NEWH

Cindy Guthrie is Founder of Guthrie & Associates, Inc., an independent sales organization as well as sales & marketing consultants for manufacturers of products and services to the hospitality and multi-residential housing industry that include granite & marble, cultured marble, cabinetry/millwork, lighting, carpet and furniture.
For over 17 years, Cindy, along with her husband Wayne, have provided product and manufacturing experience to the hotelier, project developer, designer, and procurement professionals. Cindy currently serves as Past President, Parliamentarian and Delegate for NEWH South Florida Chapter.

With over 30 years’ experience in the Design Industry beginning her career path at Fanshawe College in Interior Design to evolving to the supply side of the industry. The years of experience have evolved by working closely with Procurement, Property Owners, Designers and Architects to meet the client and project specifications in product, price and service. Tucker enjoys the relationships that have been established throughout these years by providing excellent service in a market that is constantly changing how we approach business.

Chris is committed to the continual growth of NEWH in Canada and all other international markets. NEWH, The Hospitality Network, provides excellent opportunities with insight on our industry trends and information through networking with the Industry Leaders in the USA, UK and Canada. Chris has been a part of the NEWH International Board of Directors since 2005. Currently she is the President of NEWH Canada Inc., and Vice President of International Relations on the NEWH Inc., International Board of Directors.

As an interior designer, Natalie Sheedy has seen the power of design to profoundly impact our daily lives firsthand. A beautiful space can enhance the ways we think and act. This insight drives Natalie’s passion for great design and it’s her goal for every project she takes on.

Whether designing large-scale hotel interiors or residential projects, the essence of Natalie’s design process remains the same. She engages clients and contractors in hands-on collaboration, seeking insights, expertise and perspective at every phase from kickoff to conclusion. This ensures that decisions are strategic and deliberate and that every aspect of the finished design aligns with realistic business goals. It’s a process that’s proven to delight her clients time and again, creating one-of-a-kind spaces with sophisticated palettes, refined style and design functionality that can stand the test of time.

Before owning her own studio, Natalie spent 10 very rewarding years managing and designing multi-million-dollar hospitality projects as Studio Director at world-renown interior design firm The Gettys Group. Prior to her professional experience, she earned her B.A. with a minor in business at Harrington Institute of Interior Design in Chicago, where she had participated in a prestigious exchange program with the Academie van Kunst in Rotterdam, Holland. The sum of these experiences has given Natalie best-in-class training on how to make sure her clients experience the best possible return on their investment in design.

When she’s not in the thick of a project you can find Natalie sharing her passion for design as a member of NEWH, The Hospitality Industry Network, for which she sits on both the International Board and the Chicago Chapter board. She’s also proud a proud winner of a Gold Key award and was recognized as one the hospitality industry’s up- and-coming interior design leaders in Boutique Design’s “Boutique 18 for 2018”.

Cuban-born interior designer Fernando Diaz founded Fernando Diaz and Associates in 1982 specializing in residential, commercial and retail projects.

“All cultures have developed their own language of what is refined and distinguished… but it also comes from the hearts of the people who I create for. It’s their personal sense of form which I have learned to draw my design conclusions.”

Mr. Diaz graduated from Ottawa University in 1973 with a BA degree in Entertainment Business Management, and later in 1982 from UCLA Extension with an Interior Design Certificate. In 1993 Mr. Diaz became a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California.

Fernando Diaz was facilities manager and corporate designer for one of the nation’s largest furniture leasing companies for 19 years. Mr. Diaz’s responsibilities included overseeing the design of 50+ showrooms and offices.

Fernando Diaz and Associates strives for the best possible expression and solution to clients’ lifestyles and needs. Completed projects are located throughout the United States, Mexico and Spain.

