General Manager Panel April 17, 2012 Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Meet the Panel

Richard Ebright, G.M. Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort and Suites Richard started working in the hospitality industry in 1988 at La Posada Resort in Paradise Valley and over the years worked at The Phoenician and the Boulders. In 1997 he Moved to Dallas, Texas were he worked at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, then moved to Virginia in 2000 to work for Southern Hospitality at The Northwest Inn, in Woodward, Oklahoma before moving to the Sheraton Downtown Nashville with Davidson Hotels and Resorts who brought him back to Arizona in 2011 to join the team at the Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort and Suites. Richard is married to wonderful lady, Kelly, for 22 years and has three boys; Tyler, 18, who is a Freshman at University of Tennessee. Kyle, 16, who is a Sophomore in high school and Jared,14, who is in 8 th grade.

Alan Klein, G.M. the Saguaro, a Joie de Vivre Hotel Klein has more than 20 years of hospitality experience in the three to five-star hotel and resort sector, and prior to the Saguaro he was with Westward Look Resort in Tucson. In his more than 10 years in with Westward Look Resort, where he recently led a $14 million dollar property renovation and repositioning of the historic Tucson property. Klein has also served in general manager or senior operations positions at both independent and branded resorts throughout Arizona and the Western Region, including Lake Arrowhead Resort in CA, La Posada de Albuquerque, the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club in Redondo Beach CA, The Boulders Resort and The Pointe Hilton Resorts. His expertise includes rooms, food and beverage, spa operations; sales and marketing and yield and revenue management. Klein serves on the boards of numerous hospitality organizations, including the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Valley Hotel and Resort Association, Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Past President of the Southern Arizona Lodging and Resort Association and past Advisory Board Member of the Northern Arizona University/Pima College Hospitality Program. Mr. Klein has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and resides in Scottsdale with his wife and two daughters.

Robb McCreary, G.M. Talking Stick Resort, Casino Arizona

Bert Parra CFO Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation/ GM Radisson Fort McDowell Resort Graduated of University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ with a degree in Accounting and Finance. Began his career working in the hospitality industry in Regional Vice President and GM for the hospitality industry. Extensive thirty+ years experience leading people and project reams, proficient in using technology to enhance data and information management. Integral part of the planning process for both new and existing Fort McDowell Enterprise entities. Principal financial advisor to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council. Community Service: Secretary/Treasurer of the Hispanic Tucson Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Tucson Residence Foundation, the Tucson Classics, the Tucson POPS, the Travelers Aide, President/Treasurer of the 20/30 Club and the Delta Chi Fraternity. Board Member of the Nogales, AZ library and the TIHAN of Tucson AZ. Married, devoted father of two beautiful children (15 and 10).

The Venue Scottsdale David Twigger Acting GM / Director of Sales and Marketing David is a native Phoenician that has a long career in the hospitality industry. David has come to his current role at The Venue Scottsdale after 16 years in the hotel industry that took him from Phoenix to Columbus, Ohio and Los Angeles, Ca. With a strong operation background David spent most of that career in training, catering and Sales. David had the opportunity to travel extensively during that time for several National and International Hotel chains, reaching 46 states so far. On top of the hotel career David also launched his own successful Wedding and Event planning company T Weddings and Events. David is glad to be back home in Phoenix, where he lives with his partner in the Biltmore area and starting to form a new local volunteer group G.A.T (Guys and Gals Around Town).

Thank you to our Sponsors Karen Bever, Bokā SWANK AUDIO VISUALS