Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Mardi Ketchum

Texas City

Summary

Finance leader with a history of driving growth, including expanding Terrapin Hospitality from 5 to 82 properties. Known for blending strategic thinking with practical operational insight to improve financial performance and team efficiency. Passionate about building strong teams, simplifying processes, and creating systems that boost productivity and ensure long-term success. Skilled in budget forecasting, financial planning, and leading initiatives that produce measurable results.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive VP of Finance

Wurzak Hotel Group
02.2023 - Current
  • Managed daily accounting operations for the parent company and a portfolio of 11 hotels.
  • Led and developed a team of 12 accounting professionals (5 corporate, 7 on-site).
  • Streamlined accounting workflows and updated standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Collaborated with senior leadership; prepared financial presentations for monthly and quarterly business reviews.

CFO

Terrapin Hospitality
01.2013 - 02.2023
  • Directed all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, cash management, and audits across the portfolio
  • Led a 20-person accounting team and a 6-person HR team during peak growth.
  • Oversaw budgeting, daily/weekly/monthly cash flow reporting, and balance sheet/bank reconciliations.
  • Created and implemented financial policies, SOPs, and 5-year proformas to improve ROI and operational efficiency.
  • Managed due diligence for property acquisitions and dispositions; served as primary contact with buyers, sellers, lenders, and CPA firms.
  • Secured and tracked PPP loans and ERC credits for 30+ properties.
  • Implemented new systems including payroll and investor software.
  • Maintained strong relationships with ownership groups and represented company at Marriott and Hilton brand conferences.
  • Led community outreach initiatives and organized annual corporate leadership conferences.
  • Point of contact for property transitions, financial and tax audits, and risk management coordination with Indaco Risk Advisors.
  • Played a lead role in Terrapin’s acquisition by Aimbridge Hospitality (2022).

Project Accountant / HR Manager

Timbers Resorts
10.2008 - 12.2012
  • Managed all financial operations for a high-end fractional ownership business model, including job cost tracking, forecasting, and cash flow oversight.
  • Approved invoices, authorized fund transfers, and ensured accuracy in financial system entries.
  • Set up and maintained project-specific accounting systems tailored to luxury real estate developments.
  • Provided direct financial and operational support to the CEO/Founder on strategic initiatives.
  • Oversaw payroll, employee benefits, and HR administration for a growing team.

Controller

The Little Nell Hotel / The Snowmass Club / Aspen Ski Company
10.1989 - 10.2008
  • Oversaw all accounting functions for The Little Nell, a 5-star, 5-diamond full-service resort at the base of Aspen Mountain featuring on-site and on-mountain dining venues and a private members' club, as well as the Snowmass Club, a private membership property with a golf course, athletic club, three restaurants and bars, and a private residence club.
  • Managed a team of 4 to 6 accountants responsible for accounts payable and receivable, journal entries, month-end close, and financial reporting.
  • Prepared monthly financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports; ensured accuracy through balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Strengthened internal controls and implemented procedures to safeguard assets, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to develop and monitor budgets, analyze variances, and support financial decision-making.
  • Served on the Hotel Executive Planning Committee, contributing to long-range planning and operational strategy.

Education

Basic Accounting And Financial Principles

Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO
01-1986

Corporate Finance And Accounting

Various Accredited Online University Courses
10-2008

Executive Finance And Hospitality Management

Corporate Management Marriott And Hilton Expos
Nationwide
01-2019

Skills

  • Operational and budget analysis
  • Strategic planning
  • Profit and loss analysis
  • Hotel accounting expertise
  • Executive leadership
  • Team building
  • Human resources management
  • Payroll oversight
  • Employee performance
  • Financial analysis
  • Budget forecasting

Timeline

Executive VP of Finance

Wurzak Hotel Group
02.2023 - Current

CFO

Terrapin Hospitality
01.2013 - 02.2023

Project Accountant / HR Manager

Timbers Resorts
10.2008 - 12.2012

Controller

The Little Nell Hotel / The Snowmass Club / Aspen Ski Company
10.1989 - 10.2008

Basic Accounting And Financial Principles

Colorado Mountain College

Corporate Finance And Accounting

Various Accredited Online University Courses

Executive Finance And Hospitality Management

Corporate Management Marriott And Hilton Expos

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