Mr. Diaz has received numerous awards from his peers and served on the board of directors of the American Society of Interior Designers/Los Angeles (ASID/LA), the Homeless Youth Foundation and is a past member of the board of trustees for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA/LA). In 1998 – 1999 Mr. Diaz was the President of the ASID/Los Angeles Chapter. In 2006 Mr. Diaz received the Medalist Award; the highest award given in ASID on the Chapter level, in 2007 he also received the “Recognition of Excellence” award from NEWH in the chapter level and in 2012 received the “Pinnacle Award” award from NEWH in the international level and currently serves on the International Board of NEWH as VP/Finance

In July of 2016 and February 2019 respectively, Mr. Diaz was honored to be inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and NEWH. Fellowship is the highest honor the two organizations can bestow on its members. Elevation to fellowship not only acknowledges the achievements of the designer as an individual but also recognizes before the public and the profession a model interior designer who has made a significant contribution to the interior design profession and the society.

His worked has graced the pages of Metropolitan Home Magazine, California Homes, Art & Living, The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Home & Décor several times as well as other publications. Television appearances include several HGTV programs.

Brittany is a certified interior designer with over a decade of experience working on a variety of leisure and entertainment projects at Cuningham Group. Brittany believes a successful and holistic design is the result of collaboration between clients, team members and consultants. She works closely with clients throughout the design process to help create innovative environments that offer a fresh perspective and provide sensitivity to the functional, social and environmental impacts of each space. She has enjoyed working on high visibility projects as well as the smaller bespoke projects, things that bring out the creative energy and collaboration. Brittany has expanded her skill set beyond designing to work with clients and teams as a project manager, giving her a unique combination of experiences to bring well rounded thinking to design projects. NEWH has been part of Brittany’s passion over the past 5+ years, growing within the organization and loving her NEWH network all over the globe. She is a mother to two goofy kids and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Christine is principal of Wasmer Contract Group a manufacturer’s representative with over 25 years of experience in the contract and hospitality industry. She holds a BFA in Interior Architectural Design from California State University Long Beach.
Venturing from design into contract sales in the early 1980’s, she found sales and marketing to be a great pairing with her design skills. Since beginning her own business in 1996, Christine has applied her experience, dedication to detail and commitment to her client’s needs to forge lasting business relationships. Wasmer Contract Group represents fine manufacturers of interior and exterior furniture.
Christine’s support of NEWH can be described in one word: Scholarship. Through her work on the Los Angeles Chapter board and on the board of NEWH Inc., she formulated protocol and procedures for the management of the scholarship program. Future plans include expanding the NEWH opportunity through student chapters and inviting the participation of premier educators by establishing an NEWH Educator’s Roundtable.
www.wasmercontractgroup.com

After career changes took place in 2009, I stumbled across NEWH and found a way to become active in the organization, as well as finding a position in the industry.

I’m a multi line representative covering the San Francisco Bay Area up to Seattle and over to my home town of Denver. I’m an associate of Mitch Zerg & Associates, OW Hospitality and Tiger Leather.

I’ve held positions of membership, VP, President and executive director for the SF NEWH board and am currently the VP Development for the International Board of Directors.

Being a transplant from Denver, I love everything San Francisco has to offer! Most weekends you’ll find me enjoying the open space on a long hike with spectacular views!

With over 30 years’ experience in the Design Industry beginning her career path at Fanshawe College in Interior Design to evolving to the supply side of the industry. The years of experience have evolved by working closely with Procurement, Property Owners, Designers and Architects to meet the client and project specifications in product, price and service. Tucker enjoys the relationships that have been established throughout these years by providing excellent service in a market that is constantly changing how we approach business.

Chris is committed to the continual growth of NEWH in Canada and all other international markets. NEWH, The Hospitality Network, provides excellent opportunities with insight on our industry trends and information through networking with the Industry Leaders in the USA, UK and Canada. Chris has been a part of the NEWH International Board of Directors since 2005. Currently she is the President of NEWH Canada Inc., and Vice President of International Relations on the NEWH Inc., International Board of Directors.

Jonathan is a professional sales leader with over 30 years experience in the hospitality FF&E industry. He has been involved in sales, sales and marketing management, and senior director level positions at manufacturers providing product for the hotel and leisure sectors. His experience has been primarily with floorcovering and carpet, but he also has recent involvement with furniture.

