Meet the DAVIDSON HOTELS & RESORTS Team

John started his career as a hotel consultant for Laventhol & Horwath, with successive stints at The Residence Inn Company and Holiday Corporation, where he was as a member of the founding concept team for Homewood Suites.

John joined Davidson Hotels & Resorts in 1989 and led the Business Development team during a period of unprecedented growth for the company, overseeing new management, acquisition and development opportunities for the company, as well as asset management and asset disposition responsibilities.  John became President and CEO in 2006 and has helped shape Davidson into one of the strongest and most respected lodging companies in the industry.  In early 2016, John helped launch Pivot hotels & Resorts, Davidson's lifestyle and luxury operating division.

 

John currently serves on Marriott's MINA Board, the Sheraton Owner's Advisory Council, the Hilton Owner's Advisory Council, the Hyatt Full-Service Hotel Franchise Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors for Give Kids the World.  John was named Michigan State University's Industry Leader of the Year in 2010 and was inducted into its Alumni Hall of Fame in 2016.  In 2018, the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association presented John with the J. Patrick Leahy Lifetime Achievement Award.  John obtained a degree from the Business College at Michigan State University with an emphasis in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.

Thom Geshay has been in a management position with Davidson Hotels & Resorts since 1987. Most recently Thom spent three years as COO where he was responsible for overall company operations in both the Davidson and Pivot Hotels & Resorts (Davidson's lifestyle division) portfolio. Prior to that, he was SVP of Business Development where he was responsible for new business activity and the growth of the company through management, ownership and development opportunities. His experience in the hospitality industry spans over three decades during which he held a variety of property and corporate level positions in both operations and real estate development. He began his hotel career at an early age as a bellman, working his way through the ranks and acquiring considerable expertise in virtually every aspect of hotel development and operations. He has completed over a billion dollars in acquisitions and recapitalizations, involving single-asset and portfolio transactions, and has structured joint venture agreements, negotiated management contracts, and negotiated franchise agreements with virtually every brand. Geshay has held several other strategic corporate positions during his tenure with Davidson including Regional Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and SVP of Business Development and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his corporate positions, he served as General Manager for multiple properties within the Davidson portfolio. He is a member of the Hospitality Development Council of ULI and a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Thom received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Specialties: Property Operations, equity sourcing, deal sourcing, transaction negotiation, market analysis, deal structuring, enjoying and making the most out of every situation.

Steven Margol joined the company in 1994. Steve oversees the growth of the company's portfolio, including investment, acquisition and disposition activity, and asset management. He is also responsible for creating and maintaining both equity and debt relationships with top-tier capital partners. Prior to Davidson, Steve was Vice President of Appraisal & Consulting with Grubb & Ellis Company, with national responsibility for hospitality industry assignments. Prior to his association with Grubb & Ellis, Steve was a hospitality industry specialist with Merrill Lynch Capital Markets'' Real Estate Investment Banking Department, and Laventhol and Horwath. Steve received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Emory University.

Pete Sams joined the company in December 2019. He is responsible for driving operational excellence and profitability for the company's core portfolio of more than 50 hotels and resorts across the U.S. Functional oversight includes human resources, sales, revenue management, integrated marketing, transitions and operations strategy across all branded assets, Pivot Hotels & Resorts and Davidson Restaurant Group verticals. A hospitality industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, Pete most recently served as executive vice president of full-service operations for Interstate Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure, he was responsible for the company's overall operational strategy, forging strong owner relations and driving superior hotel performance for a portfolio of more than 100 hotels, resorts and conference centers throughout North America. Prior to joining Interstate, Pete served as a regional vice president at White Lodging, managing a portfolio of full-service hotels under Hyatt Hotels, Le Méridien, Marriott and Renaissance. Additionally, he oversaw the opening of several new construction properties and was the project lead in the development of an internal labor leadership tool and process. Pete began his hospitality career with Omni Hotels, which spanned 20 productive and decorated years, serving multiple stints as an impactful general manager, including running the iconic Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C. Pete's industry leadership includes participation on the Marriott Rooms Advisory Board, the Renaissance Advisory Board, and a member of the Hyatt Full Service Franchise COO Roundtable. He proudly served his country as a member of the US Army and is a graduate of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Barry Wabler, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, joined Davidson in 2012. Barry oversees the Accounting & Finance, Information Technology, and Risk Management, as well as aids in the strategic direction of the company through his role of Strategic Planning PMO. Prior to Davidson, Barry was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hotel Equities Group, an Atlanta-based hotel management and development company that underwent significant growth during his tenure. He has held a number of senior management positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer of Currey & Company, Inc., an international home furnishings manufacturer and distributor and Frosty Acres Brands, Inc., a national food service cooperative where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. During his tenures, both companies expanded operations and increased market share. Barry began his career with Arthur Andersen, LLP where he worked with real estate, banking, and hospitality clients through audit, profit improvement and M&A engagements. Barry is a Trustee of Davidson's Health Care Trust and a member of the AHLA Financial Management Committee, Georgia Society of CPAs, American Institute of CPAs, and UGA - Cushman & Wakefield CFO Roundtable. He holds a BBA and a Masters of Accountancy from the University of Georgia and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

