Pola Laughlin has been with The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa since June of 1998, following a career in chemical engineering and banking customer service. She began her hospitality career as the executive assistant to the Director of Sales. She was promoted from this position to serving as one of the resort's Catering Managers and Sales Managers. Following her promotion to Director of Group Sales she has extended her knowledge and experience to her team of sales managers, making them one of the top sales teams in the resort industry. Pola is a member of Meeting Planners International, Association Executives of North Carolina, South Carolina Society of Association Executives, and Georgia Society of Association Executives.
Sheila Leyva
Sheila Leyva
Senior Sales Manager (State Associations)
Sheila has been with The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa for 28 years (yes, she really has!). In 1981, she began her career as a cashier in the food and beverage outlets. From there, she moved into accounts receivable as a supervisor for several years. Sheila then spent 16 years as a Convention Services Manager before moving into the sales department. She obtained her CMP designation in 1998 and has also received Certified Hospitality Supervisor designation. She has been nominated for Rock Solid Leader of the Year and was recently honored with our "President's Award”. She has been in the hospitality industry for 30+ years (and she’s only 29?). She is a member of ASAE, AENC, SCSAE, GSAE and TNSAE.
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sleyva@groveparkinn.com
866-474-4951
Michael Unanue
Michael Unanue
Sales Manager (National Accounts - Corporate and SMERF)
Michael Unanue joined The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in May of 2001. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from The State University of New York at Buffalo. His career began as a Front Desk agent, quickly advancing to the position of Housekeeping Supervisor and later to Housekeeping Building Manager. During this time, Michael benefited greatly while cross-training in the Manager on Duty rotation as well as receiving his designation as a Certified Hospitality Supervisor. After four years in the Rooms Division, Michael transferred into the Sales & Marketing department, as the National Group Sales Manager. He has had the advantage of living in many locations inside and outside the United States, making him the perfect fit as the Sales Manager who works with the National Marketplace. In 2009, Michael was nominated for the 2008 Rock Solid Leader of the year award. He has served on the Mind Body Spirit Task Force since 2005, which is responsible for promoting health and wellness within the Resort. Michael was recently selected for the 2009-2010 GPI Culture Council. Michael is a member of MPI, FICP, AH&LA.
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munanue@groveparkinn.com
866-474-4952
Marie Sales
Marie Sales
Sales Manager (NC Corporate & SMERF)
Marie Sales joined The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Carolina University. Marie has been employed with The Grove Park Inn for more than five years, and has earned designation as a Certified Hospitality Supervisor. Marie began her career at The Grove Park Inn in the Convention Services Department where she served as an assistant. Marie quickly advanced to the position of Meetings Express Manager where she provided both sales and convention services needs to a unique clientele. In January 2008, Marie was promoted to serve as a sales manager for the NC Corporate and SMERF markets. Marie is a member of MPI-CC and is currently serving on various committees as a member of this team. Marie lives in the Asheville area with her husband and daughter.
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msales@groveparkinn.com
866-650-4138
Debbie Knight
Debbie Knight
Sales Manager (SC, GA, TN Corporate & SMERF)
Debbie Knight has been with The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa for more than 3 years. Prior to joining the resort, Debbie worked at Asheville Destination Management Company and the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Debbie has more than 15 years experience in the hospitality industry with extensive knowledge of the Asheville area. Member of Tennessee MPI and GaMPI. Enjoys gardening and looks forward to becoming a new grandmother.
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dknight@groveparkinn.com
866-474-4953
Brittany Beckwith
Brittany Beckwith
Sales Manager (National Associations)
Brittany joined The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in 2006 as a recent graduate of the Appalachian State University College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism program. She began her career in Food and Beverage Operations, quickly finding her propensity of Sales and Convention Services. Prior to managing the National Association market, Brittany has achieved success and experience as a Sales Assistant, Meetings Express Sales and Conference Services Manager, becoming a Certified Hospitality Sales Professional, and cross training as Resort Manager. When she’s not at work Brittany enjoys reading, volunteering, and spending time outdoors. Her goals in 2010 include obtaining a CMP designation.
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bbeckwith@groveparkinn.com
866-474-4955
Lajuanda Bond
LaJuanda Bond
Meetings Express Sales Manager
LaJuanda Bond is a Western North Carolina native. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University where she earned her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and a Certified Hospitality Supervisor. LaJuanda worked at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa from 2003-2005 in the Special Events Department. There she gained valuable insight about our guests by helping coordinate the Resort's Adventure Weekends like All That Jazz and Comedy Classic. These events proved that LaJuanda had what it takes to get the guests exactly what they wanted. She left in 2005 to pursue an alternate career in the real estate planning and development market. Deciding her loyalties really did lie within hospitality, she returned to the Special Events Department in 2007, and shortly thereafter, was promoted to Meetings Express Manager. LaJuanda enjoys the fulfillment of working with a guest from the beginning to the end, making sure every detail of their event exceeds their expectations
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lbond@groveparkinn.com
866-474-4941