As Chairman of the BCFA from 2011 until 2014, leading the Board of the trade association that supports the British Contract Furnishings Association, and currently as Vice President of the UK chapter of the NEWH, he has a good understanding of business within the hospitality and commercial markets.

His experiences have taken him across continents, working and living in the US and UK, and developing and executing growth strategies for businesses across international markets.

He is a creative thinker and believes in the importance of communication particularly when working with people from diverse cultures, and across all levels of a business. Jonathan is passionate about building the right environment to maximize teamwork and empower individuals to deliver against prescribed objectives and goals.

Jonathan’s leadership and management skills will help establish a clearly defined strategy for business and understand how it needs to be implemented for success. His contacts across the US and Europe can help navigate the transition process.

“A vision is a clearly articulated, results-orientated picture of a future you intend to create. It is a dream with direction”

Trisha Poole has over twenty-two years of experience in design and management in the hospitality field. Her personal passion for design and her dedicated loyalty to the client mission has consistently delivered creative results to her clientele over the years. As the leader and president of Design Poole, Trisha has trained all of her design professionals to approach every project with an entrepreneurial spirit as it relates to project success.
Trisha gained most of her experience with large design companies in Orlando, Florida, and Chicago, Illinois, and has had the great fortune to work with leaders such as Disney, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Sun International, Marriott, Hilton, and Starwood. Her previous experience was working with and/or managing architects on most of the projects, which gave her a greater understanding of projects that require extensive technical detail and architectural coordination.
Trisha’s role on every project is to assure client satisfaction. Her strength is interpreting the client’s vision and delivering it with a goal of exceeding expectations. With strong business ethics and a drive for design excellence, Trisha makes Design Poole a viable and integral component of any project team. Trisha earned her Bachelor of Design from The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Julia is the Chief Visionary Officer for Picture Source Somerset. Picture Source Somerset, headquartered in Seattle, WA, and offering framing production in both North Carolina and Washington has been providing quality art and custom framing to the interior design, retail, healthcare and hospitality industries for over 40 years.

With a degree in Art History from Western Washington University, Julia has over 15 years experience in art consulting, project management, marketing and art design for the hospitality industry.

Julia is currently the Executive Advisor for NEWH, Inc. and an active member of the NEWH Northwest Chapter.

Educated at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Bellin School of Nursing, and Harrington College of Design in Chicago, Lohmiller has 30+ years experience in the hospitality field. She became the first sales-woman for Falcon Products and was named West Coast Regional Manager in 1983, making her the first woman to be named manager for the company. Shelia founded an independent furniture representation business, the Lohmiller Group in 1984 in Los Angeles. Lohmiller cofounded the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality in 1984 with Dorrit St. John and Susan Spalding in Los Angeles. Having served as Founding President from 1984-1986, and Secretary of the NEWH, Inc. Board of Directors, Shelia was honored as the first recipient of NEWH’s Recognition of Excellence in 1992 for exemplary service to the organization. Shelia has served as the NEWH, Inc. Executive Director since 1993.

Jennifer Wellman started in the hospitality industry in 2000. With a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture from Georgia State University she naturally wanted to pursue a career in art and accepted a job with Deljou Art Group. Since her first job in art, Jennifer has gone on to work with Soho Myriad starting as an art consultant and leaving as the Director of Sales. She then became the Managing Director at EDL Art Consultants, and remained there until she accepted a position with Lexmark Hospitality as the Director of Architecture and Design Solutions, and is now VP of Architecture and Design Sales.
Jennifer has worked on several large hospitality projects including the Fort Worth Omni, Trinidad Grand Hyatt, and the Arizona Biltmore.

Mary Ann Thornam was the Academic Department Chair at The Art Institute of Colorado. For years, she has built on a skill set which currently highlights her attributes as an expert at working with students, and a dedicated and committed faculty member who shows her true concern for them. She currently teaches three classes, including an externship, Textiles and Matters, and Estimates; she also oversees graduate students, consults with others, and schedules courses. She became involved in her profession after beginning her career as a commercial interior designer in the hospitality industry. When she started teaching part-time, she loved the interaction and energy of the students, and decided to go into teaching full time. Ms. Thornam has done public speaking. She considers herself a true professional because she has a good grasp for what she does and is great with her students. Ms. Thornam describes her work style as detailed, gets things done, easy to communicate and work with. Her greatest career achievement is promoting education.

