Patricia Handjaja - VP Finance & Accounting
A member of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts team since 2000, Handjaja now plays a key role as the company's director of finance and accounting. In this capacity, she helps navigate the complex regulations that exist in today's financial market – ultimately providing maximum financial return to partners and investors. Her role also encompasses overseeing all treasury functions, ad-hoc reporting and monitoring reporting compliance, with an emphasis on the analysis and due diligence involved in the company’s recapitalization, as well as working with lenders and investors to secure short- and long-term financing arrangements. Her experience includes corporate cash management, corporate benefit plans, state and local tax regulations, budget planning and cost control. A designated Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Washington.
Steve Sanborn - VP of Finance & Business Development
Steve Sanborn has been a member of the Noble House family since 1987. Steve’s current focus is new business and growth for Noble House through management, ownership and development opportunities. In his current role he draws upon the 20+ years of knowledge accumulated from holding senior finance roles at both the property and corporate level. His most recent post was Corporate Controller. Previous to Noble House, Steve held various hotel related finance positions.
Kevin Falk - Corporate Controller
Kevin started with Noble House in 1992 as an accounts payable clerk, and then as assistant controller for The Portofino Hotel & Marina and Controller for the Shore Resort & Spa before joining the Corporate team in 2007. As Regional Controller, Kevin is responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting and compliance functions for Noble House Hotels & Resorts Florida and Colorado based properties. As Assistant Director of Finance, Kevin is responsible for maintaining the corporate books as well as maintaining all property level corporate reconciliations including debt, insurance, taxes, escrow, and equity balances. Kevin also assists with the acquisitions of new properties. Mr. Falk graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.
Kevin Martin - Director of Information Technology Operations
Kevin Martin has been a member of the Noble House Team since 1996. Kevin served as the IT Manager at the Adolphus Hotel in Texas before joining the Corporate team in 1998. He brings over 30 years of expertise in technology with him, including projects ranging from new acquisitions, renovations, system upgrades and new system implementations; his hands have virtually been in all infrastructures within the company. As Director of IT Operations, he is responsible for overseeing Information Technology at all Noble House properties, and continually works to keep Noble House on top of new technologies available in the hospitality industry to better serve staff and guests. Mr. Martin holds a degree from the Cleveland Institute of Electronics in Electronics Technology.
Jay Robinson - Director of MIS
Jay Robinson started with Noble House in 1992 at the SunBurst Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has held positions including Bellman, Banquet setup, Concierge, Restaurant Manager, Reservations Manager, Front Office Manager, Revenue Director, and Regional IT Director for 5 Noble House properties in Florida. Jay moved to the corporate headquarters in 2005, and currently serves as Director of Information Technology being responsible for all aspects of Information Technology support to properties and development projects. Mr. Robinson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Arizona State University in 1996.
Rudy Sharp, VP and Regional Managing Director
Based out Gateway Canyons Resort, Rudy also oversees Mountain Lodge at Telluride and Bernardus Lodge & Spa. With his strong leadership and luxury experience, this commitment to quality and service has resulted in numerous awards including Conde Nast, Travel+Leisure, and World Luxury Hotels. Prior to this luxury collection, Rudy oversaw Edgewater, LaTorretta, Hotel Deca, and The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. Prior to joining Noble House in 2007, Rudy worked for Centex Destination Properties and was Area Manager for the Central division, responsible for three of the waterfront resort communities. His past positions include management with Starwood Hotels, Sunriver Resort and LaCosta Resort.
Ron Vuy, VP and Regional Managing Director
Ron has been the General Manager of LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort since May of 2006, and will soon celebrate 36 years in the Hospitality Industry. A graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, he began his hotel career with Marriott Hotels working a variety of assignments including a three year tour of duty in Kuwait and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition to LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Ron provided leadership to three other award winning year around destination resorts; Lakeway Resort & Spa, The PGA National Resort & Spa and The Resort at Squaw Creek. Prior to joining Noble House Hotels Ron held leadership positions with Dolce International and Benchmark Hospitality.
