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Westin Galleria Dallas Expands Management Team

Andrea Sorensen Promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing

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(Dallas, Texas - December 15, 2008) - Westin Galleria Dallas, part of the Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. family, welcomes the addition of five industry professionals to its expanding team: Andrea Wooden, corporate catering sales manager; Patricia Massar, catering manager; Courtney Fields, director of group sales and Ann Vondenstein, convention services manager. Additionally, Andrea Sorensen was promoted to director of sales and marketing while Tanda East was promoted to group sales manager and Krishna Oakman assumes the new role of executive meeting specialist, a position at select Starwood properties dedicated to enhancing services as part of the property's recent renovation. The team adds wide-ranging experience to the luxury hotel as it continues its extensive redesign and expansion of the property. 

"As we look to become the premier hotel destination in North Dallas, our team's leadership, experience and personable presence are qualities that will guide us through our transformation," said John Everett, general manager of the Westin Galleria Dallas. "All five new employees have an impeccable attention to detail-a highly regarded asset as we continue to elevate our service and ensure that our reputation for modern luxury and relaxation continues to resonate with guests seeking the ultimate experience."  

A member of Westin Galleria Dallas's leadership team since 2000, Andrea Sorensen started as the director of catering and convention services before assuming her current role as director of sales and marketing. 

She began her career with Starwood Hotels and Resorts family in 1995 at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport Marriott where she worked in the catering and convention services areas. A graduate of Towson University, Sorensen has been recognized numerous times for her leadership abilities and outstanding performance.

Prior to joining Westin Galleria, Andrea Wooden served as catering sales manager for American Property Management Company in Dallas and facilitated events for clients such as Sheraton Dallas North Hotel. She also served as catering sales manager for American Gold Corporation at the Las Vegas National Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nev. Wooden brings her vast business knowledge and culinary experience to drive revenue, book and supervise events, and to provide a unique experience to all Westin Galleria guests. Wooden is a graduate of The University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

Tanda East possesses more than 17 years of experience-more than 10 years with Westin Galleria Dallas-to her role as group sales manager. Before joining Westin Galleria Dallas in 1998 to serve as senior convention services manager, East has held positions at Creative Producers Group, Blackwell Productions Inc. and the Wyndham Anatole Hotel. 

Patricia Massar brings her impressive sales management experience to Westin Galleria Dallas as catering manager. She has been part of the Starwood family for more than eight years and previously worked in several positions at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, including catering sales manager and corporate sales manager. A certified, hospitality sales professional, Massar completed Interstate Hotel Sales School and master connections sales training.

Courtney Fields joined the Starwood family as national sales manager for Dallas' Le Meridien Hotel in 2000. Her strong track record in contract negotiations and customer-relationship building led her to sales positions at the Westin Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia; Mandarin Oriental hotel, Washington D.C. and W Dallas -Victory before arriving at Westin Galleria Dallas to serve as director of group sales. Fields earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and Masters of Business Administration from Amberton University.

Ann Vondenstein joined the team at Westin Galleria Dallas as conventions services manager where she works with closely with clients to plan their various events. Known for her innovation and creativity, Vondenstein has served as catering sales manager for The W Dallas - Victory and The Westin Stonebriar Resort prior to joining Westin Galleria Dallas. A graduate of The University of North Texas, she earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality management.

As the new executive meeting specialist, Krishna Oakman will serve as a liaison among meeting professionals, catering customers and all operating departments to ensure a high standard of organization and guest service throughout all of the hotel's recently-renovated 40,000 square feet of meeting space. A graduate of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Oakman has held internships and externships at Statler Hotel in Ithaca, New York; Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia; Hilton Head Health Institute in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina prior to joining Westin Galleria Dallas.

The hotel, centrally located at IH-635 and Dallas North Tollway, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an all-inclusive renovation which began in 2007. Leaving no area untouched, the transformation includes the addition of a 6,000 square foot ballroom and new hotel restaurant, the expansion of all 432 guestrooms and workout area, a resort-style pool area and restyled lobby and entry. 

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.  Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

 About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 160 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

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Contact:

Westin Galleria Dallas
13340 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX  75240
p. 972.934.9494

Laura Reina
. 214.378.7970x238

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Also See: Built in 1982, The Westin Galleria Dallas Undergoing Expansive Transformation / May 2007

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