Kelly Gaddes leads CR architecture + design’s hospitality and interior design practices as Vice President of Hospitality. The guiding force behind the creation of the firm’s interior design team, she finds joy in developing key client relationships and considers every project to be an essential opportunity to grow the team’s design portfolio. As a design leader, she immerses herself in her clients’ stylistic standards and guides her creative team’s talent for upholding brand identity, while fulfilling a client’s desire for speed and the ability to evolve quickly with the market. Combined with her intuitive design perspective relative to the future of her client’s brands, Kelly has established a distinguished career managing and executing brand standards for leading hospitality clients.

Monica Meade is a certified interior designer who brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality design to Architectural Ceramics. Monica worked at Marriott International on the International Design team and as a Sr. Project Mgr. with Leo A. Daly. Architectural Ceramics is committed to working with our client’s to maintain the integrity of their design vision. Monica now is the National Accounts Manager – Hospitality for Architectural Ceramics where she has worked to build the commercial design team over the last 3 years. Monica now works exclusively with designers, contractors and owners on Hospitality projects across the country.

Helen L. Reed is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and has over 20 years experience working in the field of Hospitality Design. Her experience has ranged from a Project Interior Designer for an award winning Architectural and Interior Design to working as a manufacturer’s representative where she took time to learn about the manufacturing process of interior materials and furniture. In 1990 she started H.L Reed Design, Inc., a full service design firm that specializes in Restaurants, Country Clubs, Hotels and Retail Spaces throughout the United States. In addition to H.L.Reed Design, she started h2h,inc. in 2001. h2h is a full service procurement company that provides purchasing services for the Hospitality and Retail Industries.
Helen is one of the founding members of the Virginia Chapter of NEWH; in addition she has served as Director of Fundraising for NEWH, Inc until she became Vice President of Membership. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Virginia Commonwealth University School of Interior Design.

Matt DeShantz is the Vice President and National Sales Manager for Fabricut Contract and S. Harris where he oversees daily operations and sales strategies, and meets with designers and specificers across the country. With over 30 years of experience in outside sales and sales management, Matt has spent the last two decades in textiles as a trained sales professional for both the residential and hospitality industries. Matt is proud to serve on the NEWH Board of Directors and Boutique Design’s Advisory Board. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications with an emphasis on Sales and Negotiation. Matt resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his husband of 23 years Koby Thompson, and his hobbies include motor sports and vintage automobiles.

Inspiration drove Gretchen Gilbertson to start a tech company in 2003. With a shared vision and unwavering focus, she and her husband built Séura – a company recognized by the world’s largest hotel brands and leading custom integration specialists as the premier provider of design-centric technology products.

For the last 15 years, Gretchen has held the title and responsibilities of CEO. While her talents and passions have fueled the company’s growth, she’s never stopped working to inspire and unite other women leaders. Today she serves as an advisor, mentor, and ambassador on the International Board of Directors for NEWH. Recently recognized by Dealerscope as one of the most Powerful Women in Consumer Technology, Gretchen has received the honor of countless technology, industry, and woman-owned entrepreneurship accolades.

Prior to starting her company, Gretchen was employed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation in various market research and product development roles. She graduated with a BA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and participated on the UW Spirit Squad as a cheerleader for the Badger football and basketball teams. During her time at the UW she met and married her college sweetheart – Bucky Badger.

Jordan McInturf is the vice president of sales for Shelby Williams, a premier manufacturer of furniture for the hospitality industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and contract furnishings industry, Mr. McInturf started his career in sales with Milliken Hospitality Carpet. While at Milliken he was the recipient of the top sales producer and numerous other awards. He furthered his career in the contract furniture industry at Knoll as a senior account manager in Boston, MA. In 1998 he joined Durkan Hospitality Carpet as an independent sales representative. He was promoted to National Account Management and ultimately became regional vice president of the Mohawk carpet brands

For the past four years Jordan has been the vice president of sales for Shelby Williams with responsibility for sales & marketing, national account programs, and product development.

