Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Jessica Sims

Bedford,Pennsylvania

Summary

Hospitality leader with proven success developing innovative guest programming, managing retail operations, and creating signature experiences within a luxury resort environment. Experienced in leading cross-department initiatives, launching new retail concepts, and building programming that drives guest engagement and ancillary revenue. Recognized for creativity, operational leadership, and the ability to transform ideas into highly successful guest experiences.

Overview

2027
2027
years of professional experience

Work History

Retail & Recreation Manager

Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
Bedford, Pennsylvania
2021 - Current
  • Lead the planning, development, and execution of resort recreation programming and retail operations at a historic luxury resort. Responsible for delivering high-quality guest experiences that support resort branding, increase engagement, and generate additional revenue.
  • Leadership and Development

Oversee daily operations of resort retail outlets including

merchandising strategy, inventory oversight, vendor

partnerships, and sales performance.

Lead recreation and activity programming that enhances the

overall guest experience for families, couples, and group

travelers.

Supervise and develop recreation and retail team members,

maintaining high service standards aligned with brand

expectations.

Collaborate with leadership across departments to create

programming that complements resort events, seasonal themes,

and guest demand.

  • Programming & Guest Experience Development

Design and execute a wide variety of resort activities including

seasonal events, family programming, outdoor recreation

experiences, and special themed weekends, examples include

Grand Illumination, Murder Mystery dinners, princess teas,

author lectures, and local artisan events.

Develop creative guest experiences that highlight the historic

significance and natural beauty of the Bedford Springs property.

Introduce new programming concepts that increase guest

participation and add value to the resort stay.

  • Retail Development & Innovation

Led the development and launch of Sweet Spring Candy Co., a

new retail concept that expanded the resort’s shopping offerings

and enhanced the guest experience.

Curate unique retail merchandise that reflects the character of

the resort and appeals to a wide range of guests.

  • Historical Programming Leadership

History Committee Chair – Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Lead initiatives that preserve and share the rich history of the

property through educational displays, guest programming, and

special events, including a weekend long event, Vintage Days.

Develop engaging historical content that enhances the

storytelling experience for guests and associates.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA

Associate of Arts - History

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA

Skills

  • Guest Experience Strategy
  • Resort Recreation Programming
  • Retail Operations & Merchandising
  • Revenue-Generating Programming
  • Team Leadership & Staff Development
  • Event & Experience Design
  • Hospitality Operations
  • Vendor & Product Management
  • Historic Programming & Interpretation
  • Cross-Department Collaboration

Accomplishments

    Historic Hotels of America Historian of the Year Nominee 2025

    Manager of the Year 2024

Timeline

Retail & Recreation Manager

Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
2021 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education

University of Pittsburgh

Associate of Arts - History

University of Pittsburgh