Columbia Hospitality Announces Shannon Galusha as Corporate Culinary Director

Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting firm secures Northwest culinary personality for dynamic new position

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. November 15, 2012

SEATTLE - November 15, 2012 - Columbia Hospitality, Inc. (CHI) announces the appointment of Shannon Galusha as corporate culinary director. Galusha has joined Columbia Hospitality after a year as culinary director of Classic Concept Group, where he launched unique dining concepts including Cal's Classic American Kitchen in Seattle's booming South Lake Union neighborhood.

In this new role, Galusha will lead the way in directing and mentoring the culinary teams at Columbia's award-winning boutique hotels, conference centers and distinctive venues. From the iconic Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Washington to the Rainbow Ranch Lodge on the Gallatin River in Big Sky, Montana, and the Kenwood Inn and Spa in Kenwood, California, Galusha will incorporate his invaluable 14 years of expertise into the unique branding of each property.

“Shannon brings an unmatched wealth of knowledge, experience and creativity to our culinary family,” said Columbia Hospitality President Bret Matteson. “He is just the innovative leader that will work with our team to bring our food, beverage and service programs to a whole new level. Working across our entire portfolio, Shannon will strategically support the local culinary flare of each dining experience available within Columbia Hospitality.”

Galusha's impressive background includes work with The French Laundry in California's Napa Valley, Rue Balzac in Paris, as well as Campagne in Seattle. He delighted the Seattle culinary community with his work as chef/owner at Veil in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood. Galusha formerly managed the direction of the highly acclaimed Bastille Restaurant in Ballard, as well as its Mexican offspring, Poquitos on Capitol Hill.

“I am thrilled to be joining Columbia Hospitality,” says Galusha. “I look forward to the opportunity to expand on the current successes of the culinary leaders, further develop their talent and focus on elevating creativity, quality and consistency across Columbia Hospitality properties.”

Born and raised in the Seattle area, Galusha currently resides in Snoqualmie, Washington with his wife and two children. Whenever not in the kitchen, Galusha can be found exploring the Northwest and spending time with his family.

About Columbia Hospitality
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. (Columbia), a Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting firm, was founded in 1995 by John Oppenheimer. Columbia's growing portfolio of premier properties, including the award-winning boutique hotels of the Columbia Collection, conference centers, and distinctive venues, offer world-class service in memorable destinations. Columbia creates exceptional experiences for guests and team members while achieving phenomenal results for owners. The company's continued success has led to an international expansion of the consulting division and more than 100 hospitality development projects worldwide. For more information about Columbia and a full list of properties visit www.columbiahospitality.com.