Born and raised in Asia, and fortunate to have lived in many areas around the world, Michael brings a true global perspective on life to our industry.

Originally he studied for a career in medicine before choosing a career path in the floorcovering side starting with over 20 years’ experience in the woven axminster industry. He first came to the United States in 1988 where he lived and worked in New York for many years. In 2000 he joined Milliken’s Floorcovering Division and moved to his current home in Dallas, Texas that same year.

As the North America sales leader for Milliken’s Hospitality business, Michael’s extensive knowledge makes him a trusted advisor to many within the community with a total of over 28 years in the hospitality industry. His counsel and guidance continue to enable customers to implement their project vision and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Married with two grown sons, his wife is a flight attendant flying the transatlantic and transpacific routes. Both Michael and his wife, Diedra, are avid fans of theater, live music, riding motorcycles and travel ! Even though they both travel each week for business they will often jump on short getaways whenever they feel the urge.

Michelle Finn is senior vice president, Hospitality Division, ST Media Group International, and president and co-founder of the Hospitality Media Group LLC formed for purposes of developing and managing trade fairs and events primarily focused on the hospitality industry, worldwide. In these roles, she oversees the management and development of its hospitality and related brands, which encompasses Boutique Design, Boutique Design Trade Fairs: BD|NY and BD|west held on an annual in New York City and San Diego respectively, Boutique Design forum series, Hospitality Match, International Design & Development Conference held in Korea and the management of the International Hotel Motel and Restaurant Show (IHMR), held on an annual basis in New York City.

Previously, Finn spent over twenty years in the Nielsen organization, where she held the position of VP Hospitality Brands responsible for the management and development of HD Expo, Hospitality Design and is the founder HD Boutique (now known as HD Americas) and HD Summit, an executive think- tank conference.

Finn has received numerous awards for innovation in trade fair development, publishing, leadership and service. She is a member of the Hospitality Industry Network ( NEWH), American Hotel Lodging Association ( AHLA), Cornell University Innovation Network, Boutique Lifestyle and Lodging Association (BLLA), Urban Land Institute ( ULI) and the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers ( ISHP). Finn holds two degrees from St. Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana and serves on the national board of NEWH

Stacy Shoemaker Rauen is a well-respected and talented editor and writer, and is the editor in chief for Hospitality Design (HD) magazine, the leading publication for the industry. Besides running the day to day of the magazine and overseeing its content, Rauen is a noted speaker at industry events, and as an avid tracker of trends, places, projects, and people, she puts together panels at HD’s conferences, and has been quoted in various respected media outlets including CNBC and the Washington Post. She is also the founder of HD’s CitySCENE, a networking event series held in metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. and internationally, meant to connect design professionals in each market, as well as NextGen Forum, a conference for the next generation of hospitality design leaders. She holds two degrees from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, including a master’s in journalism, and is the president of the New York chapter of NEWH, Inc. – The Hospitality Industry Network.

Dallas Bentley is Director of Hospitality Sales for Marietta Drapery Company, a family business that manufactures and installs window coverings. He is a graduate of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, and his previous position was Director of Marketing at Kennesaw State University, the 3rd largest university in Georgia. He is passionate about mentoring and education, and is a proud Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta program.

Stacy Costa is a Hospitality Sales Specialist for Koroseal Interior Products, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contract interior products.  Stacy brings over 18 years of hospitality experience in the Atlanta market. She started off in hotel operations managing the daily operations and maintenance for the Marietta Conference Center & Resort. In 1999, Stacy accepted a position as a Project Manager at Focus Interior Contracting, Inc. She led the FF&E and OS&E procurement activities for a multitude of mid-range to high-end hotels. In 2004, she joined Image Design as a Project Manager working closely with designers on developing specifications and purchasing FF&E for a multitude of high-end country clubs and resorts.
In 2009, Stacy decided to take the leap in to sales and has focused on the hospitality segment. She specializes in providing superior vertical surfacing products (wallcovering, acoustical panels, wood veneer, etc.).
Stacy has served on the NEWH Atlanta Board as well as various committees since 2010. She is also the current Programming Director for the National Board of Directors. She is passionate about giving back to an industry she loves!

