Leadership Team
Strong and reliable management is one of our trademarks.
Comprised of Noble minds and spirits, the members of our Leadership Team drive the fundamental day-to-day operations of their respective departments, each bringing to the table vast industry and departmental experience.
Brad Shinn
Director of Internal Audit
Brad Shinn joined the Noble House team in 2016 and serves as the Director of Internal Audit. In his role, Brad performs financial and operational internal audits at each Noble House managed property at least once per year, as well as audits of certain corporate office functions.
Brad is a 20+ year veteran of the hospitality industry whose previous experience includes ClubCorp (The World Leader in Private Clubs), Ashford Hospitality Trust (a hospitality focused REIT), and La Quinta Inns. Brad is a Texas native based in Dallas and is a Certified Internal Auditor. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from the University of North Texas.
Janette Ament
Chief Financial Officer
With over 35 years of experience in hotel operations and development, Janette is the Chief Financial Officer who oversees various aspects of corporate finance, such as lender and treasury management, strategic planning and operations, corporate tax, and hotel financial reporting. Janette is committed to achieving profitability, maintaining cash flow, and mitigating the Owner’s risk. Her extensive background in hotel accounting and operations management, development accounting, and risk management allows her to provide valuable insights and expertise to the team. Ament was recognized as the “2008 Responsibility Leader for the Hospitality Industry” by Risk and Insurance Magazine.
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. Kevin graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.
OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT
Don Dennis
President of Operations
Don joined Noble House in 2002 as Front Office Manager of the iconic Hotel Viking in Newport, RI. After a series of transfers to 4 additional Noble House hotels over the next 15 years, Don was promoted to lead the West Coast operations team in 2018. Recently relocating to Seattle with his partner Clark and their three dogs, Don has assumed the role of President of Operations. Working closely with on-property leadership, Corporate Ops, and Noble House’s valued partners, Don’s vast experience in hotel operations unifies the entire team towards the common goal of providing for both a great guest and employment experience. An avid cyclist, in his spare time you’ll find Don in the saddle clocking thousands of miles per year on the open road.
Matt Trahan
Vice President & Regional Managing Director
With Noble House since 2001, Matt Trahan has led a dynamic team in South Florida and the Florida Keys. Based in Key West, as Vice President and Regional Managing Director, Matt has the oversight of the Ocean Key Resort and Spa, Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, Dolphin Marina and Cottages as well as the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, LapLaya Beach and Golf Resort in Naples, and Solé Miami. A native of South Louisiana and graduate of LSU in Baton Rouge he started his management career in the French Quarter of New Orleans. With over 25 years of hospitality management experience, Matt brings a creative flair to his operations position. Creator of the “Sandbar Sessions” at Little Palm Island, as well as “Allegro!” and several Fantasy Fest events in Key West for the Ocean Key Resort and Spa, he has helped to create “experiences” that guests enjoy about Noble House properties.
Tyler Barker
Vice President & Regional Managing Director
Joining Noble House & Resorts in 2015, Tyler Barker has managed a vibrate team at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa and Hotel Terra Jackson for over 11 years. A graduate of University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, Tyler moved to Jackson Hole in 2000 after moving up through the culinary ranks at Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley, UT. After hanging up his white jacket in 2004, Tyler worked for Vail Resorts before finding his true home at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa in 2008. As his work history might indicate, Tyler enjoys skiing with his family at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, rock climbing and fly fishing.
Stefan Mühle
Vice President & Regional Managing Director
Stefan is the Vice President & Regional Managing Director for California. Before joining Noble House, he held various leadership roles in Napa, San Francisco, and Chicago. In 2016, Stefan joined Noble House as San Francisco’s Area Managing Director, overseeing The Argonaut Hotel. Under his leadership, both hotels have excelled in social media rankings and employee satisfaction, and Stefan was recently named California Hotel Lodging Association’s Outstanding General Manager of the Year for 2021In addition, Stefan is known for his active involvement in local and state organizations that support the industry and his support of charitable causes in the Bay Area. Stefan’s passion for hospitality began at a young age, growing up in Germany and entering an apprenticeship in the industry upon graduation. He received a scholarship to the famed Cesar Ritz College and later transferred to Washington State University during his sophomore year. After graduation, Stefan was recruited to join the management team at The Drake in Chicago.
Steven Marais
Vice President of Rooms
Steven Marais embarked on his journey with Noble House in 2015, taking on the role of Front Office Manager at the renowned Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco. Within a short timeframe, he ascended to the position of Director of Guest Services, becoming the #2. In this role, he extended his talents to provide crucial support for diverse task force initiatives across the Noble House collection.
