A veteran in the hospitality industry, Bauer has more than 20 years experience in a variety of hotel settings ranging from boutique hotels in Florida and North Carolina to resorts in Georgia.

�Marc brings essential experience to the team,� said Chad Kittrell, owner of Hotel Duval. �His wide-ranging knowledge of the industry will be invaluable as Hotel Duval is transformed into the jewel of Tallahassee.�

Prior to joining Hotel Duval, Bauer managed all facets of pre-opening for the 104-room Preferred, Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville.  He also served as General Manager of the Bohemian�s sister property, the historic Four Diamond Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine where he was responsible for all room, meeting and food and beverage operations.  During his tenure, the hotel was awarded �Best Wedding Reception Site� by The Knot Magazine.   

His extensive experience also includes roles as Managing Director of Brasstown Valley Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Vice President of Hotel Operations and Sales and Marketing with Coral Hospitality in South Florida; Managing Partner of the Vero Beach Hotel and Club/Palm Court Resort; General Manager of the Inn on Fifth in Naples; and Assistant General Manager of the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Naples.

Josh Pace appointed Food and Beverage Director, overseeing all culinary aspects of the property. 

A graduate of Florida State University�s Hospitality Administration Program, Pace brings a diverse and well-rounded breadth of experience.  His most recent venture included co-developing The Winery, a micro-winery and upscale wine bar in Midtown. As Project Manager, Pace worked alongside ownership from concept development to inception.  Pace also managed all food and beverage services at the University Center Club at Florida State University for more than six years during a period of dynamic growth. 

�Josh�s knowledge of the local food and beverage infrastructure is unparalleled,� said Chad Kittrell, owner of Hotel Duval. �His innovative ideas will bring the hotel�s culinary services to another level.�

Stephanie Colvin appointed Guest Services Manager.
 
Colvin graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration and brings with her extensive experience in the service industry coordinating and addressing the needs of guests in a range of settings. Colvin gained experience in the Conference and Catering Department at the Four Diamond Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. where she was awarded Employee of the Month honors for her work.  She also served in several Operations Management positions at another landmark Tallahassee hotel.

�Stephanie understands what guests want and sets the bar high,� said Chad Kittrell.

Allison Brainard Named Director of Special Events and Meetings. 

A graduate of Florida State University, with a certification in Special Events from the RLSA program, Brainard has quickly gained wide-ranging experience from event production and catering to tourism and hospitality through working with diverse brands across the nation. Prior to joining Hotel Duval, Brainard served as the Director of Catering and Private Events at the University Center Club, part of the ClubCorp collection, where she was responsible for ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction and service from initial contact to the execution of the event. During her tenure at the UCC, Allison was able to bring cutting edge and personalized touches to events, while maintaining the integrity already established by the 10-year-old venue. 

�Allison�s knowledge of the event industry will prove valuable for Hotel Duval,� said Chad Kittrell, owner of Hotel Duval. �She�s innovative and understands how to creatively achieve successful results for clients.� 

Brainard also served as a Public Relations Account Manager at a nationally recognized agency where she handled the PR efforts and initiatives for clients such as The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation. Allison�s collective experience in events and public relations is the perfect fit for her new role at Hotel Duval as the Director of Special Events and Meetings. 

Christopher Leynes named Executive Chef of Hotel Duval, including its Shula�s 347 Steakhouse. 

A graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Hospitality Administration, Leynes served as a la carte chef for the University Center Club.  During his tenure, Leynes� creative menu additions and reputation for providing exemplary fare helped to increase membership.  He was later promoted to Executive Sous Chef.    In 2007, he earned the prestigious SuperStar Award, a company-wide award with ClubCorp that recognizes one outstanding performer in different areas of expertise. 

�I am confident that Christopher�s culinary skills and experience will provide guests with a dining experience they will want to visit again and again,� said Chad Kittrell, owner of Hotel Duval. 

Tallahassee's first luxury boutique hotel, Hotel Duval, debuts March 2009.  Originally built in 1951, this landmark hotel combines a rich local history with unparalleled service and sophisticated design elements. The newly renovated property features 117 guest rooms and suites, Shula's 347 Steakhouse, contemporary lobby lounge, rooftop bar overlooking the state capitol, 24-hour fitness center and more than 6000 sq. ft. of premier event space including a glass enclosed rooftop grand ballroom. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.hotelduval.com or call 850-224-6000.                                                                  

 Ivi Mendez
(850) 222-1996