Tampa Resort Introduces New Management Team; 2019 Initiatives
Tampa Bay, FLA (April 23, 2019) – The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa has acquired new executive talent in 2019, including a new General Manager. With exciting plans and a fresh team and strategy, the resort anticipates exceptional attention to the guest experience from booking rooms to corporate event planning to elevating the on-site dining at WTR Pool & Grill. Some of the initiatives in place this year entail a continued effort to position the Godfrey brand locally and nationally, attracting corporate and social groups to maximize the unique property offerings, and being a strong community partner through support of local charitable organizations. On the Food & Beverage side, the team will be creating a diverse 2019 WTR entertainment schedule that will feature live performances, themed events, and more.
SHAUN KWIATKOWSKI, General Manager
Shaun Kwiatkowski is the new General Manager at The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa. His role consists of leading all strategic priorities for the resort along with providing guidance and support to all members on the Godfrey team. Kwiatkowski decided to join the Godfrey brand and Oxford Hotel & Resorts group as he believes the companies are well positioned in the lifestyle segment for exponential growth. Prior to relocating to Tampa Bay, he worked in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino as the Executive Director of Hotel Operations. Kwiatkowski’s experience in the hospitality industry exceeds 25 years dating back to his humble start at his parents’ Colorado motel. Outside of the resort, the general manager is a die-hard Nebraska college football fan and lived several months in Bali, Indonesia.
CYNTHIA CONRADT, Sales Executive Assistant
Cynthia Conradt works as the Sales Executive Assistant at The Godfrey Hotel. Conradt has worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years with her recent position at the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, before joining The Godfrey team in 2018. Her position in sales requires her to be quick on her feet and organized working in such a fast-paced environment. Conradt brings a cheery attitude to the table and works diligently with her team to ensure that the guest experience is a success every time. On her free time, she enjoys channeling her artistic side through drawing, painting, and pottery.
JOSHUA BONDE, Business Travel Manager
As a Business Travel Manager for the Tampa resort, Joshua Bonde offers his expertise in Locally Negotiated Rate accounts (LNR), Key Negotiated Rate accounts (KNR), and Mid-Market accounts. Bonde has been in hospitality for 14 years and was the Area Director of Sales & Marketing for Decade Hospitality in Clearwater Beach prior to joining the Godfrey team. He works proactively with sales team at The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa to acquire and maintain new accounts, and to ensure a competitive sales strategy. When he isn’t in the office, Bonde can be found enjoying the outdoors either fishing, hunting, or listening to country music.
LAUREN IBEY, Senior Catering Sales Manager
Lauren Ibey holds the title of Senior Catering Sales Manager and handles all of the catering sales and planning for corporate and social group events, such as meetings, conferences, and banquets. She joined The Godfrey team with 15 years of experience in catering sales and most recently served as the Corporate Sales Manager at Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events. Ibey works assiduously in carrying out successful events held at the resort alongside the catering department, making sure details large or small are taken into account. The Tampa native uses her day off for social activities like networking and meeting new people around the bay.
MADISON DOWNS, SMERF Events and Weddings Specialist
Madison Downs works with all departments to ensure that the events run smoothly from start to finish, including social, military, education, religious, and fraternal events and weddings for held at The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa. Before coming abroad the The Godfrey team, Downs worked at The Tampa Club in Downtown Tampa and has been in hospitality for 8 years. Fun fact: she is a football enthusiast, winning two state championship rings for the State Flag Football Championship while in high school.
MARY DELUCA, Corporate Group Sales Manager
As the Corporate Group Sales Manager, Mary Deluca oversees the corporate group room blocks and large corporate events. Her job consists of working closely with her team and planners to secure corporate bookings at the resort. Deluca most recently worked as the Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City, but has been of part of The Godfrey team for a year, this July. When in season, she spends her free time attending and cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
SAMANTHA BAXTER, SMERF Group Sales Manager
Samantha Baxter works at The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa as the SMERF Group Sales Manager. She is responsible for selling room blocks for social, sports, military, education, fraternal, and religious groups. Baxter started in the hospitality industry as a banquet server, but surely climbed her way up working at companies like Embassy Suites Tampa Brandon, where she worked previously to the Godfrey Hotel. When she isn’t working at the office, Baxter enjoys spending time with her two sons and painting.
GODFREY HOTEL & CABANAS: The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa’s resort-style property is nestled among the lush tropical grounds at the edge of Tampa Bay and is conveniently located in close proximity to Tampa International Airport, the Westshore office market and downtown Tampa. The expansive property boasts a heated outdoor pool, 3200 sq. ft. pier with stunning sunset views and private event space, fitness center, and 7,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. The 276-room hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, 42’’ flat screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-refrigerators and expansive space to relax. Every guest room also comes with a private balcony offering sweeping views of Tampa’s skyline and breathtaking sunset views. http://www.godfreyhoteltampa.com/
WTR POOL & GRILL: WTR Pool & Grill is Tampa’s ultimate seaside retreat. Overlooking Tampa Bay, WTR provides guests with a memorable experience of poolside luxury in a modern tropical setting. By day guests may relax on daybeds and chaise lounges while enjoying refreshing handcrafted cocktails and dining from our unique menu based on the bounty of ultra-fresh Florida seafood. For those seeking an even more indulgent experience, serenely furnished private cabanas featuring televisions and refrigerators, offer fitting exclusivity and seclusion. Regularly scheduled events such as a high-energy weekend brunch and pool parties add to the festive atmosphere. By night, Sunset Pool Parties and special events including sets by guest DJs, live bands and other entertainment.
EVOLVE & CO: Evolve & Co is a full-service advertising agency located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is a collective of brand strategists and creatives, specializing in the lifestyle vertical. The firm is located at 475 Central Avenue Suite M7, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.evolveandco.com
Editors: For details, or to schedule an interview contact Lisa Williams lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.
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