In 2019, Steven made a pivotal transition to the corporate team, drawing upon over 15 years expertise in the hospitality industry, with a strong focus on Room Operations and a fervent passion for IT Operations. During the pandemic, he displayed remarkable leadership by offering hands-on support to numerous properties within the portfolio during their reopening phases.
Steven is a proud alumnus of San Francisco State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Beyond his professional achievements, he maintains an active and dynamic lifestyle, immersing himself in pursuits such as running, swimming, biking, and obstacle course races.
DEVELOPMENT & PURCHASING
Sophia Yen
Vice President of Development
Sophia started her Noble House career in 2004 as a Development Accountant and cut her teeth in the Development world with the 2004 hurricane repairs and renovations to our affected South Florida properties. Since then, she has continued to ascend through the ranks holding multiple development roles including Development Controller, Director of Purchasing, and Development & Purchasing Director. In her current role as VP of Development, she is responsible for managing the portfolio’s capex budgets, overseeing all FF&E purchases and installations, bidding out new development projects, negotiating contracts with general contractors and designers, managing project budgets and schedules, coordinating design and architectural teams, among many other things. Always a team player, she is a critical part of the success of our development world with admirable aspirations towards improved communication, processes and efficiencies. Sophia graduated from USC with a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. Any free time she has you will find her skiing, boating, hiking, cycling, and attending Broadway musicals. Italy is at the top of her travel list.
Erin Weiner
Design & Purchasing Manager
Erin Weiner joined the Noble House Development team in December of 2015 as the Purchasing/Interior Design Associate. Erin studied interior design at Harrington College of Design, and was especially drawn to the hospitality industry through her passion for creating memorable experiences for guests. In addition to interior design, Erin also assists Noble House with purchasing. She is responsible for managing vendor relationships, sourcing goods and applying thoughtful designs to the company’s various properties. In her free time, Erin enjoys arts, crafts, and a variety of pop-culture pursuits.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Holly Lawson
Sr. Vice President of Human Resources
Holly Lawson is the Sr. Vice President of Human Resources of Noble House Hotels & Resorts. She has eighteen years of hospitality experience, including hotel operations, acquisitions and transitions, learning and organizational development, and human resources. Her career began in hotel operations and led to human resources. She oversaw the Washington D.C. region for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, eventually moving to Los Angeles and supporting the brand’s Southern California portfolio. From there, she transitioned to sbe supporting human resources for their corporate environment as well as nightlife, restaurant, and hotel operations in California and Florida. Under Davidson Hospitality, Holly served for five years as corporate director of people & culture and assisted with the growth of Pivot Hotels & Resorts, their lifestyle & luxury operating division. She is a graduate of Michigan State University in human resources with an emphasis in psychology.
Emily Emery
Corporate Director of Talent Acquisition
Emily brings over 20 years of experience in Talent Acquisition and Human Resources to the Corporate team with a background in HR within Independent and Branded Hotels & Resorts, Casinos, and Vacation Ownership. She graduated from Lynn University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Emily resides in Bluffton, SC, with her husband, Kevin; their daughter, Mikaela; and their kitty, Lincoln.
Carlyn Sanchez
Corporate Director of Human Resources
Carlyn Sanchez joined Noble House in 2011 as Director of Human Resources at The Edgewater Hotel and transitioned to the corporate team in 2021. Her current role provides overall HR support, focusing on unifying resources to our growing collection of properties. Beginning her career in Hawaii, Carlyn fell in love with providing memorable experiences to guests and a meaningful employment journey for team members. Majoring in International Cultural Studies- Communications at Brigham Young University-Hawaii provided a foundation for respecting and serving team members today. Carlyn’s experience encompasses recruiting, payroll, labor relations, contract bargaining, employee relations, benefits administration, safety programming, and wellness initiatives. Embracing a work/life balance, Carlyn enjoys dancing, exploring Washington lakes on a paddleboard with her miniature schnauzer, Max, or playing in the ocean with her son, Isaiah.
MARKETING & CREATIVE
Scott Colee
Chief Marketing Officer
A leader at the company for 13 years, Scott drives the company’s marketing, creative output and brand development. As such, Colee provides direction for marketing strategy and outreach, working with property, regional, and corporate sales and marketing professionals to develop campaigns across channels, manage public relations, build brand identities, plan major events, and solidify partnerships. Scott founded the company’s internal ad agency, which is responsible for governing the company’s creative assets, and developing all media, web, electronic and print, for the various entities and outlets. As part of the Development team, Scott oversees architectural and interior design to ensure it aligns with each individual property brand. The Retail department falls under his responsibility as well, where he initiates and provides strategic direction to the operating team, and drives profitability.
