Executive Leadership
Kelly Haas
Director of Training and Development
Kelly was born and raised in Richmond, Texas. She began waiting tables at a local restaurant, then supervisor and marketing director which kindled a passion for customer service. In 2012 Kelly graduated with honors from the University of Houston’s Hilton College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management & Marketing. Since 2013 she has worked front desk, housekeeping, operations and into an Area General Manager role developing a penchant for organizing and opening hotels. Kelly resides in Richmond with her pets, Thor, Ginger and Sugar.
- Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management & Marketing from University of Houston’s Hilton College
- 10+ years of hospitality operational experience
- Experienced in aligning systems and processes across diverse portfolios
- Passionate in opening hotels and developing team building and engagement
Jenny Molitor
Senior Executive Assistant
- 15+ years of Business Administrative and Customer Service Experience
- 5+ years of Office Management Experience
- Graduate of Rasmussen Business College
Crystal Heimark
Office Manager
Bio
- 10+ years of Customer Service Experience
- 8+ years of Office Administration
- 2+ years assisting with Accounts Payable
Operations and Sales
Clare Albrecht
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Clare grew up in small town, Forman North Dakota. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and during that time she started her first position in hospitality as an intern for National Hospitality Services. Clare currently resides in East Grand Forks, MN with her husband, Dexter and two little girls, Addison and Ava.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications and Business Minor from Concordia College, Moorhead
- 10+ years of hotel sales experience
- “Vision Award” nominee for Meetings: Minnesota’s Hospitality Journal
- Major Brands experience including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Radisson, and Wyndham
- Experience in full-service, limited service and extended stay brands
John Woody
Regional Director of Operations
Kelly was born and raised in Richmond, Texas. She began waiting tables at a local restaurant, then supervisor and marketing director which kindled a passion for customer service. In 2012 Kelly graduated with honors from the University of Houston’s Hilton College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management & Marketing. Since 2013 she has worked front desk, housekeeping, operations and into an Area General Manager role developing a penchant for organizing and opening hotels. Kelly resides in Richmond with her pets, Thor, Ginger and Sugar.
- Certified Hotel Administer
- 20+ years hotel General Manager experience
- 4 years Military Service in the Air Force
Shannon Edwards
Regional Director of Operations
Bio
Ashley was born and raised in the small town of Prattville, Alabama. She earned a dual Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Auburn University Montgomery. She worked in various sales management roles throughout her career prior to entering the hospitality industry in 2016. She currently resides in Millbrook, AL with her husband, Bryant, young son Braxton, and their two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering with various organizations within her community.
Daniel Coffin
Regional Director of Sales
Bio
Ashley was born and raised in the small town of Prattville, Alabama. She earned a dual Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Auburn University Montgomery. She worked in various sales management roles throughout her career prior to entering the hospitality industry in 2016. She currently resides in Millbrook, AL with her husband, Bryant, young son Braxton, and their two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering with various organizations within her community.
Kara Naylor
Regional Director of Sales
Bio
Ashley was born and raised in the small town of Prattville, Alabama. She earned a dual Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Auburn University Montgomery. She worked in various sales management roles throughout her career prior to entering the hospitality industry in 2016. She currently resides in Millbrook, AL with her husband, Bryant, young son Braxton, and their two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering with various organizations within her community.
Kristin Stankovic
Regional Director of Sales
Bio
Ashley was born and raised in the small town of Prattville, Alabama. She earned a dual Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Auburn University Montgomery. She worked in various sales management roles throughout her career prior to entering the hospitality industry in 2016. She currently resides in Millbrook, AL with her husband, Bryant, young son Braxton, and their two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering with various organizations within her community.
Angie Benz
Regional Director of Sales
Bio
Saul Hernandez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. While earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston Downtown he started his hospitality career beginning in Engineering and working his way into managing Hotel Operations. Excelling in working within diverse environments he has successfully lead award winning teams. Now residing in Katy, Texas, Saul enjoys playing soccer, learning new cooking recipes, watching Marvel movies with his favorite Superhero, Spider-Man and spending time with his family including his dog named Happy.
