Ashlee Barton, 38
Director of Sales and Marketing, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino, Hyatt Hotels, Incline Village, Nev.
What I do:
I lead, mentor, and support a sales and marketing team to book conference business. I am passionate about helping my team love what they do and encouraging growth and happiness both personally and professionally.
How I got here:
Since both of my parents are successful engineers, I went to school for an architecture degree. I quickly realized my passion was in hospitality, and changed majors to join Washington State University’s renowned hospitality school. Following college, I worked in several sales positions with Marriott, Highgate Hotel and Starwood, and then landed at my home of Hyatt two years ago.
My greatest career accomplishment:
I am proud to be part of the team awarded Hyatt’s 2020 hotel team of the year in the Americas.
A specific improvement I’ve made:
I’ve helped lead our sales team in implementing and coordinating virtual conferences. We are using a technology called the Owl, which allows individuals to come together in person or virtually while still feeling connected with one another.
What I’m working on right now:
We have booked full buyout programs for August 2021.
Impressive stats:
When our resort temporarily suspended operations earlier [in 2020], we didn’t know what to expect when we reopened our doors in June. I was part of a team that helped to quickly and efficiently adapt our resort experience to incorporate health and safety procedures while not taking away from the iconic Tahoe getaway our clients and guests have come to know and love. Within months it was obvious that the Hyatt Lake Tahoe experience was in demand once again, and that people who visited were returning multiple times—citing the resort’s enhanced safety procedures [for making] them feel comfortable and safe in this new travel landscape. I also worked with my team to make sure we didn’t turn away any business during 2020, and instead found creative ways to work with each company in a safe way. Although last year was incredibly challenging, it was an overall successful year for our property, and we’re looking forward to an even better 2021.
What I do outside of work:
Living in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I like to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh mountain air and connecting with nature. In my spare time, I also enjoy being part of Hyatt’s Women@Hyatt program, which is designed to help encourage, promote and support all women within the workplace.
Favorite vacation destination:
It may sound cliche, but I live and work in my favorite travel destination, Lake Tahoe. You cannot beat the pristine shores and crystal-clear water, and Sand Harbor is by far my favorite Tahoe hot spot. When I’m not in Lake Tahoe, I am usually traveling to San Francisco to see friends, or visiting Seattle to spend time with my mom and family. My favorite hotel stays are: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Ventana Big Sur, and The Cape: a Thompson Hotel in Cabo.
