Cynthia Serrano
Cynthia Serrano, CEM, CVP, has been named deputy director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department. Serrano was promoted to assistant director and general manager of operations for Fort Worth Convention Center in 2021 and will continue her GM role as the center undergoes a $701 million expansion scheduled for completion by late 2029. She brings 25 years of city service and deep venue management experience to this leadership role.
Anthony Visone
The newly opened Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC announces Anthony Visone as director of sales and marketing. Visone brings over a decade of experience driving revenue growth across Chicago hotels including Marriott, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop and The LaSalle Chicago Autograph Collection. Known for relationship-building, strategic insight and innovative campaigns, he will lead sales and marketing efforts at the 135-guestroom property in the city’s fast-growing healthcare and research hub.
Petra Malbasa
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile announces Petra Malbasa as marketing coordinator. Malbasa brings experience in hospitality, luxury branding and digital marketing across Europe and the U.S. In her role she will oversee digital initiatives, collaborate with PR partners, manage paid media campaigns, update content and build the annual marketing budget and content calendar. Born in New York and raised in Croatia, she holds a BS in Hospitality and Service Management and an MS in Service Leadership and Innovation.
Brittany Thompson
Four Seasons Resorts Lanai announces Brittany Thompson as West Coast leisure sales manager. Thompson will serve as the main contact for travel agency partners across California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Hawaii, overseeing sales for both Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and brings hospitality experience from Four Seasons Nashville, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts and Proper Hotels to her new role.
Artrice Mcneil
San Diego Tourism Authority welcomes Artrice McNeil as national sales director overseeing the Washington, D.C., market. McNeil brings nearly 20 years of travel and tourism sales experience, including roles with Experience Columbus, Visit Nashville, Choose Chicago and the San Mateo County Silicon Valley CVB. She also has hotel sales experience in D.C. In her role she will secure mid-sized groups for San Diego convention hotels and venues and support citywide sales initiatives.
Miriam Hernandez
W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, announces Miriam Hernandez as director of sales and marketing and Julio Cesar Valdivia as executive chef. Hernandez brings over 25 years of hospitality, travel and technology experience, overseeing the resort’s commercial strategy, brand positioning and revenue growth while cultivating long-term partnerships. Previously she held leadership roles at Hyatt International, Expedia Group and Marriott International. Hernandez holds a master’s degree in marketing from Universidad Iberoamericana and completed executive coursework at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration.
Rania Hammad
ALHI has appointed Rania Hammad as director of global sales for its Midwest region, effective August 1, 2025. Hammad brings over 15 years of award-winning experience at Loews Hotels and Co., including Minneapolis, Hollywood and Coronado Bay, and is recognized for delivering luxury event sales and strategic client partnerships. She will support ALHI’s global portfolio in the Midwest, strengthening relationships with corporate, association and incentive clients while helping elevate luxury MICE experiences across the region.
Adam Marcy
SLS Baha Mar announces Adam Marcy as director of sales overseeing group, catering and conference services. Marcy brings nearly two decades of luxury hospitality and destination management experience, including leadership roles at ETHOS Event Collective and top hospitality brands. He will lead a high-performing team and drive group business growth for SLS Baha Mar, which recently unveiled redesigned guest rooms and suites. A University of Florida graduate, Marcy is based in Central Florida and passionate about creating curated luxury group experiences.
Kate Jansen
Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater announce the promotion of Kate Jansen, CMP, to director of marketing and sponsorships. Jansen, with the complex since 2010, has served in multiple roles including special event coordinator, catering sales manager and national sales manager. She will lead marketing, communications and sponsorship efforts during the venues’ expansion. An active member of IAVM, MPI, PCMA and IAEE, Jansen brings industry expertise and relationship-building skills to support Raleigh’s growth and visibility.
Cassie Culbertson
Cassie Culbertson joined Louisville Tourism as the strategic alliances associate, supporting destination engagement inquiries, hotel partners, subscribers, billing and database management. She’s a go-to resource for hoteliers and new participants looking to get involved. Cassie previously worked in Louisville Tourism’s call center, helping visitors with travel questions, reservations and local recommendations. Her strong customer service skills and knowledge of the city make her a valuable addition to the Strategic Alliances team.
Robert Cox
DistiNCtly Fayetteville announces Robert Cox as director of sales and sports commission. Cox will lead efforts to recruit and support meetings and sports-related travel, collaborating with local venues, hotels and community partners to drive economic impact. With more than 20 years of experience in North Carolina destination marketing, including roles at Duplin County Tourism, Wilmington and Beaches CVB, Carteret County Tourism and Burlington/Alamance County CVB, Cox brings expertise in sports marketing, trade shows and relationship-building to elevate Fayetteville as a premier meetings and sports destination.
Didi Shields
Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, debuted Nov. 1, 2025, in Newport Beach, California, and Didi Shields as general manager. Shields will oversee all hotel operations, working with Pacifica Hotels to deliver a distinct Newport experience that blends SoCal surf culture with a modern perspective. The 25-room boutique property, originally built in the 1960s and reimagined by CPD Studio, combines retro surf motel charm with design-forward amenities to offer guests a refined and elevated stay in Newport Beach.
JT Pedley
OVG, provider of Venue Management to Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter, announces the promotion of J.T. Pedley to director of sales and sponsorships. Pedley, a University of Louisville communications graduate, has served as senior sales manager since 2021 and played a key role in securing sporting events, trade and consumer shows and special events. He will lead the sales team and sponsorship initiatives for the venues and the new sports complex opening in July 2026.
Mark Wagner
Hyatt Regency Chicago, The Windy City’s largest hotel and premier urban destination, has announced Mark Wagner as general manager following the retirement of Patrick Donelly after 39 years with Hyatt Hotels.
Wagner brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience and will oversee day-to-day operations, staff management, strategic planning, budgeting and sales and marketing initiatives for the 2,032-room property. He will focus on enhancing the guest experience and driving revenue while contributing to Chicago’s hospitality community through board service with Choose Chicago, the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
