Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Erika Henson

Conyers,GA

Summary

To establish a consistent management structure by leveraging my strengths developed over twenty-seven years in the hotel industry. I aim to demonstrate interactive management, problem-solving abilities, excellent customer service, and effective communication to successfully contribute to the hotel’s sales efforts.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1991
1991
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Task Force Director of Sales

MCR Hotels
Dallas, Texas
06.2024 - Current
  • Lead and inspire a dynamic sales team to achieve outstanding results.
  • Onboarding the new Director of Sales.
  • Drive business growth by expertly generating proposals, crafting contracts, and ensuring seamless customer communication.
  • Take the initiative to create strategic action plans, conduct engaging sales tours, and build lasting relationships with clients.
  • Strategically manage the hotel sales department's operations, focusing on direct sales, diligent follow-ups, and comprehensive staff recruitment, training, and coaching.
  • Optimize total revenues while effectively controlling expenses not only to meet but exceed the hotel’s profitability goals.
  • Formulate and implement innovative strategic plans aimed at maximizing occupancy rates and driving significant growth in Average Daily.

Dual Director of Sales, Residence by Marriott

Mercy LLC
Covington
10.2022 - 06.2024
  • Proudly awarded Opening Hotel of the Year 2023.
  • Achieved outstanding YTD RevPAR of 131.7, securing a top rank of 1st out of 6 in Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR.
  • Successfully exceeded the 2023 budget by an impressive $600,000.
  • Strategically developed and enhanced revenue for the hotel.
  • Cultivated strong relationships and dominated corporate market accounts.
  • Expertly prepared and executed a comprehensive marketing plan.
  • Acquired new accounts and successfully redirected business from top competitors.
  • Frequently attended and networked at local community functions, actively contributing to the area.
  • Served as a proud ambassador for the Covington Chamber.

Director of Sales, Home2 Suites Alpharetta

Ram Hotels
Alpharetta
10.2020 - 10.2022
  • Drove significant revenue growth for the hotel by expertly nurturing relationships and saturating corporate market accounts.
  • Developed and executed a dynamic marketing plan.
  • Successfully secured new accounts and shifted market share from leading competitors.
  • Actively engaged in networking events and strengthened community connections.

Director of Sales, Wyndham Garden Tallahassee

AD 1 Global Hospitality Company
Tallahassee
04.2019 - 10.2020
  • Increased revenue by an impressive 5%.
  • Built and strengthened crucial relationships while dominating corporate market accounts.
  • Masterfully prepared and executed a strategic marketing plan.
  • Acquired new accounts and significantly shifted market share from competitors.
  • Engaged in regular networking to enhance community involvement.

Director of Sales, Residence Inn Peachtree Corners & SHS Savannah

Island Hospitality Enterprises Company
07.2013 - 10.2018
  • Successfully developed and increased revenue for hotels by building valuable relationships and saturating corporate market accounts.
  • Spearheaded the preparation and execution of an effective marketing plan.
  • Effectively acquired new accounts while redirecting business from competitors.
  • Actively participated in networking events and bolstered community ties.
  • Determined competitive corporate rates and efficiently responded to all market RFPs.
  • Achieved remarkable growth in Esso from 31% to 53% and raised ADR from $102 to $113.

Director of Sales, Springhill Suites Pittsburgh Airport

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
Pittsburgh
12.2012 - 07.2013
  • Drove revenue growth for the hotel through strong relationship-building and market penetration in corporate accounts.
  • Skillfully prepared and executed a strategic marketing plan.
  • Obtained new accounts and successfully shifted existing business from competitors.
  • Led and developed the Sales Coordinator to maximize revenue from groups and catering.
  • Actively networked and engaged with local organizations, enhancing community presence.
  • Demonstrated exceptional skills in reconciling competitive star set results.

Sales Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
Pittsburgh
03.2008 - 12.2012
  • Executed 600 meetings and events, yielding over $740,000 in revenue.
  • Exceeded the 2008 total revenue budget by a remarkable $650,000.
  • Led the sales team through bi-weekly meetings, client blitzes, and high-impact sales events to uncover new business opportunities.
  • Engaged in proactive sales initiatives, including telemarketing, cold calls, appointments, and site tours.
  • Strategically developed key markets in Corporate, Sports, Entertainment, Tours and Travel, Education, and Medical.
  • Successfully redirected accounts from competitors.
  • Analyzed business dynamics to make informed, profitable decisions for the hotel.
  • Cultivated relationships with top accounts through consistent monthly maintenance calls.
  • Played an integral role in training and mentoring new sales personnel.
  • Maintained open communication with operations to ensure exceptional service for all groups and meetings.
  • Delivered the highest quality of service to both internal and external customers.
  • Developed the hotel’s annual marketing plan and contributed to the creation of the hotel’s budget.

