2025 Annual Conference Speakers & Special Guests
Michelle BrunsthulSenior Hospitality Manager, Blair Conference Center and Westfield InnWith over 20 years of experience in lodging, events, and hospitality operations, Michelle serves as Senior Hospitality Manager for the Blair Conference Center and Westfield Inn. She leads teams focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences through operational excellence and service consistency. A data-driven and people-focused leader, Michelle leverages analytics and coaching to strengthen performance and engagement. Her passion lies in developing teams that approach every shift with the energy, focus, and teamwork of game day. Brief Bio | Emily Penfold DaileyFounder & CEO, PenDailey ConsultingEmily Dailey is the Founder & CEO of PenDailey Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in branding, marketing, and sustainability strategy for hospitality, tourism, and wellness businesses. With a background rooted in hotel operations and commercial strategy, Emily brings a pragmatic, collaborative approach to helping clients grow with purpose. She is especially committed to supporting independent hotels, woman-led ventures, and values-driven businesses. Emily’s leadership is grounded in both vision and execution, shaped by her commitment to creativity, stewardship, and the long-term success of her clients and community. Brief Bio |
Clint DeatonGeneral Manager, Hilton Columbus at EastonClint Deaton is the General Manager of the Hilton Columbus at Easton, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience. An Ohio native and proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Clint has built a dynamic career through progressive leadership roles, including Area Manager, General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and Food and Beverage Director. Brief Bio | Chef Timothy J. DionisioHilton Columbus at EastonA born and raised Ohio native, Executive Chef Timothy J. Dionisio hails from Youngstown and is proud to serve up regional specialties to our guests and celebrate great local flavors. He enjoys partnering with local farms, artisans and purveyors for fresh seasonal ingredients to bring out the best in each recipe. With a creative eye and a passion for cooking, Tim leads his culinary team to welcome every guest with great food and heartfelt hospitality. Brief Bio |
Megan DutyHampton Inn & Suites Columbus-HilliardMegan Duty is the General Manager of a Hilton-branded hotel in the Columbus, Ohio area. She’s passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences and leading a strong, motivated team. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. Brief Bio | Chelsea C. ElliottFounder, Sōmōcom Lab & EQ Kids Crew!®Chelsea C. Elliott's journey to founding Sōmōcom Lab and creating the EQ Kids Crew!® card game is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and a deep-seated desire to make the world a better place for children and families. With a rich background in psychology and social work, Chelsea's educational and professional path laid the foundation for her innovative approach to emotional intelligence education. Her personal struggles with mental health challenges since childhood have not only shaped her empathetic perspective but have also fueled her mission to normalize emotions in families, schools, and workplaces globally. Brief Bio |
Michael-lynn EvansFounder & Principal, AP ConsultingMichael-lynn Evans understands that business does not operate in a vacuum and neither does leadership. With over 23 years of experience advising clients across sectors, Evans has made a career out of helping organizations act not only in their own interest but in ways that engage and shape the broader civic and political environment. As the founder of AP Consulting, Evans leads with the belief that policy outcomes are not inevitable; they are the product of deliberate strategy, sustained engagement, and institutional fluency. She partners with Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, small businesses, nonprofits, and public officials to build the capacity needed to navigate the increasingly complex intersections of lawmaking, regulation, and influence. Brief Bio | Jacob EvansPartner, Lumpe Raber & EvansJacob C. Evans is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from Capital University School of Law. Beginning in 2000 with the Craig Group, Evans represented clients before the Ohio General Assembly, Ohio Division of Liquor Control, and Ohio Liquor Control Commission. He acted in a government affairs capacity by successfully collaborating with many stakeholders to assist in the formulation of laws and rules that impact bars, restaurants, carry-outs, spirits manufacturers, and spirits brokers. He served as General Counsel to the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association for eight years and as General Counsel to the Ohio Spirits Association from its inception in 2011 until his departure in 2015. Brief Bio |
James FergusonKeynote Speaker, Employee Engagement Expert, Culture Coach, and the Bestselling Author of The Confetti Culture PlaybookJames is a visionary Keynote Speaker, Employee Engagement Expert, Culture Coach, and the Bestselling Author of The Confetti Culture Playbook. With a proven track record of leading Hospitality Management teams, James puts the FUN back in the fundamentals, specializing in building cultures where employees feel seen, heard, and celebrated—every single day! Brief Bio | Finn FullerCo-Owner, HockingHills.comAs co-owner of HockingHills.com, Finn Fuller plays a leading role in shaping how travelers experience one of Ohio’s most beloved destinations. HockingHills.com is the largest lodging and tourism platform in the Hocking Hills region, connecting visitors from across the country with local cabins, lodges, and adventures while supporting hundreds of small businesses that form the backbone of the community. Brief Bio |