Dallas Bentley is Director of Hospitality Sales for Marietta Drapery Company, a family business that manufactures and installs window coverings. He is a graduate of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, and his previous position was Director of Marketing at Kennesaw State University, the 3rd largest university in Georgia. He is passionate about mentoring and education, and is a proud Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta program.

Kathryn ‘Katy’ Clark is an Interior Designer for B+H Advance Strategy.
I have always been passionate that good design is THE driver for great experiences. Thoughtful and detail oriented design guides our interaction with and use of a space, and imparts to us a lasting memory. Hospitality Design excites me as it is the most direct way to engage with a user and create these positive impressions. Considerate, user-driven design can upgrade a date night spot to a special occasion destination or trick my brain into stepping a walk in the park up to a run. I have learned that the most successful end results are achieved through the collaboration of the teams that conceive of and build them. From ownership to general contractors to manufacturers along the way, it is important for designers to establish positive working relationships with everyone involved. Budget may be King, but attitude and perspective provide the counsel that keeps a project true to its vision.

Carolina was born into the field of design & construction; which carved the path into her career. During high school she worked as an associate at a local tile & stone showroom. Shortly after high school she advanced to managing their New York City showroom. Her passion for he industry grew and enrolled in college to become an interior designer. In 2015 she decided move to Florida to be closer to her immediate family. To proceed with her career & establish new roots she got involved with local chapters in our field and was introduced to NEWH. Instantly hooked, she got heavily involved and a few years later is now the VP of Admin on the Board of Directors. The most beneficial & unexpected benefit of being a part of NEWH has been the amazing relationships created of life long friends.

Melissa Davis is an interior designer for the Landry’s restaurant group in Houston and has been involved in the local NEWH Chapter since graduating from Texas Christian University in 2013. Melissa has a passion for creating exciting spaces and experiences through design, as well as connecting with others in and strengthening the Houston hospitality community.

Prior to joining the hospitality industry, Jennifer received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Miami with a double major in Business Management and Legal Studies. In pursuit of what she felt was the ideal career path for such a major, she worked as a Law Firm Administrator for over 11 years. In 2014, Jennifer decided to change her path for a more creative and trend-setting industry when she joined EoA (Edge of Architecture) as it’s Director of Operations. She has sense never looked back and truly enjoys all of the amazing industry professionals and creative souls that she is able to interact with on a daily basis. Jennifer is currently the South Florida Chapter Past President and is in her 5th year on the NEWH Board.

The last fifteen years have taken Jennifer on a winding path of discovery that led to opening BANDURAdesign in the summer of 2016. The vision to bring a healthy and balanced life to designers through freedom and flexibility in their process translates to unparalleled enthusiasm for the work being produced by the Bandura team. Risky, yes. Worth it, completely. Jennifer works hard and brings together technical expertise with focused attention to budgets and schedules to make successful projects on the practical side, but also the spirit she brings leaves clients feeling less like they are glad it is over and more like they are ready to do it all over again.

Alison Gasser is currently serving as Past President of the Los Angeles Chapter. After completing her AmeriCorps service working with at-risk youth to complete their High School diploma, she continued in many of her family members footsteps by joining the hospitality industry. She specifically followed in her mother and aunt’s footsteps by joining the NEWH Los Angeles chapter and became involved with the board immediately. Her solutions base approach has allowed her the opportunity to work with global companies on a personal level. She was a multiline representative with York Hospitality for five years and is now the Western Regional Sales Manager for Vibia Light.

