USA, Golden, Colorado. March 03, 2023

Chris Luersen has been appointed general manager of The Eddy Taproom & Hotel in Golden, Colorado. A third-generation hotelier, Luersen brings more than a decade of hospitality experience and a deep knowledge of the Front Range market to The Eddy. He is replacing John Drugan who has been promoted to regional director of operations, openings and transitions for CoralTree, which manages property.

"Hospitality is all about making guests feel like family," said Luersen. "With a grandfather and father both in the business, I grew up in the hospitality industry and it was ultimately the excitement behind delivering exactly the type of creative and personalized guest service The Eddy is known for that drew me in. The Eddy has such a welcoming atmosphere from the living room-like lobby to team members who go the extra mile to help guests feel like home. I'm excited to continue to nurture and grow The Eddy's culture of outstanding service and authentic connection to guests to ensure the property remains the top ranked option in the market."

Luersen brings more than 10 years of experience to the role. Most recently, he served as hotel manager at The Oxford Hotel, in downtown Denver where he was part of the team that helped the property earn a Travel + Leisure World's Best Award in 2022 and a Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Award in 2021. During his three years with The Oxford, Luersen quickly rose through the ranks while also helping to shepherd the property through pandemic related challenges. He joined The Oxford as director of rooms and was promoted of director of operations, followed by assistant general manager before serving as hotel manager for more than a year. Previously, he served as the assistant front office manager for The Curtis Hotel, also in downtown Denver. Prior to that, Luersen worked as a conference services manager for properties in Colorado and California including a previous stint at The Oxford and The Omni Hotel San Diego.

Prior to his tenure with hotels, Luersen worked with a number of catering focused businesses. He was the operations manager for Spectrum Catering, Concessions and Special Events in The Woodlands, Texas where he supported multiple PGA events, the Bonarroo Music and Art Festival, Sam Houston State University concessions and more. Luersen launched his career as a catering assistant for Crosswater Club, a top 100 rated golf club in Sunriver, Oregon.

"Chris brings very relevant experience from his time in Denver to The Eddy," said Tom Luersen, president of CoralTree Hospitality. "We think his experience will continue to position the property as best in class and service in the marketplace. I am very excited to have Chris join CoralTree."

Chris Luersen holds degrees in psychology and communication from the University of California, Davis. He resides in Castle Rock with his wife, Christina and two daughters, Blake and Wesley. Luersen and his family have three Labrador Retrievers, who are sure to be fans of the pet-friendly policies at The Eddy.