News for the Hospitality Executive |
Phillip G. Coffey Named General Manager of Gaylord
National Resort and
Convention Center Near Washington, D.C., the Largest
Combined Hotel
and Convention Center on the East Coast
.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- November 4, 2008 - Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE: GET) today announced that Phillip Coffey will take the reigns as general manager of the recently opened Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Prince George�s County, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. Coffey brings to Gaylord more than three decades of hospitality industry experience. In his new position, Coffey will focus on solidifying Gaylord National�s position as the leading meeting and convention property on the East Coast and will oversee all aspects of the resort and its management team, including hotel and convention center operations. Gaylord National employs a staff of more than 2,000 full-time, part-time and on-call employees. Coffey most recently served for eight years as the general manager of Marriott�s Orlando World Center Resort, one of the largest convention hotels in the Florida market. Contributing to his strong record of leadership, Coffey�s previous senior management positions with Marriott International, Inc. include market vice president of Florida and market manager for all lodging brands in Tennessee. �We�re very pleased to welcome Phil and we look forward to the unique contributions his wealth of leadership experience will bring to Gaylord National,� said Colin V. Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Gaylord Entertainment. �Through his years in the hospitality industry, Phil has developed an effective leadership style that demonstrates his commitment to his guests and to his staff, which fits well with Gaylord�s unique service culture. We�re enthusiastic about Gaylord National reaching new levels of success under Phil�s leadership.� The newest addition to the Gaylord Hotels portfolio of meetings-and-events-focused properties, Gaylord National opened in the spring of 2008. Boasting 470,000 square feet of meeting space and 2,000 guest rooms, the National is the largest combined hotel and convention center on the East Coast. Its prime location just outside the nation�s capitol makes it a convenient choice for both meeting planners and transient guests, as evidenced by the solid levels of occupancy and advanced bookings. �I�m proud to join Gaylord, a company admired by those in the hospitality sector for its unique business model and unrelenting dedication to service and quality,� said Phillip G. Coffey, general manager of Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. �The Gaylord National quickly generated a level of demand and success that caught my attention, and I look forward to continuing that momentum as we continue to exceed the expectations of guests and meeting planners.� Maintaining the industry-leading level of facilities and amenities available across the Gaylord portfolio, Gaylord National welcomes guests with a spectacular 18-story glass atrium with views of the Potomac River and Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. A river and multi-level indoor gardens surround several fine dining and casual restaurants, unique shopping outlets, a 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center and a two-story rooftop night club, the Pose Ultra Lounge. About Gaylord Entertainment
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Contact:
Gaylord Entertainment Rob Tanner, 615-316-6572
Gaylord Entertainment
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