CARROLLTON, Texas (June 20, 2012) – Magnolia Lodging, LLC recently announced the appointment of Gayle Wilkinson to General Manager and Julie Vogel to Director of Sales at the Homewood Suites by Hilton® Dallas/Frisco. Located at 3240 Parkwood Blvd. in Frisco, Texas, Wilkinson will oversee all aspects of the 117-suite hotel’s operations, including guest services, revenue management and administration; Vogel will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s sales department, including corporate negotiated rates, group sales and on-site events.

“Both Gayle and Julie bring years of industry experience and accolades to their new positions,” said Magnolia’s Vice President of Operations, Michael Buta. “We feel very fortunate to bring such a dynamic team to our Frisco hotel. They will both be valuable assets to the hotel and the Homewood brand, and we’re very pleased to welcome them to the Magnolia Lodging family.”

Prior to joining the Homewood Suites, Wilkinson was the award-winning General Manager for the Homewood Suites Birmingham/South Inverness in Alabama. Both Wilkinson and her hotel were recognized annually by the Homewood Suites brand for excellence in leadership, operations and overall Total Quality Scores.  Most recently, Wilkinson was recognized as a 2011 General Manager of the Year award of merit winner, the 2011 Homewood Suites Stewardship Award Winner for community service, and the Birmingham/South Inverness hotel received a 2011 Connie Pride Award of Merit for ranking within the top five Homewood Suites hotels in a brand that comprises over 300 open hotels.

Director of Sales Julie Vogel brings over 10 years of industry experience to her new role, most recently serving as the Corporate Group Sales Manager for the John Q. Hammons Embassy Suites hotel in Frisco. Prior to the Embassy, Vogel worked as a Director of Sales and Marketing for Hilton Worldwide in Addison, TX, where she was recognized for substantially growing the hotel’s RevPAR index. Vogel also has experience working within the sales departments for Prime Hospitality and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. She has a B.B.A. from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

Open since winter 2007, the award-winning Homewood Suites Dallas/Frisco is an extended-stay all-suite hotel for leisure, business and local guests. Featuring 117 suites with fully-equipped kitchens, over 1,000 sq-ft of event space, a private courtyard with heated pool and spa, fitness center by Precor™ and an extensive collection of original artwork, the hotel provides exceptional services and amenities in a modern environment. The hotel was most recently recognized with the Homewood Suites 2011 Engineering Team of the Year Award of Merit, and the 2011 Connie Pride Award of Merit with an overall brand ranking of No.3 out of 310 open and operating hotels.

Located in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, the hotel offers easy access to SH-121/Sam Rayburn Tollway and the Dallas North Tollway, and offers complimentary guest transportation within a 5-mile radius of the hotel.

For more information, please call 214-618-0111 or visit www.dallasfrisco.homewoodsuites.com.

For additional information, please visit www.magnolialodging.com or call 214-488-5211.

About Homewood Suites by Hilton
Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has over 300 hotels open with approximately 110 in the development pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, additional guest features include an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, complimentary grocery shopping services*, a complete business center, and laundry services at most locations. For more information, please visit www.homewoodsuites.com.

*Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.