WATERFORD, CT (October 28, 2016) – Waterford Hotel Group has announced the promotion of Kristen Pikula as Director of Operations of the Marriott Hartford Downtown. In her new role, Pikula is responsible for overseeing all rooms and food & beverage departments of the hotel, including budgeting, scheduling, associate training and development, inventory, as well as strict adherence to all Marriott and Waterford Hotel Group standards. Waterford Hotel Group, Inc. professionally manages the 409-room hotel.

Pikula joins the Marriott Hartford Downtown team from her most recent position as General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell, CT. Prior to that she was the Director of Sales and later General Manager at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Southington, CT both managed by Waterford Hotel Group during Pikula’s tenure. She has led her team to win numerous Marriott and Waterford awards including Team of the Year, Chairman’s Award and General Manager of the Year. Pikula holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Resort Management from the Rochester Institute in Rochester, NY. She currently resides in Burlington, CT.

“For the past ten years, Kristen has been a valued member of the Waterford Hotel Group,” commented Duane Schroder, General Manager of the hotel. “Her extensive Marriott experience, enthusiasm and track record maker her the ideal candidate for this position.”