Dave Cocks - VP and Regional Managing Director
With over 35 years experience, Dave Cocks, now Managing Director at the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, brings to Noble House a vast knowledge of luxury hotel operations obtained from multiple executive level positions throughout the industry. Dave originally joined Noble House in 2002 as the Vice President and Managing Director of our West Coast properties. He soon after became the Vice President of Operations to the company. His previous experience includes 20 years with ITT Sheraton, five years with Westmark Hotels, and four years with Gemstone Hotels and Resorts. Dave graduated from University of Nevada’s College of Hotel Administration with honors.
Karen Ranker - VP of Human Resources
A 25-year veteran of the Noble House team, Ranker has steadily climbed the ranks to her current position of vice president of human resources. In this role, she is responsible for setting the tone for the Noble House workplace, working closely with human resource directors at each property. In addition, she helps assure compliance with all local, state and Federal statutes; as well as oversees recruiting, orienting and training; and coordinates on-going development of staff. Ranker and her team also serve as social directors for associate events and activities, ranging from small ice cream socials to holiday parties for hundreds. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Louisiana State University.
Jaz Jeanne - Director of Great People
Jaz began her tenure with Noble House in 2001, after 13 years with Club Corporation on America and a four year venture with the Freeman Group. Originally, Jaz joined as the Corporate Director of Training, but has transitioned into her current role as the Director of Great People. Jaz implements the company’s standard core values throughout the properties and corporate office, performing orientations, various trainings, and ensuring adherence of company policy and expectation. Other key responsibilities include her title as Safety Representative for the company, and the publishing of the internal Quarterly newsletters. Jaz is a New Orleans native, and a diehard Saints fan!
James P. Colee - President of Development
Currently President of Development, James Colee began his career at Noble House Hotels & Resorts as an intern in 1993. Since then, James has worked his way through various development related positions over the years, with responsibilities such as analyzing prospective investments, project management and oversight, co-founding Noble House Purchasing, and managing property insurance claim losses, to name a few. In his current position, he is responsible for formulating and regulating all of the company's capital spending in addition to the oversight of all construction; from initial due diligence to design coordination and permitting through construction to final occupancy and turnover to the hotel operations team. Furthermore, he oversees the purchasing and design operations for Noble House Purchasing. He holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Janette Ament-Pierce - Vice President of Development Accounting and Risk Management
Janette is the Vice President of Finance for Area 600 with more than 10 years experience developing hotels. Janette is an expert in the field of accounting. Her practice focuses on designing initiatives to reduce total cost of project, financially accounting for projects as they relate to budgets and loans, identifying creative ways to protect owner’s risk, and improving outcomes for buying out projects. Her hotel experience includes 6 years in Hotel Accounting and Operations Management, 6 Years in Senior Level Hotel Accounting, and 10+ years in Development Accounting and Risk Management. Janette was named 2008 Responsibility Leader for the Hospitality Industry by Risk and Insurance Magazine.
John Valis - Vice President of Engineering
A native of Greece, Valis is the vice president of engineering for Noble House Hotels & Resorts. In this capacity, he develops and oversees preventative maintenance systems, and works to protect the value of all Noble House assets and facilities, including all buildings, property, systems and equipment. Additionally, he helps develop energy and water conservation programs, and works closely with energy vendors to select the top providers at the best prices in each community. He has worked in the Noble House engineering department for 15 years, and previously worked in the engineering department of ITT Sheraton for 23 years -- working his way up the ranks from steam boiler operator to chief engineer.
Sean Mullen - Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
As vice president of sales for Noble House, Mullen oversees and directs a nationwide sales team, working to provide targeted, strategic sales support in all market segments. A seasoned corporate hotel industry and commercial luxury, international real estate executive, Mullen has considerable expertise in opening real estate developments (including hotels, resorts, clubs and golf courses), management takeovers, ownership changes, repositioning underperforming assets, expansion, and development for high-profile companies such as Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Jack Nicklaus Golf Companies, Raffles International, Fairmont Hotels, Auberge Hotels and Capella Hotels. He has a degree in Economics and Business as well as Anthropology and Sociology from Lafayette College.