Group Services Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
Pittsburgh
11.2005 - 02.2008
  • Managed all incoming inquiries with efficiency and professionalism.
  • Gained a robust understanding of Ceilings and MAR rates set in Delphi.
  • Maximized revenue through strategic booking practices.
  • Oversaw the booking of all groups and meeting room business resulting from inquiries.
  • Exceeded the 2007 total revenue budget by an impressive $1.5 million.
  • Updated and input new menu items and pricing changes in Delphi with precision.
  • Finalized all meetings with clients, ensuring satisfaction.
  • Prepared banquet event orders to the highest standards.
  • Provided mentorship to the sales Coordinator, overseeing all operational aspects.
  • Actively solicited prior year events for repeat business.
  • Established and maintained relationships with repeat guests.
  • Proactively pursued group tour guides and catered business opportunities.

Sales Coordinator, Courtyard by Marriott W. Homestead

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
W. Homestead
03.2005 - 10.2005
  • Played a key role in the pre-opening sales team.
  • Completed group and catering bookings with efficiency.

Education

Oliver High School
Pittsburgh, PA

Skills

  • Results-driven
  • Exceptional judgment
  • Keen memory for details
  • Proficient in business transient sales
  • Proficient in leisure travel
  • Proficient in tours
  • Proficient in group business
  • Proficient in catering events
  • Effective team player
  • Motivated self-starter
  • Experienced in using Hotelligence360
  • Forecasting
  • Managing share-shifting accounts
  • Skilled in recognizing budget forecasting needs
  • Producing actualized results
  • Excellent ability to reconcile competitive performance metrics
  • Revenue management
  • Contract negotiation
  • Market analysis
  • Proposal development
  • Strategic planning
  • Client relationship management
  • Sales forecasting
  • Team leadership
  • Effective communication
  • Networking strategies
  • Problem solving
  • Time management
  • Performance coaching
  • Sales strategy development
  • Sales team motivation
  • Pipeline development
  • Sales funnel management
  • Sales presentations
  • Trade show representation
  • Deal closing
  • Competitive analysis
  • Revenue growth
  • Sales training and leadership
  • Sales training
  • Key account targeting
  • Sales coaching
  • Sales reporting
  • Sales process optimization
  • Profitability optimization
  • Sales software proficiency
  • Revenue forecasting
  • Cold calling
  • Sales team training
  • Analytical problem solver
  • Direct sales
  • Review of contracts
  • Budget management

Awards

  • Opening Hotel of the Year by Marriott, 2023, Residence Inn
  • Nominee for Sales Leader of the Year Award, 2023
  • Manager of the Quarter, 2014
  • Sales Team of the Year, 2007, for all Courtyard by Marriott Franchise Hotels
  • Hotel of the Year, 2006, for all North American Courtyard by Marriott Hotels
  • Sales Team of the Year, 2006, for Courtyard by Marriott Hotels in the Eastern Region
  • Hotel of the Year, 2006, for Concord Hospitality Enterprise Company
  • Manager of the Quarter, 2006

Timeline

Task Force Director of Sales

MCR Hotels
06.2024 - Current

Dual Director of Sales, Residence by Marriott

Mercy LLC
10.2022 - 06.2024

Director of Sales, Home2 Suites Alpharetta

Ram Hotels
10.2020 - 10.2022

Director of Sales, Wyndham Garden Tallahassee

AD 1 Global Hospitality Company
04.2019 - 10.2020

Director of Sales, Residence Inn Peachtree Corners & SHS Savannah

Island Hospitality Enterprises Company
07.2013 - 10.2018

Director of Sales, Springhill Suites Pittsburgh Airport

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
12.2012 - 07.2013

Sales Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
03.2008 - 12.2012

Group Services Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
11.2005 - 02.2008

Sales Coordinator, Courtyard by Marriott W. Homestead

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
03.2005 - 10.2005

Oliver High School