�As a leader in the hospitality industry in Southeastern Virginia, we are only as good as our employees,� said Evert Maks, president of PHR.  �It is our goal to create opportunities for growth throughout our employees� careers, which, in turn, elevates the level of quality and customer satisfaction at our properties.� 
 

Linda Markert was promoted to General Manager of the Newcastle Hotel. In her new position, she will oversee all operations of the 83-room oceanfront hotel, which features Jacuzzi© tubs and mini-efficiencies in every room.  In addition, she will supervise the hotel�s seasonal restaurant, the Cabana Café, which offers casual Caribbean dining.  Markert began her hospitality career in 1980 as a Catering Director, eventually accepting a position with PHR in 1993

Newcastle Hotel 1203 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA

Chris De Marco was promoted to General Manager of the Comfort Inn Oceanfront. At the Comfort Inn, De Marco will oversee a major renovation of the 83-room all-suite property, while handling all day-to-day operations.  Since 1995, De Marco has earned accolades for his ability to reenergize hospitality staffs while significantly increasing hotel room sales and annual revenues.  His most recent accomplishment was the reorganization of the Hampton Inn 
Airport in Norfolk, which came under the PHR management umbrella in 1998.  De Marco began his career in 1988 as an Assistant Manager in the restaurant industry.

Karen Fawley was promoted to General Manager of the Hampton Inn Airport in Norfolk. In her new position, she will supervise all facets of operations for the 130-room property, which caters to the business traveler.  Fawley has worked in almost every aspect of hotel management for PHR, having begun her 17-year career as a front desk clerk, in 1992 serving as General Manager for two PHR properties which were in transition, and most recently serving as Revenue Manager for the Clarion, Turtle Cay and Beach Quarters Inn.

Ronelle Leach was promoted to General Manager of Ramada Inn on the Beach.  In her new position, Leach will assume responsibility for all facets of the 167-room, $8 million hotel that employs more than100.  Leach began her career with PHR in 1988 as a Reservations Manager and also served as a Front Office Manager.  In 1991, she was promoted to General Manager, most recently overseeing the Comfort Inn Oceanfront.

Tammy Roccaforte was promoted to General Manager of the Best Western Beach Quarters Inn.  In her new position, she will supervise all aspects of the hotel�s operation.  Roccaforte first worked in Virginia Beach�s hospitality industry as a Seasonal Desk Clerk.  She joined PHR in 1996, where she served as Assistant Front Office Manager, and most recently, Front Office Manager of the Best Western Beach Quarters Inn. 

Professional Hospitality Resources manages nine hotels and holds ownership in a majority of them.  Established in 1986 and headquartered in Virginia Beach, PHR is a subsidiary of Gold Key/Professional Hospitality Resources Holding Company.  PHR employs approximately 900 people.