Scott Colee – Chief Creative Officer
As Creative Director of Noble House since 2007, Scott works across several departments to ensure the brand maintains a consistent message throughout. As part of the Development team, Scott manages architectural and interior design for each property and outlet. He also works within the Marketing team, co-managing the development of creative material for the company. The Retail department falls under his responsibility as well, to round and complete the look and feel of the guest experience. Mr. Colee earned a Bachelor of Science in business from Skidmore College in New York.
Darrell Stark – Vice President of Revenue Management
Darrell Stark, vice president of revenue management, leads a solutions-driven approach to revenue growth with nearly 20 years of hospitality industry experience, ranging from front office management and controlling, to reservations and hotel management roles. His expertise in data collection and analysis, owner engagement and employee motivation contributes to the overall Noble House brand direction and corporate development goals. Stark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Administration from Lynn University
Liz Johnson - Director of Travel Industry Sales
Having been with Noble House for eleven years, Liz started her tenure at Paradise Point Resort & Spa, and was quickly sought after by LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort for her assistance with their opening efforts in 2001. Liz is now responsible for handling Domestic and International Wholesale accounts for the entire Noble House collection. Attending International Trade Shows and continuing training at top account reservation centers, both domestic and overseas, is what aids Liz with her success in the oversight of contracting and positioning the Noble House Collection with our Worldwide (namely European) partners.
Justin Ray - Regional Director of Travel industry Sales
With over 16 years experience, Justin Ray since 2005 has successfully driven the team of sales professionals for The Portofino Hotel, The Edgewater, Hotel Deca and formerly the Adolphus Hotel as the Regional Director of Industry Sales. Within his capacity, Justin’s primary responsibility includes oversight of corporate preferred accounts, business development and long term client partnerships. Before joining Noble House, Justin held various directorial and managerial positions with brands such as Intercontinental Hotel Group, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott.
Michelle Sehulster – Regional Travel Industry Sales Manager
Michelle joined Noble House six years ago and spent the first five years assisting LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort, in Naples, FL. Within the last year she has taken on the responsibilities of Regional Travel Industry Sales Manager, and oversees leisure sales at Noble House’s Florida luxury collection, as well as La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa in Texas. In addition to her primary responsibilities or targeting and reaching out to the Southeast and Midwest, Michelle also makes biannual sales trips to New York. Michelle is based out of Naples, FL.
Julie Chavarria – Director of Travel Industry Sales
Specializing in leisure sales since 2001, Julie Chavarria handles the travel industry sales efforts for all of Noble House Hotels & Resorts, managing and maintaining close relationships with major travel agencies on the west coast. Julie ensures impactful exposure of the Noble House collection, while attending multiple trade shows and client offices representing the brand as the corporate liaison. She also handles all consortia bids and consortia marketing efforts for the collection. Julie is a graduate of University of California, San Diego, CA, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Minor in Literature.
Elizabeth Grillos - Regional Director of Sales and Marketing
Elizabeth joined Noble House in 2013 and is responsible for the creation and management of the The Los Angeles Sales office and National Group Sales Team. In addition, she holds regional sales and marketing responsibilities, including overseeing several Noble House properties in the west. Elizabeth started her hotel sales career in 1987, and holds expertise in determining company business goals, developing innovative marketing and sales strategies that meet short and long-range goals, objectives, policies, company needs, and creating and managing sales teams. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from San Jose State University in Public Relations and a minor in Communications.