Ted Arps joined the company in 2005. His primary responsibilities for heading up Investment Management include pioneering initiatives that add value to the Davidson/Pivot portfolio. He works directly with property ownership on enhancing real estate value through operational and capital strategies. Prior to Davidson, Ted gained hotel real estate development and transaction expertise as Director of Hotel Investments for Crow Holdings, where he managed Crow's hotel investment holdings. Prior to that, Ted honed his operation background spending fifteen years with Bristol Hotels and Resorts in a variety of hotel management roles finishing his career with Bristol as Senior Vice President of Operations. Ted holds a Bachelor of Hotel Administration degree from Cornell University.

Crystal Beasley joined the company in 2007. Her primary responsibility is monitoring and overseeing the legal and contractual obligations of the company. Prior to joining Davidson, Crystal was an Associate in the Commercial Transactions and Real Estate practice group of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing Management with a minor in Political Science from the University of Arkansas. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law where she also served as the Executive Editor of the Arkansas Law Review.

Patricia joined Davidson Hotels & Resorts in 2015, currently leading marketing activities for the company in her role as Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications . In this role, she is responsible for strategic implementation of integrated marketing and public relations efforts across Davidson's ever-growing portfolio. With over 20 years of hospitality leadership experience, Patricia has worked closely and strategically with a range of stakeholders. Prior to her time with Davidson, Patricia served in senior leadership roles in Viceroy Hotel Group and SBE Entertainment in addition to starting The Strategy Foundry, her own management company.

Kevin's passion for the hospitality industry started with Marriott where he had held a number of design and construction roles, growing multiple brands over nine years. Following Marriott, he launched Sodexo's design, construction and technical services department, completing over a billion dollars in construction projects. From there, Kevin joined Wyndham Worldwide where he oversaw the construction of their first mixed-use resort with the completion of the Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek in Orlando and also led Wyndham's foray into Brazil with the development of prototypes and partnering with local developers to construct multiple hotels in in time for the Olympics. Kevin's most recent role as Vice President of Design & Construction with Sage Hospitality included development of multiple independent hotels. In addition, he worked with Sage Restaurant Group to complete construction of their fourth Urban Farmer in addition to collaborating on refreshing several existing restaurants.

Kevin has served as Chair of Habitat Orlando's acquisition and construction group where they successfully implemented the first Habitat Orlando townhouse development and tripled the number of families assisted during his tenure. He holds a degree in Architectural Engineering from Penn State University and an MBA from The University of Texas - Dallas. He is also a licensed General Contractor in the State of Florida.

Marc joined the company in September 2019 and he is responsible for aligning food and beverage strategy interdepartmentally and working collaboratively with operations in each region to drive profitability. A seasoned chef and hospitality executive with more than 32 years of experience, Marc is a recognized personality, most recently serving as the executive chef and owner of several highly acclaimed restaurants in the Atlanta area. The success of his restaurant led him to start his own hospitality company, Southern Fried Hospitality. Previously, Marc was the senior director of openings, acquisitions and transitions as well as director of west coast operations for The ONE Group, where he oversaw development, construction and openings of high profile restaurants for the company. Marc also worked with First Hospitality Group as corporate director of food & beverage, where he oversaw 74 properties and facilitated a complete overhaul of the company's food and beverage infrastructure. Additionally, Marc held tenure at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, where he worked his way up to the position of director of restaurant operations for the Southeast.