Andrew Ladd
Vice President of Marketing
Andrew, a seasoned hospitality professional with 20 years of experience, launched his career with Noble House in San Diego as the Director of Sales at Kona Kai Resort and Spa in 2018. He has steadily risen to his current role as Vice President of Marketing, where he oversees the marketing efforts across Noble House’s portfolio of luxury hotels, guiding strategies that enhance brand visibility, drive customer acquisition, and foster retention and loyalty across a diverse range of properties. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and studied Music Performance at the University of Nevada. He is also a certified hospitality digital marketer (HSMAI), holds a certificate in New Media Marketing from Cornell University, and completed advanced Digital Marketing studies at Northwestern’s Kellogg Executive Education program.
Stephanie Ward
Creative Director
Stephanie Ward joined Noble House in February 2019 as the Creative Services Manager. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). After that, she continued in digital media design studies at the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC. Stephanie has worked as a graphic designer and art director in various industries, including e-commerce, fashion, and hospitality. Her most recent role was as the creative director for Sotheby’s in Belltown, Seattle. She is responsible for managing property and corporate-level design projects and art-directing the creative team at Noble House.
SALES, REVENUE MANAGEMENT & ACQUISITIONS
Darrell Stark
Vice President of Revenue Strategy & Sales
Darrell is a distinguished professional in revenue strategy, sales, distribution, and e-commerce, bringing over three decades of comprehensive expertise. With a career encompassing roles in front office management, reservations, food and beverage and hotel management. Darrell has consistently demonstrated a solutions-driven approach to achieving revenue growth and profit optimization. He is an active participant in advisory roles, panel discussions and presents at industry events. Darrell is a proud alumnus of Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Administration.
Jenny Moore
Corporate Senior Director of Revenue Strategy
Jenny joined the Noble House family in 2016. Prior, Jenny held revenue leadership roles in the luxury independent sector in Aspen, Denver, San Francisco & Seattle including two former corporate positions. Prior to settling into her first corporate role, Jenny spent six years roaming the country as a freelance Revenue Management Consultant where she specialized in hotel transitions/openings as well as hiring, training and building a pipeline of new talent. You won’t be able to find Jenny on a weekend as she will be off on a spontaneous road-trip or roaming around a farmers’ market somewhere in Seattle.
Karen Marchand
Corporate Senior Director of Sales and Catering East Coast
Karen brings over 20 years’ experience in catering and conference services to the Corporate team, which she joined following a promotion and transition from her prior role leading the Catering and Conference Services team at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. She graduated from Florida International University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality management and held numerous catering and conference services positions at notable properties throughout Florida. Marchand currently resides in Naples, Florida with her husband, Chris, their daughter, Izabella, and their pup, Zoey.
Michelle Sehulster
Director of Travel Industry Sales
Michelle has been a part of the Noble House family for over 12 years, first based at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort and 3 time chairman club winner, and since 2009 in the role of Director of Travel Industry Sales. In her current role, Michelle covers the East Coast of the U.S. for the entire Noble House Collection and her primary focus in on the luxury travel agent market. Michelle is responsible for maintaining key partnerships, such as American Express FH&R, The Hotel Collection, Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. Michelle is a graduate of Newcomb College of Tulane University and is based in New Orleans, LA.
Sean Mullen
President of Sales, Revenue Management & Acquisitions
Recently appointed President of Sales, Revenue Management & Acquisitions, Sean oversees the company’s sales and revenue management practices in all market segments, while continuing his focus on acquisitions and strategically expanding the company’s portfolio. Mullen previously acted as the President of Acquisitions at Noble House, following his time spent as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. He first began his career with the company in 2002 at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, FL as the Director of Sales and Marketing and attended Lafayette College in Easton, Penn., where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics/business. Currently, Sean resides in Seattle with his wife and four daughters.
Rebecca Elder
Corporate Director of Revenue Management
In 2005, Rebecca embarked on her journey with Noble House Hotels & Resorts, assuming the Director of Revenue Management role at Portofino Hotel. Since then, she has worked her way up in Revenue Management, overseeing numerous properties and regions, focusing on the West Coast. Her primary responsibility is to guide and mentor property Directors of Revenue to achieve and exceed their objectives. Rebecca possesses exceptional skills in data analytics, strategy, and talent development, which enable her to excel in her role. In 2018, Rebecca collaborated with local hoteliers and officials from Redondo Beach to establish a tourism marketing district. Presently, she serves as the Chair of the Board for Redondo Beach Tourism, where she devises innovative and unconventional ways to promote tourism within the city. Rebecca’s interests include food and wine, and she can often be found browsing through the local Farmer’s Markets or experimenting with new recipes and restaurants. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
FOOD & BEVERAGE OPERATIONS
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.