Ann Wilson
Area Director of Sales
Bio
Saul Hernandez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. While earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston Downtown he started his hospitality career beginning in Engineering and working his way into managing Hotel Operations. Excelling in working within diverse environments he has successfully lead award winning teams. Now residing in Katy, Texas, Saul enjoys playing soccer, learning new cooking recipes, watching Marvel movies with his favorite Superhero, Spider-Man and spending time with his family including his dog named Happy.
Saul Hernandez
Regional Director of Facilities
Bio
Saul Hernandez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. While earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston Downtown he started his hospitality career beginning in Engineering and working his way into managing Hotel Operations. Excelling in working within diverse environments he has successfully lead award winning teams. Now residing in Katy, Texas, Saul enjoys playing soccer, learning new cooking recipes, watching Marvel movies with his favorite Superhero, Spider-Man and spending time with his family including his dog named Happy.
- BBA in Supply Chain Management
- 6+ Years of Hospitality experience working with different brands from Hilton and Marriott Hotels
- Experienced in Extended Stay Properties
- Strong multi-brand compliance and standard allocation among hotel portfolios
Derek Harper
Senior Task Force General Manager
Bio
Saul Hernandez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. While earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston Downtown he started his hospitality career beginning in Engineering and working his way into managing Hotel Operations. Excelling in working within diverse environments he has successfully lead award winning teams. Now residing in Katy, Texas, Saul enjoys playing soccer, learning new cooking recipes, watching Marvel movies with his favorite Superhero, Spider-Man and spending time with his family including his dog named Happy.
- CHA Certified
- 20 years in Hospitality
- Bachelor’s degree in Music Education
- Multiple brand experience with IHG, Marriott and Hilton
- IHG Certification in Operations and Sales
- New build and opening experience
Marquis Armstrong
Task Force General Manager
Bio
Saul Hernandez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. While earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston Downtown he started his hospitality career beginning in Engineering and working his way into managing Hotel Operations. Excelling in working within diverse environments he has successfully lead award winning teams. Now residing in Katy, Texas, Saul enjoys playing soccer, learning new cooking recipes, watching Marvel movies with his favorite Superhero, Spider-Man and spending time with his family including his dog named Happy.
Deon Smith
Task Force General Manager
Bio
Dane Johnston was born and raised in West Fargo, ND. He graduated from North Dakota State University in December 2016. When Dane is not working, he enjoys spending his time outdoors or with his friends at Old Chicago.
- 15+ years of Hotel General Management/Human Resources experience
- Multi-brand experience including Marriott, Wyndham, IHG, Radisson, Hilton
- Mastered new construction, major renovations and acquisitions
Dane Johnston
Senior Business Performance Analyst
Bio
Dane Johnston was born and raised in West Fargo, ND. He graduated from North Dakota State University in December 2016. When Dane is not working, he enjoys spending his time outdoors or with his friends at Old Chicago.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics
- 2+ years in the hospitality industry
- Member of the Society of Actuaries
Cameron Carlson
Marketing Manager
Cameron Carlson grew up on the north side of Fargo, ND and is now raising his family in the house he grew up in. His growing family includes a dog, his two-year-old son, his partner, Lauren, and a newborn expected in September of 2021. Cameron has spent the past 5 years as a restaurant General Manager in charge of day-to-day operations, marketing, and management of the business. In his spare time, Cameron enjoys spending as much quality time as possible with his family, traveling, and managing his photography business, ``Key Photography.``
- 12+ years of hospitality experience, 7+ years of management and marketing experience
- AAS degrees in Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, and Business: Management, Marketing, and Sales
- Hospitality Digital Marketing Certification granted by Cornell University
- Multi-brand experience with Marriott, Hilton, Choice, Hyatt, Wyndham, and IHG
Accounting and Finance
Kevin Kragnes
VP of Capital Services
Bio
Melissa Welter-Jahnke was born and raised in Rush City, MN. Melissa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at Rasmussen College in Fargo, ND and a Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Benedictine University, Chicago, IL. Currently Melissa resides in Casselton, ND with her husband, 5 kids, and three dogs.
