Kevin began his career with Benchmark in April 1997 as Director of Food and Beverage at Bald Head Island Resort in Southport, North Carolina, before assuming his current position.  As Director of Food and Beverage at The Founders Inn and Conference Center, Kevin will be in charge of converting the current foodservice to a conference dining program and enhancing catering to new levels in terms of food, service, and staffing as part of the property�s renovations program currently in progress.  His previous experience includes a variety of positions in food and beverage operations at high end resort properties.

Benchmark Hospitality recently announced the appointment of Robert Zappatelli to the position of Executive Chef at The Founders Inn and Conference Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  The appointment was announced by Kevin T. Carter, Director of Food and Beverage at the property.

Robert began his career with Benchmark in December 1994 as Executive Chef at The Council House in Racine, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1997.  Before assuming his current position, Robert was owner and executive chef at his own continental Mediterranean establishment, Zappa�s Restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin.  As Executive Chef at the Founders Inn and Conference Center, Robert will be responsible for food production at all of the property�s dining facilities currently under renovation.

The Founders Inn and Conference Center is located on 26 acres in a Georgian-style, three-story building in the center of numerous Hampton Roads cultural activities and recreational facilities.  The property boasts a wide range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities and fine dining, making it a superior destination for both conference and leisure activities.  It is adjacent to the campus of Regent University, minutes away from historic Williamsburg, and conveniently located off Interstate 64.  For further information, please call 800-926-4466, or visit The Founders Inn and Conference Center on the Internet at www.foundersinn.com.

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Benchmark Hospitality is a recognized leader in resort, conference center and conference hotel management.  For information on booking a meeting at a Benchmark property call toll-free 888-846-6338, or visit Benchmark Hospitality on the Internet at www.benchmark-hospitality.com.