The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 2011 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has named Tom Shaver general manager for The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, located in Blacksburg, Virginia.  Ellen Sinclair, senior vice president for Benchmark Hospitality, made the announcement.

“I am delighted to welcome Tom to The Inn at Virginia Tech,” said Ms. Sinclair.  “He brings 30 years of leadership experience in hotel and conference center operations to his new role, and is a wonderful addition to this remarkable property.”

Prior to joining Benchmark Hospitality, Tom Shaver was director of lodging operations for Callaway Gardens Resort, located in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  Earlier in his career, he worked in senior leadership roles for major hospitality brands throughout the US.  For a time, Mr. Shaver successfully owned and operated a freestanding restaurant.

Tom Shaver attended the University of California, San Diego, and Mesa Junior College.  He is an A.H. & M.A. Certified Hotel Administrator.  Mr. Shaver has previously been recognized as “General Manager of the Year” by a leading hotel management company, and has served as chairman for several Convention & Visitors Bureaus.  He and his wife are relocating to Blacksburg.

The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
With 147 beautiful guest rooms and more than 23,000 feet of state-of-the-art conference space, the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center is a high-tech, upscale hotel and conference facility fully owned by Virginia Tech and operated by Benchmark Hospitality International. To learn more, visit www.innatvirginiatech.com.

About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels®.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.