Plan Your Meetings

Names in the news: May 2008

Kristi Casey Sanders has been promoted to Editorial Director of Plan Your Meetings, overseeing online and print media development and production; previously, she served as associate editor. Evan Casey is Vice President of Sales and Marketing, adding the latter responsibilities to his existing title. Both positions are part of a restructuring of the media company and its parent, Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing, which also saw the departure of Christine Born, Editor-in-Chief of PYM and Director of Publications for AMP since 2002.

Denise Coll became president, North America Division, of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Harrah’s Entertainment plans to change its name to Caesars Entertainment Corporation, pending regulatory approvals.

David Tessier was named senior vice president and chief financial officer, Americas Region, for InterContinental Hotels Group.

Priyan Fernando was promoted to president overseeing the American Express Business Travel Customer Group. Other American Express Business Travel promotions include Andy McGraw, who became senior vice president and general manager, worldwide sales; and Lisa Durocher, who became senior vice president, marketing and innovation.

In Birmingham, Chef Frank Stitt (Highlands Bar & Grill, Chez Fonfon, Bottega Restaurant & Café) was nominated for the “Outstanding Chef” James Beard Award. Chef Chris Hastings (Hot & Hot Fish Club) was nominated in the “Best Chef in the South” category. Winners will be announced in June.

Tom Sparks became general manager of the Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Mike Wagner was promoted to director of group sales of the TradeWinds Island Resorts — Island Grand Resort and the Sandpiper Suites — on the island of St. Pete Beach, Fla. Karleen Johnson was promoted to national sales manager for the Midwest markets (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio). Terrence Daniel became senior sales manager for the Mid-Atlantic (Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia and West Virginia).

Nancy B. McFadyen was named senior national sales executive for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Dale Gustafson was named sales manager of national accounts, and Lesley Walsh was named sales manager of small meetings for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Leah Peteet became general manager of Atlanta-based Glorious Events Catering.