Stevens Named COO at Maverick; More Personnel Moves…

NATIONAL REPORT—Industry vet Wendy Stevens has been named the new COO at Maverick Hotels and Restaurants, plus Main Street Hospitality Group and First Hospitality have added execs. Here’s a look:

Maverick Names New COO

Maverick Hotels and Restaurants has added Wendy Stevens as its COO.

In this position, Stevens is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company’s growing hotel portfolio. In this capacity, she oversees the support staff and is the direct report for all aspects of each property, making her responsible for the financial and quality performance of all Maverick properties. The portfolio consists of properties that represent major brands like Marriott, Hilton and IHG, as well as independent upscale resorts.

She joined Maverick with extensive brand, sales and operational experience, which includes 18 years with First Hospitality Group in various leadership roles, most recently as chief commercial officer. She has regional and national experience with FHG and has previously held corporate positions with Lane Hospitality and Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Donoyan Joins Main Street Hospitality Group

H. Jackson Donoyan has joined Main Street Hospitality Group as VP of operations.

Donoyan oversees operations at each hotel property in the portfolio. He will focus on revenue generation, operational oversight, owner relations, talent development and strategic growth. In addition, he is tasked with stabilization and development of the brand, while also enhancing the overall guest experience and reinforcing brand standards.

He has a background opening and operating newly constructed and renovated hotels. Most recently, he was the general manager at NYLO Providence Warwick Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Warwick, RI. Prior to that, he was a hospitality consultant in Boston, MA, and held positions as the director of food & beverage and director of operations/interim general manager at both the Liberty Hotel, A Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel, in Boston, MA, and Hotel Viking, A Noble House Hotel in Newport, RI.

First Hospitality Names Director of Renovations and Facilities

First Hospitality has appointed Ray Nugent to director of renovations and facilities (DRF).

Nugent has directed more than $1 billion in governmental, commercial and residential construction projects throughout his 25-year career, which includes a proven track record of success in the hospitality industry as director of facilities for Bellagio Resort Las Vegas.

In his new role as DRF, Nugent is responsible for executing First Hospitality’s renovation program, property improvement plans and new developments. He also manages the facility and engineering support teams and assists new and existing properties. Prior to joining First Hospitality, Nugent oversaw operations and strategy of the facilities department for Bellagio and executed significant projects for the resort, including a $20-million suite remodel spanning 1,000 rooms and a $12.5-million casino remodel. From 2010-2016, Nugent held the role of assistant director of facility operations for Fox Valley Park District, the second largest park district in Illinois, where he managed all facility maintenance and construction for three community centers totaling more than 550,000 sq. ft. of fitness, aquatic and educational facilities.