Page 35 - URGO Hotels

Team Biographies
Robert Spence – Vice President, Quality Assurance and Construction
Robert Spence is presently responsible for Quality Assurance for Urgo Hotels. Robert’s primary focus is to ensure
that the high standard of Quality Assurance is consistent throughout the company’s properties. On a daily basis,
Robert focuses on the execution of new systems and standards within the hotels. Robert is also heavily involved
with new construction projects and property-specific major renovations. Robert’s corporate responsibilities include,
in part, training all Chief Engineers on fire protection and life safety systems within the hotels; understanding and
managing departmental budgets and inventories; facilitating communication inside and outside of the hotels; as
well as daily job duties and oversight. Robert brings over 25 years of engineering and general construction expertise
to Urgo Hotels. Having formerly served as Regional Director of Engineering for the company, he has mastered all
phases of mechanical equipment, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and maintenance for
indoor and outdoor pools and spas. Robert’s overall expertise and command of the hospitality industry, as well as
his detailed working knowledge of Marriott and Urgo Hotels systems and procedures, continues to be a major
contribution to the current and future success of Urgo Hotels.
Ellen Wimsatt – Corporate Director of Human Resources
As Corporate Director of Human Resources for Urgo Hotels, Ms. Wimsatt works closely with general managers and
senior management on management recruiting, staffing, and career development issues. Her responsibilities also
cover overall human resources administration and employee relations. Prior to joining Urgo Hotels in July 2003,
Ms. Wimsatt spent 15 years with Marriott International. As Director of Employment and Director of Career
Development for the Residence Inn brand, Ms. Wimsatt managed all management staffing and succession planning
initiatives for the Regional Operations and Regional Sales teams. She created and facilitated training programs for
hotel general managers and sales directors at national conferences. She was the Residence Inn brand liaison on
many corporate-wide initiates (eg: Sales 2000; Marriott’s Career Management System; Cross Brand Training;
Marriott Lodging Relocation). Her experience with Marriott covers all brands, international and domestic hotels,
franchise relations, and corporate and executive staff. Ms. Wimsatt’s career began in Wichita, Kansas, where she
was part of the transition team when Marriott acquired the Residence Inn Company in 1987.
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