MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Jan. 17, 2011 -- Andrew Lawrence, a native of Northwest Indiana was recently named general manager for Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Merrillville.  

A graduate of Purdue University Calumet with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Lawrence is continuing his education by pursuing his master's degree in Finance and Management at Robert Morse College.

While an undergraduate, Lawrence was an intern at the Residence in by Marriott in Merrillville – a White Lodging Property.  When he graduated in 2008, White Lodging offered Lawrence the job of sales manager for the newly opened Hilton Garden Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott in Lake Forrest, Illinois.  He transitioned back to operations and became the housekeeping manager at the Hilton Garden Inn.

In his new role as general manager, Lawrence can utilize his background in sales and operations to drive results at the I-65 and US 30 located property.  One of White Lodging's newer properties, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites has double queen and king guest rooms, Jacuzzi suites and extended-stay suites with fully equipped kitchens.

"Andrew's career progression is a great White Lodging success story," said Regional Vice President Steve Ransone.  "To become a GM within two-and-a-half years of graduating from college shows the outstanding opportunities that await talented people who make their career with us."  Ransone ended by saying, "We are thrilled to see Andrew continue his history of success with us."

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development, and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to large-scale hotels across the country. Their current portfolio consists of over 153 hotels in eighteen states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or call 219-472-2900.