Prior to joining Davidson Hotels & Resorts, Greg served as Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage for Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Vice President of Operations/Partner at Slapfish Restaurant Group as well as Director of Global Culinary Development at Marriott International. His 20+ years of food & beverage experience includes numerous hotel and independent restaurant positons around the United States. Greg worked his way up through the kitchen brigade to Executive Chef and Director of Restaurant Operations. He has opened restaurants and hotels domestically and internationally including the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, JW Marquis Dubai and Slapfish Restaurant Dubai, UAE. In addition to his experience in culinary operations, Greg's background includes hotel conversions, restaurant concepts, branding & strategic positioning and creation of hotel food & beverage platforms. When he isn't in the kitchen, Greg can be found gardening with his two daughters, running marathons and Ultra marathons, or volunteering at local farms.

Kathy Hood joined the company in 1987 and has experienced and mastered many areas of the hospitality field. Her passion and hard work paved the way for positions of Directors of Sales and General Manager in several of Davidson's hotels. Kathy also spent time during her career at the property level in task force opportunities supporting several of the hotels in the portfolio. Her support was focused in the areas of sales, revenue management and operations. In 2000, Kathy was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Revenue Management. Her primary responsibility is overseeing all aspects of sales and revenue generation for the company. Kathy takes a hands on approach with the hotel teams to ensure her leadership aligns for success in motivating and inspiring the teams to superior performance. Kathy is also an active participate on many brand advisory groups and consistently continues to strengthen relationships with brand executives. Her 31 years with the company has allowed her to touch and manage every major brand and several independent hotels. Kathy graduated from the University of Georgia and holds a Bachelor of Science degree.

Bernie Murphy joined the company in 2008. He is responsible for spearheading the company's efforts in securing third-party management contracts. Bernie joined Davidson from Pinnacle Hotels USA, a San Diego-based lodging ownership and management entity, where he was chief investment officer. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president at The Plasencia Group (TPG), a premier hospitality brokerage and consulting firm. Before his tenure with TPG, Bernie held a variety of positions over a 13-year period with Guest Quarters Suite Hotels/DoubleTree Hotels at the property, regional and corporate levels. Bernie received a B.A. in economics from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Hank Artime joined the company in 2015. He has overall responsibility for treasury management including the movement of funds as required by hotel operations, loans and management agreements, and managing bank relationships and accounts. He is also responsible for insuring hotels have adequate operating capital through cash forecasting and overseeing accounts payable. Hank came to Davidson from The Krystal Company, a southeast QSR company, where he served as Vice President-Treasurer. Hank previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Lodgian, Inc., a public owner-operator of hotels, and as a Director in the Financial Advisory Services practice of Ernst & Young. He holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Georgia and a MBA in Corporate Finance from Georgia State University, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

Dan joined the company in 2010 as Vice President-Field Sales. Dan has over 30 years of sales and marketing management experience in the hospitality industry, with over 16 years spent in senior level positions, managing nearly every major brand and a multitude of upscale independent hotels. Dan joined Davidson from Interstate Hotels & Resorts where he was Senior VP-Sales & Marketing and was also VP-Sales & Marketing with Sunstone Hotel Management who was acquired by Interstate. Prior to that, he served as Vice President-Sales and Marketing with Sunstone Hotel Properties. He served also as EVP and Chief Operating Officer for Spa Sydell, Inc., VP-Sales and Marketing with Lodgian, Inc., and several positions with Interstate Hotels Corporation. Dan is currently an active committee participant in and past member of ASAE, HSMA, MPI, and many other industry organizations. He also is an active participant in many brand advisory groups, such as the Marriott franchise marketing advisory board.

Caroline joined Pivot Hotels & Resorts in April 2016 as Vice President of Operations. Caroline oversees and supports all Pivot hotels propelling their service and operational excellence within the division. Caroline has over 10 years of a unique combination of operations experience in high profile lifestyle hotels and upscale dining environments. Prior to joining Pivot, Caroline served in senior management roles for Palm Restaurant Group, Disney, Viceroy Hotel Group, Kimpton, sbe Hotels & Restaurants, and most recently, Commune Hotels & Resorts.