Tory Knoph is an interior designer who brings a unique, new perspective to Stonehill Taylor. Her experience includes hospitality work for both large brands and boutique hotels alike. Over the past few years, Tory has been a part of numerous major design projects, including the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Press Hotel in Portland, ME, and the Hilton Brooklyn, NYLO, and Refinery Hotel in New York. She has close working relationships with many FF&E vendors, ensuring that each project is developed with the latest and most innovative products currently available. She also loves brew hopping on the weekends and hanging with her dog in Battery Park City.

Monica Meade is a certified interior designer who brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality design to Architectural Ceramics. Monica worked at Marriott International on the International Design team and as a Sr. Project Mgr. with Leo A. Daly. Architectural Ceramics is committed to working with our client’s to maintain the integrity of their design vision. Monica now is the National Accounts Manager – Hospitality for Architectural Ceramics where she has worked to build the commercial design team over the last 3 years. Monica now works exclusively with designers, contractors and owners on Hospitality projects across the country.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
After working in interior design for many years I decided to join the other side of the industry when a recruiter reached out. Working in Business Development in the design industry challenges me every day with new opportunities while utilizing my design experience and passion. I love design and was afraid I would miss it, but have never looked back. I work primarily on hospitality, retail and commercial projects and love what I do!

How did you get involved in NEWH?
I had been a member of NEWH for a few years prior, but when I moved to San Francisco the NEWH chapter was so welcoming and seemed like an organization I had to get involved with. I believe strongly in our mission to give back and love awarding our yearly scholarships. I value the many friendships I have made through NEWH, the SF Bay area chapter is a great group of professionals!

What is the last book you read?
“Your New Weimaraner Puppy” How to survive the 1st six months. Obviously in preparation for my family’s newest best friend. I could have listed something more intellectual but this is truthfully my latest read.

What do you enjoy while not a work?
I love exploring the many things the SF Bay Area has to offer…
strolling through art museums, catching a concert or spending time in the outdoors with my husband and 9 year old daughter are top on my list.

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Dirty Chai Iced Latte on a hot day

How did you become involved in NEWH? Eddie & Jill from Ramsey pulled me in! Glad they did!

Tell us about your personal/professional background? Graduated from a small college in Lynchburg, VA with a Health Degree and ended up selling shoes and running a little shoe boutique in VA. Later went on to sell leather with my current company, Moore & Giles!

What is the last book you read? A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara–super sad book
(I cried a lot) but glad I read it.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why? Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. I love star gazing on a cold winter night and hope to enjoy the Northern Lights before its too late.

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes? Lazy park days in the sun with friends!

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Camping and enjoying the outdoors with my cute little family.

Favorite caffeinated beverage? Green Tea Matcha Latte

Jennifer Wellman started in the hospitality industry in 2000. With a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture from Georgia State University she naturally wanted to pursue a career in art and accepted a job with Deljou Art Group. Since her first job in art, Jennifer has gone on to work with Soho Myriad starting as an art consultant and leaving as the Director of Sales. She then became the Managing Director at EDL Art Consultants, and remained there until she accepted a position with Lexmark Hospitality as the Director of Architecture and Design Solutions, and is now VP of Architecture and Design Sales.
Jennifer has worked on several large hospitality projects including the Fort Worth Omni, Trinidad Grand Hyatt, and the Arizona Biltmore.

Tara Witt is the Development Director of Tarrison and founder of Vandervitt Inc., both based in the Toronto area. Tarrison is a full-line manufacturer of stainless steel products that cater to many different market segments. Vandervitt provides furniture and front-of-the-house speciality products to the hospitality industry. Tara joined the Toronto Chapter of NEWH shortly after graduating from Western University with a cross-disciplinary degree in business and psychology. She is currently the President of the Toronto chapter, and Secretary for the NEWH Canada Board.

1. What is one thing nobody would ever know about you? Casted as Ariel in Little Mermaid for school musical

2. Awards or recognitions? 3 international karate championship titles

3. Favorite caffeinated beverage? Soy caramel macchiato

4. What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Running, biking, skiing, (pretty much anything active), traveling and exploring new places, having lunch/dinner outings with friends