Davidson Appoints Three New GMs

Mark Herron, Nanci A. Haley and John C. Karchner

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. October 14, 2008

MEMPHIS, TN, November 7, 2006. Davidson Hotel Company (DHC), one of the nation's largest hotel management companies, today announced that it has strengthened its operational bench strength by naming three new hotel general managers. Mark Herron has been named general manager of the 223-suite Embassy Suites Pittsburgh, Nanci A. Haley to the 216-unit Embassy Suites Cleveland Beachwood Hotel and John C. Karchner to the 264-room Hyatt Regency Newport.

"The key to success at any hotel is superior management," said Patrick Lupsha, Davidson's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We are confident we have found three excellent leaders with proven track records that will help make their respective properties into market leaders."

With more than 22 years of hospitality experience, John C. Karchner has been named the general manager of Davidson's most recent acquisition, the Hyatt Regency Newport in Rhode Island. Prior to his new position, Karchner was general manager of the 293-room Wyndham Andover Hotel in Massachusetts. He has held a variety of positions within the industry, including general manager of the Wyndham Billerica Hotel, also in Mass., and regional food and beverage director of the Wyndham Philadelphia at Franklin Plaza in Pennsylvania. Karchner received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Management from East Stroudsburg University.

"John's strong understanding of seasonal resorts will give him a leg up on the competition," Lupsha noted. "His position as F&B director at the Inn at Semi ah Moo in Washington State also provided him with invaluable resort experience."

A nearly 20-year hospitality veteran, Nanci A. Haley was general manager of the 205-room Wyndham Cleveland before being named general manager of the Embassy Suites Cleveland/Beachwood Hotel in Ohio. She has held a series of increasingly important hospitality positions, including director of guest services at the Wyndham Myrtle Beach and hotel manager of the Wyndham Chicago. Haley received her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and her Masters Degree in International Business, both from Johnson & Wales University.

"Nanci is a proven talent, particularly within the Cleveland area," Lupsha added. "In addition to being Chairperson of the Greater Cleveland Lodging Council, she is a long-time resident with deep connections to the community."

Mark Herron, new general manager of the Embassy Suites Pittsburgh, began his career in the hospitality industry more than 25 years ago as the regional controller of Radisson Hotels for the Minneapolis office. Most recently, he was general manager of the 263-room Hilton Little Rock Metro Center in Ark. Herron previously was hotel manager of both the Wyndham Franklin Plaza in Philadelphia and the Wyndham Anatole in Dallas.

"Mark has overseen a wide variety of property types, from condos to restaurants to spas to hotels," Lupsha said. "This depth of experience, coupled with his strong accounting background, will benefit both the guests and owners of the hotel."