SHAWNICE WALKER
Houston
Summary
Dynamic hospitality executive with over 10 years of progressive leadership experience managing multi-property hotel operations within IHG and Marriott portfolios. Achieved success in directing operations for a portfolio of three hotels, encompassing 340 guestrooms and generating over $18M in annual revenue. Specialized in driving operational excellence, enhancing financial performance, and spearheading organizational transformation initiatives. Proven track record in capital project management, successful hotel openings, and cultivating leadership development within teams.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Area Operations Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality
01.2023 - Current
- Direct operational performance for a 3-hotel portfolio encompassing 340 guestrooms, $18M+ in annual revenue, and 75 employees across multiple markets.
• Lead and mentor 6 direct reports while providing strategic oversight for hotel leadership teams and departmental performance.
• Increased portfolio Net Operating Income (NOI) by 10% through operational efficiencies, labor optimization, and revenue enhancement initiatives.
• Serve as Company Co-Integrator, leading enterprise-wide operational transformation efforts that improved accountability, communication, and cross-functional execution.
• Partner with ownership and executive leadership on annual budgets, forecasting, strategic planning, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Manage executive-level owner reporting, financial reviews, STR analysis, and portfolio performance evaluations. - Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives, improving guest satisfaction scores.
General Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality- Staybridge Suites
01.2020 - Current
- Championed community awareness and fostered valuable partnerships.
- Enhanced guest room experience by establishing preventative maintenance procedures.
- Elevated sales team performance, collaborating with the Revenue Manager to devise effective rate strategies, consistently surpassing key performance metrics.
- Achieved a 15% increase in GOP through streamlined operations, and increased top line with effective sales and marketing strategies.
- Directed the procurement of renovation bids and skillfully coordinated with contractors.
- Achieved the impressive #144 position, ranking in the top 10% among all Texas hotels for revenue in 2021.
General Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
08.2018 - 01.2020
- Revitalized hotel operations through the implementation of streamlined processes across all departments, providing team members with coaching on best practices.
- Proficiently addressed guest complaints, delivering effective recovery solutions.
- Teamed up with the Director of Sales to formulate successful strategies, contributing to a notable increase in top line revenue.
- Recipient of the prestigious IHG Torch Bearer/Quality of Excellence Award for 2019 in recognition of outstanding operational achievements.
Opening Hotel General Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality- Staybridge Suites
02.2018 - 08.2018
- Championed pre-opening initiatives, overseeing procurement, recruitment, and training while aligning seamlessly with the brand.
- Vigilantly monitored vendors and contractors to ensure strict adherence to Quality Assurance standards.
- Supported sales management initiatives, driving successful business development.
- Supervised team development in alignment with industry service standards, cultivating customer loyalty.
Assistant Hotel Manager
Propel Management- Towneplace Suites
09.2015 - 02.2018
- Evaluated employee performance and formulated improvement plans.
- Designed comprehensive agendas and communication materials for impactful team meetings.
- Addressed both unique and recurring complaints diligently, fostering customer loyalty and enhancing overall operations.
- Nurtured relationships with key clients and vendors for the hotel's sustained success.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
The University of Texas
Austin12-2015
High School Diploma - undefined
Stratford High School
Houston06-2011
Skills
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Sales
- Talent Management
- Annual Budget
- Strategic planning
- Asset management
Accomplishments
- Earned the IHG Torch Bearer/Quality of Excellence Award for outstanding operational performance and guest satisfaction.
- Achieved Top 10% revenue ranking among Texas hotels while serving as General Manager of Staybridge Suites.
Certification
- Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)
LANGUAGES
English
Timeline
Area Operations Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality
01.2023 - Current
General Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality- Staybridge Suites
01.2020 - Current
General Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
08.2018 - 01.2020
Opening Hotel General Manager
Pathfinder Hospitality- Staybridge Suites
02.2018 - 08.2018
Assistant Hotel Manager
Propel Management- Towneplace Suites
09.2015 - 02.2018
High School Diploma - undefined
Stratford High School
Bachelor of Science -
The University of Texas