Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration, University of New Hampshire Whittemore School of Business and Economics. 1981, began career with Marriott as Restaurant Manager, Crystal City Marriott; moved through the food and beverage ranks in Tysons Corner, Va., and the Atlanta Marriott Downtown; later became Regional Director, Food & Beverage, Marriott Southeast Region; co-developed and piloted the Regional Director of Operations position; moved on to three General Manager assignments, Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and the Chicago Marriott Downtown; then became Area Vice-President for the entire Chicago market; Executive Vice-President, Central Region; currently, Chief Operations Officer, The Americas - Southern Region. On the Board of Governors, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Recipient of the AHLA Most Valuable Volunteer Award.