Jamey KingSenior Marketing Manager, eviivoJamey King is a Senior Marketing Manager at eviivo, leading all marketing efforts across North America. Based in Indiana, Jamey is a seasoned mentor and respected voice in the vacation rental and short-term accommodation space. With over two decades of experience in strategic partnerships, sales, and marketing, he brings a rare blend of creativity, business acumen, and industry insight. Brief Bio | Lynsey KreitzerExecutive Vice President, Sales & Commercial Strategy, GF Hotels & ResortsLynsey joined the GF Hotels & Resorts team with over 15 years of experience in revenue-generating roles within the hospitality industry. She began her career as Director of Sales at a Residence Inn by Marriott hotel. From there, Lynsey’s interest and passion for exploring different revenue streams led her to an Area Director of Revenue Strategy role, where she oversaw 20-plus hotels. In this role, Lynsey was key to the communication stream between the hotel teams, the regional sales and operations teams, and ownership groups. Brief Bio |
Annette LinnDirector of Sales, DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, OhioAnnette was born and raised in Newark, graduated from Licking Valley HS and COTC. Starting her career as an event planner at the Grand Host East in Reynoldsburg(now the western branch of COTC) moved into Hotels at Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort in Columbus and currently is the Director of Sales at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Newark! Brief Bio | Sean P. McDonoughSenior Solution Architect and Consultant, Bitstream Foundry LLCSean is a seasoned solution architect and consultant specializing in Microsoft productivity technologies. Sean brings over 30 years of experience in software development, infrastructure design, and complex problem-solving to the presentations and training he delivers. Brief Bio |
Angela (Angie) McQuistionAccount Manager & Senior Designer, McConnell MarketingAngie has spent 11 years in the design and marketing field, and her expertise helps to elevate the creativity of any project. Her skills range from digital designs and websites to print materials for any marketing need, with her favorites being motion design and video editing. Brief Bio | Brittany MisnerEconomic & Community Development Director, The Village of HebronBrittany Misner is the Economic & Community Development Director for the Village of Hebron. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to attract businesses, enhance infrastructure and improve quality of life. Prior to joining the Village of Hebron, she made her mark as the Vice President of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, leading initiatives that bridged businesses and local communities. Her unique blend of nonprofit leadership and private sector acumen has empowered her to drive impactful change in the community. Brief Bio |
Dan ModerExecutive Director, Explore Licking CountyDan is a lifelong resident of Licking County, growing up in Granville. After attending The Ohio State University, Dan returned home to his roots and began his nearly 30-year career in the hospitality industry. Dan honed his skills in hotel operations, food and beverage management, human resource management, tourism marketing, and public relations while leading teams at many local landmarks including: The Longaberger Company, The Buxton Inn and Cherry Valley Lodge. He was asked to lead the efforts as Executive Director of Licking County’s Direct Marketing Organization – Explore Licking County in 2012. Brief Bio | Kendra ProudfitGeneral Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, OhioKendra Proudfit is the General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, Ohio, owned & operated by Indus Hotels. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, she has held key roles at Salt Fork Resort & Conference Center, The Longaberger Company, Newark Metropolitan Hotel, and now the DoubleTree by Hilton, including Rooms Division Manager , Sales & Catering Manager, and General Manager. Kendra has been recognized for her achievements with awards such as Inside Sales Person of the Year for Xanterra Parks & Resorts and Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association General Manager of the Year for Greater Columbus. Brief Bio |
Dawn StewartDirector of Strategic Partnerships, Greater Columbus Sports CommissionStewart joined the Greater Columbus Sports Commission in 2022 with 20 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics as a sports administrator at various NCAA levels. Prior to serving the Sports Commission, she was Otterbein’s Vice President of Student Affairs, serving in a dual role of Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Athletics. Brief Bio | Terri StivariusChief Trainer, Coach, & Investigator, PointerWiseTerri Stivarius is the Owner of PointerWise, an HR and organizational development consulting firm based in Atlanta. She practiced employment law with two national law firms for 22 years before serving as an HR, legal, and employee relations executive with a global pharmaceutical company and later a regional healthcare company. Brief Bio |
Jenny Stotts, MS, LSWYouth Ombudsman, State of OhioJenny Stotts is Ohio’s first Youth Ombudsman, serving youth across the state. She was appointed in May 2022 by Governor Mike DeWine to lead the youth team in the newly launched Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office. She is a licensed social worker and an advocate for those who often go unheard. She describes herself simply as: Mother, Wife, Friend, Social Worker, Rotarian, and Troublemaking Millennial. Brief Bio | Jerrold WilliamsGeneral Manager, Home2 Suites by Hilton Grove CityJerrold Williams is currently a General Manager with Indus Hotels in Columbus, Ohio. He is a seasoned hospitality professional with years of experience leading his teams to success. He is characterized by his peers to be an uplifting and energetic presence, always helping others to be their best. Brief Bio |
Steve WoodwardVice President, Innovation, Learning and Development, Red RoofAs Red Roof's Vice President of Innovation, Learning and Development, Steve Woodward is focused on developing and implementing programs that enable Red Roof leaders, team members, associates, and franchisees to raise the bar through helping others to build on their strengths while unleashing the capabilities of empowerment to deliver exemplary experiences. Brief Bio | Nelson Cade IIISinger & SongwriterHe’s jammed with Stevie Wonder, turned all 4-chairs and went to the finals with John Legend's Team on The Voice (2020), completed two nationwide tours, written for Mary J. Blige and Bailey Coats, played with James Taylor and performed with Brian Sutherland and Bobby Tomlin, released Freedom and Point B and had one of his originals synced to an Netflix series! This guy is a star on the rise with much more coming. Brief Bio |
