Tanya Black
Opelika
Summary
Strategic and performance-driven hospitality executive with 25+ years of multi-brand leadership across Hilton, Marriott, Graduate Hotels, Hampton, Fairfield, and Holiday Inn. Proven ability to elevate revenue performance, strengthen market positioning, and build high-impact service cultures. Expert in multi-property oversight, pre-opening operations, P&L management, brand compliance, owner relations, and talent development. Recognized repeatedly for operational excellence, guest satisfaction leadership, and award-winning performance across multiple hotel portfolios.
Experienced with strategic planning, team leadership, and operational excellence. Utilizes forward-thinking approach to drive business growth and streamline processes. Track record of fostering collaborative environments and achieving measurable results.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Graduate by Hilton Auburn
Auburn, AL
04.2024 - Current
- Lead operations for a flagship Graduate property, ensuring brand alignment, profitability, and exceptional guest experience.
- Strengthen market presence through community engagement and strategic partnerships.
- Drive revenue performance and operational excellence across all departments.
- Operated by Schulte Hospitality
General Manager
Graduate Columbia
Columbia, SC
10.2018 - 04.2024
- Directed full hotel operations, consistently exceeding revenue goals and maintaining strong RevPAR index performance.
- Built a high-impact service culture that elevated guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed owner relations and executed strategic initiatives to improve profitability and market share.
- Operated by Schulte Hospitality
General Manager
Hampton Inn & Suites
Columbia, SC
03.2017 - 10.2018
- Improved operational efficiency and strengthened brand compliance across all departments.
- Enhanced revenue performance through strategic pricing and market positioning.
- Elevated guest satisfaction scores through hands-on leadership and service culture development.
- Operated by Schulte Hospitality
General Manager
Residence Inn by Marriott
Columbia, SC
01.2005 - 03.2017
- Oversaw pre-opening activities, coordinating construction timelines and acting as liaison between contractors, ownership, and Marriott International.
- Led operations for a 113-room extended-stay hotel generating $3.5M+ annually.
- Consistently exceeded revenue goals with RevPAR index percentages over 120.
- Maximized ADR through strategic revenue management.
- Full P&L accountability with strong financial performance year over year.
- Implemented a comprehensive Guest Experience program that increased loyalty and satisfaction.
- Negotiated all vendor contracts to optimize cost and service quality.
- Partnered with the University of South Carolina to support internship programs and talent development.
- Operated by Fowler Hospitality
General Manager
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Camden, SC
05.2003 - 01.2005
- Managed operations for a 90-room hotel with annual revenues exceeding $2.2M.
- Achieved excellent operational inspections and RevPAR index consistently above 100.
- Forecasted daily, weekly, and monthly revenue to meet budget targets.
- Directed accounts receivable/payable and financial reporting.
- Developed cross-training programs to enhance productivity and reduce payroll expense.
- Led teams to maintain high guest satisfaction scores.
- Operated by Fowler Hospitality
General Manager
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Lugoff, SC
04.2000 - 05.2003
- Managed operations for a 120-room full-service hotel generating $2.5M+ annually.
- Consistently exceeded monthly GOP targets.
- Expanded client base through targeted marketing campaigns and community partnerships.
- Improved Quality Assurance and Guest Satisfaction results through operational enhancements.
- Operated by Fowler Hospitality
Director of Sales
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Lugoff, SC
12.1998 - 04.2000
- Conducted client needs assessments and hotel tours to secure new business.
- Built strong relationships with major organizations through proactive networking.
- Prepared proposals, agreements, room blocks, and contracts for corporate and group business.
- Managed catering contracts and BEOs for banquet operations.
- Operated by Fowler Hospitality
Guest Service Manager
Holiday Inn
Alamogordo, NM
09.1995 - 11.1998
- Implemented new front desk procedures and service standards.
- Contracted rooms for large groups and tours.
- Led weekly staff meetings and managed hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
- Reduced associate turnover through improved engagement and development.
- Resolved guest concerns with a hands-on, service-focused approach.
- Operated by Ocean Properties
Owner
Home Day Care
Germany
01.1992 - 01.1995
- Operated a licensed home day care focused on safety, education, and family support.
Cashier
Galloway Enterprises
Camden, SC
01.1989 - 01.1992
Education
Diploma -
Lugoff-Elgin High School
29 Credit Hours - undefined
Midlands Technical College
Skills
- Multi-Property Operations Leadership
- Revenue Optimization & Market Strategy
- Full P&L Accountability & Financial Stewardship
- Brand Standards & Quality Assurance
- Pre-Opening, Renovation & Construction Coordination
- Talent Development & Culture Building
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence
- Contract Negotiation & Vendor Management
- Sales Strategy, Business Development & Community Engagement
- Owner, University & Corporate Partnerships
COMMUNITY & PARTNERSHIPS
University of South Carolina Internship Program Partner, Chamber of Commerce & Local Business Engagement, Hospitality Industry Leadership & Mentorship
Training
- Holiday Inn General Management Program
- Group Management Systems & Strategies, BHR
- Building a Service Plan, BHR
- Marriott Connect U: Fairfield Inn Fundamentals, Brand Immersion, Strategic Alignment
- Marriott Connect U: Residence Inn Fundamentals, Brand Immersion
- Marriott Extended Stay Sales Edge Training
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Schulte Hospitality GM of the Year, Schulte Hospitality Rise Award Winner, Graduate Columbia Hotel of the Year, Nomination: Marriott Hotel Magic General Manager of the Year (2004), Kershaw County Accommodations Committee (2004 & 2005), Residence Inn by Marriott:, Silver Circle Award (2006, 2009), Gold Circle Award (2007, 2008), Top Operations Award (2008), US Army Certificate of Appreciation for Soldier Support (2010)
Timeline
General Manager
Graduate by Hilton Auburn
04.2024 - Current
General Manager
Graduate Columbia
10.2018 - 04.2024
General Manager
Hampton Inn & Suites
03.2017 - 10.2018
General Manager
Residence Inn by Marriott
01.2005 - 03.2017
General Manager
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
05.2003 - 01.2005
General Manager
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
04.2000 - 05.2003
Director of Sales
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
12.1998 - 04.2000
Guest Service Manager
Holiday Inn
09.1995 - 11.1998
Owner
Home Day Care
01.1992 - 01.1995
Cashier
Galloway Enterprises
01.1989 - 01.1992
29 Credit Hours - undefined
Midlands Technical College
Diploma -
Lugoff-Elgin High School