Natalia Arbelaez
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City has appointed Natalia Arbelaez as its first director of partnerships. Arbelaez will lead the resort’s partnership strategy by cultivating local and national brand relationships to enhance guest experiences. With a focus on creative activations across the 390,000-square-foot complex, she aims to strengthen community ties. Leadership notes that her strategic vision will be pivotal as OKANA evolves into a premier destination for immersive hospitality.
Teresa Higa
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has promoted Teresa Higa to director of group and leisure sales. Since joining the 810-room property in 2021, Higa has driven significant leisure and transient sales growth. In her expanded role, she will lead the group sales team while continuing to manage leisure initiatives. With a background at Andaz Maui and expertise in international markets, Higa is tasked with elevating guest experiences as the resort celebrates its 45th anniversary.
Melissa Arreola
Velas Resorts has promoted Melissa Arreola to senior regional sales director for the Northeast United States. A decade-long veteran of the brand, Arreola has been instrumental in expanding the company’s presence within the luxury meetings and incentives sector. In her expanded role, she will lead strategic initiatives to deepen corporate relationships across this vital market. Leadership praised her integrity-centered approach and commitment to delivering seamless, high-touch experiences for global clients.
Andrea Puizina
Sofitel New York has appointed Andrea Puizina as director of sales and marketing. With 19 years of international experience, Puizina will oversee revenue strategy and brand positioning during the hotel’s relaunch as the Sofitel U.S. flagship. Having worked across five countries, she brings multicultural expertise to the 398-room property following its recent renovation. Leadership highlighted her visionary approach and proven ability to drive growth within the competitive Manhattan luxury market.
Alyssa Turowski
San Diego Convention Center has named Alyssa Turowski as chief of hospitality and client experience. With over 20 years of experience, including roles as general manager at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines and Westin San Diego, Turowski will oversee operations and event execution. She will also serve as the primary liaison with San Diego Tourism Authority. Her leadership is key as the facility enhances service standards during a period of significant capital investment.
Jennifer Selley
PRA has appointed Jennifer Selley as regional vice president for the Southeast to accelerate strategic expansion in the region. Based in Orlando, Selley brings 15 years of experience across hotels and tradeshows to oversee regional operations and market development. A certified industry leader and 2025 Smart Women in Meetings Award winner, she will join PRA’s business management team. Her focus includes scaling regional operations and strengthening partnerships for the destination management leader.
Paul Maddison
The Meritage Resort and Spa has named Paul Maddison as Managing Director. Maddison, a luxury hospitality veteran, will lead operations and a team of 600 at the premier wine country destination. Formerly with Pacific Hospitality Group and Loews Hotels & Co., he brings decades of experience to the role. His vision includes expanding the property’s live music series and creating new food and wine experiences. He is joined in Napa by his mini bernedoodle, Maggie, as an advocate for dog rescue.
Jean Schulte
Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast has appointed Jean Schulte as executive director of resort sales. A luxury hospitality veteran with 30 years of experience, Schulte joins the executive team to lead group sales strategy and accelerate performance for the Curio Collection by Hilton property. Previously with Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, she specialized in the corporate and incentive marketplace. Schulte will now oversee resort-wide sales efforts and strategic growth for the 785-room waterfront destination and its 60,000 sq. ft. of convention space.