- 30+ years in banking
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Graduate of Commercial Lending School and North Dakota School of Banking
- Served in various local community organizations including President of the West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and West Fargo Exchange Club
- Licensed in Property Casualty and Life and Health Insurance
Melissa Jahnke
Treasury Controller
Bio
Melissa Welter-Jahnke was born and raised in Rush City, MN. Melissa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at Rasmussen College in Fargo, ND and a Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Benedictine University, Chicago, IL. Currently Melissa resides in Casselton, ND with her husband, 5 kids, and three dogs.
Elisabeth Jastram
Director of Corporate Accounting
Bio
Elisabeth grew up in Hawley, MN with her four brothers and four sisters. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Elisabeth now resides in Fargo, ND. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
- 8 years of accounting experience in the hospitality industry
- 11 years of overall accounting experience
Hayley Schiefelbein
Accounting Manager
Bio
Hayley grew up in a small town, Kimball MN. Her parents raised her and her 2 brothers and 4 sisters on their family’s beef farm. She moved to Moorhead to graduate from MSUM with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In Hayley’s free time, she loves being outside in the summer.
Alex Anderson
Senior Accountant
Bio
Alex Anderson grew up in Gwinner, North Dakota with his parents and five younger siblings. Alex graduated Magna Cum Laude earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Alex now resides in Fargo, North Dakota and spends his free time with family and friends.
- 3+ years Accounting Experience
- Member of Beta Gamma Sigma’s “Best in Business”
- Experience in Accounts Receivable and varied accounting systems
Eric Becker
Senior Accountant
Bio
Eric Becker was born and raised in Valley City, ND and currently resides in Fargo, ND. In his free time, he enjoys catching up on and watching sports, as well as spending time with friends and family.
- 14+ years in the hospitality industry
- Experience in Accounts Payable, Sales Tax, Fixed Assets and Development Accounting
- Knowledgeable in varied accounting systems/software
Sheila Olson
Accountant
Bio
Sheila Olson was born in St. Paul, MN and raised in Eckelson, ND. She graduated from Valley City High School and from NDSU with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Sheila resides in West Fargo, ND with her husband Brad. Sheila has two children, Jared who is married to Sarah, and Cassidy who is a student at NDSU. Sheila also has one granddaughter Taylor who is 9 years old. Sheila enjoys spending time with her family and time at their lake cabin.
Nikki Christianson
Accountant
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from MSUM
- 5+ years of accounting and bookkeeping experience
- 10+ years of customer service experience including hospitality
Ryan Lund
Treasury Accountant
Bio
Madison is originally from Pittsburgh, PA but grew up in Washington D.C. where her parents raised her and her two siblings. Madison now lives in Virginia Beach, VA with her boyfriend, Kevin his daughter, Kayli, and their dog, Lexi. When Madison is not working she enjoys crafting, baking and hanging out with her family.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- 10+ years of experience in various accounting roles
- 7+ years of experience in customer service
Adele Leslie
Accounting Assistant
Bio
Raised in St. Paul, Virginia; Adele attended Radford University in Radford, VA.
- 25 years in the Hospitality Industry
Ryan Kinzler
Accounts Payable
Bio
Ryan Kinzler was born in Tucson, AZ. He currently lives in West Fargo, ND with his wife Jenna and son James. Ryan graduated from Minnesota State Community & Technical College with a degree in Business and Criminal Justice. When he isn’t working, he enjoys traveling, watching sports, and spending time with friends & family.