Martin Diehr
Corporate Director of Food & Beverage
Martin Diehr was recently promoted to corporate director of food & beverage, where he assists in overseeing all operational aspects of Noble House’s outlet experiences. Diehr is a hospitality management graduate of The Emden State Hospitality School in Germany. He has a diverse background in the industry, having served as a supervisor for food and beverage at the German Air Force in Canada, as restaurant manager at Tampa Marriott Waterside and Marina, and as senior restaurant manager at Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami. He has also held various positions at The Ritz-Carlton Resorts in Spain, Florida, and Georgia. In addition, Diehr worked as the director of food and beverage outlet operations at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club before joining LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort as Director of Operations. Diehr is passionate about wine and holds a Sommelier certification. In addition, he enjoys spending time with his family, grilling, watching his favorite soccer team, FC Bayern Munich, and planning international vacations.
Marcus Repp
Corporate Director of Food & Beverage
Marcus Repp, a 35-year hotel industry veteran, joined Noble House in 2021 with a diverse background in F&B. He is a Certified Master Chef from Germany from the prestigious Master Chef School in Rothenberg ob der Tauber. His responsibilities encompass the overall F&B operations for all Noble House hotels. Prior to joining Noble House, Marcus was instrumental in the success of the operation of Lansdowne Resort and Spa in all aspects of the Culinary and F&B operation.
Marcus is a German national from the beautiful region of Hessen, where he started his career at the Parkhotel Bad Nauheim.
Marcus also brings a unique perspective to culinary operations because of having experience with a wide range of cultures, having worked in various international positions on 3 different continents, including regions in the Caribbean and Russia.
Marcus’s accomplishments are many, but most impressive is that in his first corporate role, he was the driving force establishing the F&B operation for the newly built Westin Dawn Beach in St Maarten. He spearheaded the F&B operation for the only 4 Diamond Resort, the Westin Casuarina in Grand Cayman, by establishing a joint culinary and wine dinner, which became an island-wide series.
Adam Votaw
Corporate Chef
Adam Votaw, leading the culinary team at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, embodies the essence of a world-class chef with his inventive flair, captivating presentations, and profound ingredient expertise. His culinary journey began in Ohio and expanded through French Michelin Star training in London, earning him accolades for pastry expertise in the U.S. Spanning locations from Palm Beach to Sydney and Canada, he has showcased mastery in diverse cuisines, including French, Latin, Italian, and beyond. Returning to Noble House Hotels, Votaw directs culinary operations across 23 boutique hotels and experiences in the U.S. and Mexico.
With a portfolio that spans exclusive inns, multi-concept gourmet restaurants, and luxury hotels worldwide, Votaw’s expertise is unparalleled. His roles have encompassed overseeing full kitchen operations, spearheading menu development, and ensuring culinary excellence. His innovative culinary concepts and dedication to crafting unique, memorable dining experiences have solidified his status as a culinary maestro and an exceptional leader within the esteemed Noble House Hotels & Resorts. Votaw’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence continues to define his remarkable journey in the world of gastronomy.
LEGAL & RISK MANAGEMENT
Gabe Rosenthal
General Counsel
As General Counsel, Gabe Rosenthal is responsible for all legal matters at both the corporate and hotel level. A true Washingtonian, Gabe’s legal career started at a law firm in Seattle after graduating from University of Washington School of Law. From there, Gabe moved in-house at Boeing where he held several legal positions, including serving as the company’s top lawyer for the Australia/SE Asia region, based in Sydney for 3 years. Gabe’s career has spanned multi-billion dollar corporate deals, and the rescue of a family-owned pizza joint in West Seattle.
Melissa Garred
Corporate Real Estate & Entitlement Director
Melissa joined Noble House in 2015 as Corporate Paralegal, bringing nearly 20 years of legal experience and quickly becoming an integral part of the corporate team. She transitioned to Corporate Real Estate & Entitlement Director, where she would be able to apply her skills to support Noble House’s development efforts, while continuing to manage corporate organization, financing transactions, due diligence on properties and third-party contracts. Melissa attended the University of Arkansas and El Centro College and holds a degree in Paralegal Studies. In her free time, Melissa enjoys attending the theater with friends and sailing and traveling with her husband.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jay Robinson
VP, IT Operations
Jay 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 Vice President of IT Operations 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.
ADDRESS
Noble House Hotels & Resorts
600 6th Street South
Kirkland, WA 98033
ROOM RESERVATIONS
CORPORATE OFFICE
AWARDS & PRESS
Top 25 Favorite Hotel Brands in the World’s Best Awards
Travel + Leisure, 2024
Digital Adrian Award Winner, Bronze Certificate
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), 2023