for a team of over 600 employees across four states. Prior to joining the GHMI family, Melissa spent 5 years as the Director of Employee Potential for a property management company with locations in TN, GA, FL, TX and CA. Melissa began her career in Human Resources over 18 years ago in the staffing industry where she worked 12 years for Randstad USA. Melissa obtained her Bachelors of Science degree from East Tennessee State University majoring in Elementary Education. Melissa is a member of the Society of Human Resource Managers and currently holds her Professional in Human Resources certification (PHR).
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Founder
- Owner
- CEO Resume
Michael Gibson's story in the hospitality industry is one of hard work, honesty, and ethical progression. Starting as a restaurant cook, Michael found his passion for the hospitality industry while gaining invaluable experience only offered to those who begin at the bottom of the ladder. He went on to open over forty upscale restaurants in Tennessee, Texas, and California. In his transition from restaurant to hotel management, Michael worked as a General Manager, Asset Manager, and Regional Manager of Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental Hotel Group Brands. He became Vice President of Operations and Development for Carlisle Hospitality Group and a District Director for Food & Beverage Operations at InterContinental Hotel Group's Corporate headquarters. Michael also served in a leading position within concept development at InterContinental Hotel Group's corporate offices. In 2000, Michael created Gibson Hotel Management, Inc., with a core philosophy of Servant Leadership. He oversees all operations, development, and acquisition activities, serving as the bedrock for the company's ethos. In doing so, Michael has gained a reputation for his ability to create mutually rewarding relationships, motivate company associates, and think outside the box in order to forge "win-win" solutions. Michael Gibson and Gibson Hotel Management, Inc. has been recognized numerous times by Marriott, Hilton Worldwide, and InterContinental Hotel Group for developing and operating award winning hotels. Within these world-renowned franchises, Michael has overseen the management, development, and acquisition of premium hotel brands such as Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn (full service), Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriott. Michael earned the American Hotel & Lodging Association Award for Tennessee (2012), and was also the Tennessee Hotelier of the Year (2011). Under Michael's leadership, GHMI has been recognized as a Top Hotel Management Company (2012 & 2013). Further, he has served as the Chairman and President of the Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association, Chairman of the Governor's Tourism Conference, and Director for the Knoxville Tourism Alliance. Michael remains heavily engaged in community initiatives, with a special focus on the Wounded Warrior Project. This endeavor takes a holistic approach to serving soldiers and their families in order to foster a well-adjusted generation of wounded service members. He has also served as Chairman of the Tennessee Education and Award Committee.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Sales and Marketing
- Vice President Sales and Marketing / Revenue Management
Michelle oversees the sales and marketing strategies at M Gibson Hospitality Ventures. She works directly with the GHMI sales teams and property ownership groups to set, meet, and often exceed sales revenues and contributes to the overall profitability of the entire GHMI portfolio of hotels. That portfolio includes over 25 hotels and 4 different brands including Marriott International Inc, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, IHG, and Wyndham Worldwide. Michelle's 20-year hospitality journey began in 2000 at the Adam's Mark hotel in Charlotte, NC. She started as the Express Sales Manager before receiving two promotions during her tenure there. She went on to join the Radisson Suites Beach Resort on Marco Island, FL in 2003 as the National Corporate Sales Manager before spending a year and a half in Puerto Rico and two years in Chicago. In 2008 she moved to Milwaukee and joined the Wyndham family as their Corporate Sales Manager before taking her first Director of Sales role while opening the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Airport. Finding her passion for hotel openings, she went on to open the Award-Winning Courtyard by Marriott Milwaukee Airport and played a key role in the hotel winning the Opening Hotel of the Year Award from Marriott International. In 2015, Michelle joined the IHG brand as a Regional Sales Director for the Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport and the Ramada Plaza Milwaukee Airport. Michelle joined the Gibson family in 2016 where she progressed through various roles including Sales Manager, DOS, and Regional DOS before getting promoted to the VP of Sales and Marketing in 2020. Michelle enjoys her free time at the beach with her family, riding bikes, cheering on her lacrosse-star kids, and training for that next half marathon race. She hopes to one day qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Job Titles:
- Director of Buisness Development / Construction
Job Titles:
- Accounts Payable Supervisor
As the Accounts Payable Supervisor, Ryan Stewart is responsible for all corporate and hotel accounts payables. Ryan is passionate about quality control, which contributes to the success and efficient operations in accounting. Ryan began his career as a bank branch manager in 2005. He was recruited by M. Gibson Ventures in 2013. In his free time, Ryan enjoys going to concerts and watching a sporting events.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
- Director of Accounting
As CFO, Sunni oversees all aspects of accounting, financial analysis, investments and real estate development. She works closely with the executive team and senior leadership on the financial operations and strategic growth of the company. She also serves as the intermediary to investors, lenders and other firms the company works with. Sunni began her career working with Starwood Hotels and Resorts in 2009. In, 2015 she was hired as the Corporate Director of Finance and then was promoted to Vice President of Finance for Duke Hospitality in Atlanta Georgia. She took a brief hiatus from hotels when she moved to California and went to work for MUFG Union Bank as Vice President, Financial Analysis where she managed low-income housing investments. In 2021, she relocated to Tennessee and joined Gibson Hotel Management. Sunni graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelors of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In 2017, she graduated with her Masters in Finance from Georgia State University. In her free time, she enjoys boating, golfing, spending time with her family and being adventurous with her husband and dog Hemi.
Job Titles:
- As Corporate Director of Revenue Management, Tim Oversees the Day - to - Day Revenue Management for the Gibson Hotels Which Include Marriott, Hilton & Wyndham Properties.
- Corporate Director of Revenue Management
- Vice President of Revenue Management
As Corporate Director of Revenue Management, Tim oversees the day-to-day revenue management for the Gibson hotels which include Marriott, Hilton & Wyndham properties. He identifies new opportunities and implements revenue management strategies to ensure that the properties are exceeding in their market. Tim's journey in hospitality began in the winter of 2007 when he became a first time Director of Sales for a 100 room Courtyard in Paducah, KY. Tim often jokes that he used to think hotels just sold themselves by people walking in the door and through online bookings, not realizing the actual need for a salesperson. Finding his passion in the hotel industry, he continued to pursue his career through various positions. He served as Area Director of Sales for two smaller hotels in Paducah, KY before becoming the General Manager of those hotels. Tim eventually found his niche in Revenue Management and served as the Revenue Manager/Reservations Manager for a 287 room Millennium hotel in Nashville, TN. Tim accepted the position of Corporate Director of Revenue Management for Good hospitality in Valparaiso, IN early 2016 where he was responsible for 25 properties. In the fall of 2016, Tim was offered a position with Lin-gate hospitality as Corporate Director of Revenue Management allowing him to relocate back to his home in Paducah, KY. Tim served in that role until recently when he joined our Gibson in December of 2020. Tim currently oversees 14 of our hotels throughout Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina & Tennessee. In this position Tim is responsible for the financial performance and revenue maximization of the hotels. Fun fact: Tim never attended a day of college. He started his professional career in telecom sales where he accepted many promotions in that industry before stepping out of his comfort zone and joining the hospitality industry in 2007. He will tell you "anything is possible if you want it bad enough". Tim currently resides in Paducah, KY where he enjoys most anything outdoors, refurbishing old furniture, home makeovers and spending time with his two nieces & two nephews. Tim enjoys volunteering for local charities & non-profits when time allows.