Laura Sherman Promoted to Assistant Vice President of Hospitality

“I’ve enjoyed the diversity in each of the units and have seen different types of businesses that I would not be exposed to strictly in the hotel industry,” Laura says. She has been with Guest Services for almost ten years now. During this time, she’s been a vital part of growing the hospitality division, looking for new opportunities and improving the overall operations process in the division. She sees Guest Services growing, training, and retaining the teams in all our units. “We want to recognize and retain our outstanding team members and need to continue to develop and enhance programs that keep our team members as long term GSI employees. Also, we need to continue to develop programs to cross-train and develop our team members, so they become successful managers and achieve individual goals.” Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Stockton University.

Welcome to Guest Services Heather Guay Yoo and Frank Strammiello

“I’m excited about returning to the hospitality industry, working with my team that has so much knowledge and getting the GSI name out there!” says Heather Guay Yoo, newly appointed Senior Director of Business Development. She joins Guest Services with over 15 years of experience in the business development, sales, and marketing industries. Her experience also includes work with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Washington Life Magazine, and PMK BNC. “I want to get the Guest Services brand out there and help bridge connections to open more opportunities in the long term.”Heather Guay Yoo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and a Certificate in Special Events Management.

Frank as the Executive Chef at Bear Mountain Inn is responsible for managing the daily production, preparation, and presentation of all food and food services. “Work is my passion, seasonal items and whatever the guest wants or needs is my first priority. The excitement of being a chef is from meeting the day to day changes that happen at any time.” Every day he works closely with the General Manager supervising and carrying out the dining operations at the different Inn venues. “I have been the executive chef here at Bear Mountain since May 2019 and since then I’ve enjoyed the wonderful lodge style room with the great fireplace.” He is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and has been a chef for more than 15 years.

Jo Smalls Celebrates Her First Year at Echo Bluff

“I love to help create memories that will last a lifetime! What I most enjoy about my role is working with people from all walks of life. Moving forward, I would like to develop more corporate team building events and retreats here at Echo Bluff,” says Jo Smalls, Sales Manager at Echo Bluff State Park. She is going on her first year with Guest Services and at the Missouri state park, Echo Bluff. As Sales Manager, she continues to be proactive in achieving outside sales and new marketing efforts that generate new business while sustaining old achievements and contacts.