MERRILLVILLE, Ind., June 29, 2011 -- With an extensive background in the Marriott brand, Jerry Keyes has assumed the General Manager role at the Courtyard by Marriott on Chicago's magnificent mile. In making the announcement for White Lodging, Regional Vice President John Randall said, "I am very pleased to have Jerry take on another flagship hotel for us."

Most recently the dual General Manager at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott and the Residence Inn by Marriott, Keyes began his hospitality industry career in 1987.  He first worked as a Sales Manager and then as a Restaurant Manager followed in 1989 by being named Director of Services at Marriott International's Harbourtowne Golf Resort in Maryland.

Staying with Marriott International for the next 13 years, Keyes' served as  General Manager at a number of properties including the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Newark, Delaware; the Courtyard by Marriott in Highland Park, Illinois; the Courtyard by Marriott in Des Plaines, Illinois; and the Residence Inn by Marriott in Chicago.

When he joined White Lodging in 2002, Keyes was named the General Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn in Chicago, where he was responsible for leading and developing the talents of 17 managers.  In his most recent role as dual General Manager of Residence Inn & Springhill Suites River North, he received White Lodging's the Opening Hotel of the Year award and he was named the company's General Manager of the Year in 2010.
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 155 hotels in 18 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