Benchmark Appoints Director Operations Costa d'Este
HOUSTON, TX, March 12, 2008. Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Monica Smiley as director of operations for Costa d'Este Beach Resort, the new personal luxury property nearing completion in Vero Beach, Florida. Andy Zinni, Benchmark's general manager at the resort, made the announcement. Costa d'Este Beach Resort is expected to open in April.
"I am so pleased to announce Monica's addition to our growing leadership team here at Costa d'Este Beach Resort," said Mr. Zinni. "She adds important operational and rooms division expertise to our property and a passion for exceeding guest expectations."
A seasoned hotelier, Monica Smiley brings a decade of success in hotel operations and 20 years of experience in guest service management to her new position at Costa d'Este Beach Resort. Previously, she was the front office manager at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center in The Woodlands, Texas, responsible for overseeing front office operations including the Reception Desk, Reservations, Guest Services, Concierge, and the Switchboard. She also oversaw Revenue Management, Night Audit as well as group and transient sales. Ms. Smiley was originally affiliated with Benchmark Hospitality International during the period the company operated this resort.
Prior to Ms. Smiley's tenure in the hospitality industry, she was employed in retail management for Stage Stores, Inc. in positions of increasing responsibility, including store manager. Ms. Smiley attended The University of Houston. She has relocated to Vero Beach, Florida.
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