Karen Strgacich - Director of National Accounts
Karen joined Noble House Hotels and Resorts with over 20 years of hospitality sales experience. Karen has spent most her sales experience in the Western United States territory with an emphasis on Southern California. She now serves as the Director of National Accounts representing Noble House Hotels and Resorts and is based out of the Noble House Los Angeles National Sales Office in Beverly Hills. Her focus is on Group sales, where she concentrates on Corporate Incentive, Pharmaceutical, Medical, Insurance and Financial markets, to name just a few.
Thomas Haas - VP of Food and Beverage
As vice president of food and beverage for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Haas is responsible for the development, personnel management and financial operations for all Noble House food and beverage venues across the United States. Before joining Noble House in July 2000, he was the managing director of the Fireman Hospitality Group, one of the largest independent restaurant groups in New York City. He has extensive experience in the hospitality and food and beverage industries, and held executive level positions at properties ranging from The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills to The Breaker’s Hotel in Palm Beach. A native of Germany, he began his career with a four-year apprenticeship at Brenner's Park Hotel in Baden-Baden, one of Europe's top luxury hotels. Fluent in English, German and French, Haas graduated from the University of Villingen in Germany and from Cornell University in New York with degrees in Hospitality Management.
Adam Votaw, Corporate Chef
Noble House Hotels & Resorts welcomes back Adam Votaw, as their Corporate Chef. With an impressive portfolio and well-rounded resume, Adam Votaw proves to be a part of an exclusive union of true culinary artists. Votaw recently returned to the US from a corporate role with Rydges Hotels, a leading hotel and entertainment group in Australia, with over 40 hotels, 12 restaurant brands and entertainment venues globally. Based in Sydney, as their corporate chef, he developed multiple restaurant brands and concepts throughout Australia and New Zealand. There, he honed his skills at culinary development and managing the financials of the owned & managed hotel properties.
Votaw had the great fortune to work for Noble House Hotels and Resorts in the mid-to-late 2000’s. The company focus was being a leader in the industry with its restaurants and food & beverage operations. He was part of a handpicked team driven by Thomas Haas, Vice President of Food and Beverage operations, which continued development of their independent restaurant concepts, coast to coast. Votaw was also the Executive Chef of the renowned Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs California and La Playa Resort & Spa in Naples, CA. Votaw also collaborated with the creation of Chispa Restaurants, as their Culinary Director and worked collectively with the renowned China Grill Management Group in Miami to create Nuevo Asian Fare with China Grill Café. In 2004, Chef Votaw was again a James Beard House participant for Latin Restaurants. As Executive chef, Votaw also led the culinary team at the highly acclaimed Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, in the Florida Keys, owned and operated by Noble House Hotels and Resorts from 1999 to 2003. There, he and his team were awarded numerous accolades as a top restaurant with Conde Nast, Golden Spoon, Zagat and Gourmet Magazine. In 2000 he was a James Beard House participant.
Hermann Schäfer, Corporate West Coast Chef
A native of Austria, Chef Hermann Schäfer began his formal training in hotel and restaurant management in Vienna. After graduating in Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, he spent the next five years working in three of the most luxurious hotels with Michelin star restaurants in Switzerland, serving as Chef de Party, Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef. In 1994, Chef Schäfer moved to the United States, and his journey with Hilton began. Ever since, Chef Schäfer has been continuously recognized as one of the best chefs in Southern California. Now based out of the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, Chef Schäfer holds the title of Noble House's Corporate West Coast Chef.
Dan Pierotti - VP of Spa Development and Operations
Pierotti is vice president of spa development and operations for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, and joined the company in 1999. He has 20 years of spa experience, leadership and results that exceed industry standards and expectations. His extensive spa management experience – and unique vision of creating a serene yet exotic oasis of tranquility within each property – has provided Noble House with a leading edge in the spa industry. Pierotti has developed 13 spas for Noble House, masterminding each from concept to completion – including architectural/interior design, functionality, equipment, experiences, staffing, training, product development, standards and protocols, profitability and the impact the spas will have on the overall well-being of the guests. Pierotti is certified and licensed in many modalities of massage therapy and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.