Palm Desert, CA (January 21, 2013) – Hospitality veteran, Ralph Scatena, has been named General Manager of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, a four-star resort destination located in Palm Desert, CA.  As the General Manager of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Scatena will be responsible for overseeing the property’s strategy, sales and marketing, and day-to-day operations.

Scatena has over thirty years of diversified experience within the hospitality industry in a variety of disciplines, starting his career in senior management as the Regional Director, Revenue Management for the Midwest Region of Marriott Hotels & Resorts.  Most recently, Scatena was the Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing on Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ Western Regional Team where he was responsible for overseeing the largest region in Marriott’s sales organization.  Scatena has extensive hospitality managerial experience and has served as general manager and hotel manager at a variety of properties in the Marriott Hotels & Resorts family including JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, where he was awarded Marriott’s JW Marriott General Manager of the Year, JW Desert Ridge Resort, and Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

“We are excited to welcome Ralph Scatena to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa,” said Bridget Bilinski, Area Vice President for Marriott.  “Scatena’s broad hospitality knowledge, coupled with his thirty plus years of experience within the Marriott Hotels & Resorts family, guarantees his success in overseeing one of JW Marriott’s exceptional resort destinations.”

Scatena earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA.  He enjoys playing golf and tennis, when time permits.  Scatena currently resides in Palm Desert, CA, with his wife, Nancy, and their daughter, Lauren, and looks forward to being an active member of the business community.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa recently underwent a $30 million renovation, completed this past summer, in celebration of the resort’s “silver anniversary.”  Additional renovation elements include the resort’s two Ted Robinson-designed golf courses, the Palm Course and the Valley Course, a refresh of 884 guestrooms and suites, and three new restaurants - Rockwood Grill, Blue Star Lounge and Fisherman’s Landing, all which opened in July 2012.

About JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, located in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley and framed by three majestic mountain ranges, is a sprawling oasis offering a remarkable contrast to the stark beauty of the desert.  The AAA Four-Diamond property opened in February 1987 and is one of the largest resort and convention complexes in the southwestern United States.  The resort’s recently refreshed 884 guestrooms and suites are located in wings surrounding swimming pools, lakes, verdant fairways, lush gardens, and manicured lawns.  Guestrooms are spacious and include separate tubs and showers, iHome audio systems, and private balconies.  Featured dining options include Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, The Lobby Bar, and Oasis Bar & Grille, with new additions, Fisherman’s Landing, Rockwood Grill and Blue Star Lounge.  The resort boasts a spectacular arrival experience, boats, lakes, flowers, an award-winning 32,000-square-foot-spa and recreation facilities that include 2 recently-renovated Ted Robinson championship golf courses, an 18-hole putting course, 20 tennis courts, basketball courts, lawn croquet and biking.  www.desertspringsresort.com.