Michael Farquharson joined Davidson in 2017 with an extensive background in the hospitality industry, having served in hotel management positions for more than 24 years. Michael is a champion for customer service with strong skill sets in teaching, operations, driving revenue, and financial acumen. Michael most recently came from the 1,372‐room Sheraton Centre Toronto in Toronto, Canada, where he was Hotel Manager. Prior to that, he was Director of Operations for the W Atlanta Buckhead. In addition, Michael has served as Director of Rooms for the 511‐room Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, Canada, and the Westin Waltham‐Boston. He held also, Director of Front Office and Assistant Front Office Manager positions for the Sheraton Centre Hotel Toronto. While at the Sheraton Centre, Michael spent a year as a Hospitality Management Course Instructor at Centennial College, Toronto.

Lew Lemon joined Davidson in 2006. He was appointed General Manager of the Westin Annapolis prior to its opening, and stayed in that role until his promotion to Regional Vice President. He also served a short term assignment as General Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown. Lew began his career in the hospitality industry in 1989 at the Sheraton City Center Hotel (now known as The Wyndham Washington) where he served as controller and then as General Manager. Lew received a BS in Business Administration from West Virginia University.

Jason Rabidoux joined the company in 2013. He is responsible for the strategic growth of the company's portfolio through acquisitions and third-party management engagements. Prior to joining Davidson to lead the company's growth efforts in the Western Region, Jason served as both Director of Real Estate and Business Development and Asset Manager for The Hotel Group (THG) based in in Seattle, Washington. Before THG, Jason held positions as both an Associate and Senior Associate at HREC Investment Advisors - Hospitality Real Estate Counselors. Jason is a graduate of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University with an emphasis in Finance. He is an active member of The School's Alumni Association Appointed Board of Directors and Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) Advisory Council.

Mary Powers joined Davidson in 2012.  Mary is a 20-year veteran in human resources within the hospitality industry.  She most recently served as Vice President-Human Resources for Remington Hotels.  Prior to Remington Hotels, she served as Vice President-Human Resources for LXR Luxury Resorts and Hotels in Dallas, TX.  In addition, Mary worked for Wyndham International, holding the positions of Vice President-Employee Relations and Corporate HR; Director, Employee and Labor Relations; and Regional HR Manager.  Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Spanish from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Marisa Serrano joined the company in 2004 as General Manager of the Marriott Country Club Plaza, in Kansas City, Missouri. She then served as General Manager at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp in San Diego, California, before her recent promotion to Regional Vice President-Operations. Prior to joining Davidson, Marisa served in general manager positions with Adam's Mark Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and Quorum Hotels and Resorts. She began her career in the hospitality industry in 1988 at The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado, where she served as reservations manager and then as front office manager. Marisa received a BS in Business Administration at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and holds certifications as a Trainer in Housekeeping Management and Trainer in Front Office Operations from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association.

Michele Smith, Vice President of Hotel Accounting - Michele joined Davidson in 2014 and brings with her twenty-three years of veteran hospitality accounting experience. With a drive focused around efficiency and effectiveness, she has the overall responsibility for accurate and timely reporting of financial results for all hotels.  She is also responsible for overseeing the accounting functions for fixed assets and capital spending, and managing the internal audit department.  She most recently came from Hospitality Ventures Management Group. Prior to HVMG she worked at LXR Luxury resorts and Wyndham International in various accounting roles.  Michele holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Vanessa joined Pivot Hotels & Resorts in September 2018. In her role, Vanessa leads the Global Sales Organization as well as all Pivot hotels in sales strategy to propel the organization to best-in-class sales achievement. Vanessa has nearly 25 years of unique sales experience in high profile independent, lifestyle, luxury and branded hotels. Prior to joining Pivot, Vanessa served as head of sales for Sydell Group, where the portfolio doubled in size during her tenure. In addition, she served in senior leadership roles for Hilton and W Hotels.

Mark Wang joined Davidson in 2012 as a Financial Analyst. After one year as a Financial Analyst and another year as an Associate, Mark assumed his current position of Director of Business Development. His primary responsibility is the sourcing and execution of new business opportunities, including acquisitions, new developments, and management contracts across the United States. Prior to joining Davidson, Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism, with a focus in Finance.

Michael Yousif joined Davidson in 2010. He is responsible for new business opportunities including acquisitions, new developments, and management contracts. Michael previously held positions as both an Analyst and Associate at Davidson, where he was involved with a myriad of projects for the Business Development team. Michael is a graduate of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University. He is an active member of The School of Hospitality Business' Alumni Association Appointed Board of Directors and Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) Advisory Council.