Freda Baker

Freda Baker, CMP, Director of Catering and Convention Services
36 years of Service with The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa

Have a large group or event with a very particular need? Freda Baker, Director of Catering & Convention Services, is your woman.
How about “Rocket Man?” Freda personally organized The NC Bar Association’s 100th year celebration at The Inn. They wanted “Rocket Man,” the man you may have seen who dons a jet suit, complete with jet pack, and soars into the air. He flew from the Vanderbilt Wing roof, pivoted in mid-air, then landed on the Mountain View Terrace. The organization, legal wrangling, and details were extraordinary. But in this case, it was just another day in Freda’s 36 years of service to The Inn.

“I build relationships as much as events,” Freda proudly says. She does everything, from assigning certain groups to her convention managers, to personally taking them through the planning process. She organizes food and beverage needs, AV needs, flowers, golf, entertainment -- literally all the details required until her clients depart with smiles on their faces. “To do the best, to do the right thing every day, that’s how I try to do my job.” Freda’s groups would heartily agree.

Convention Managers Staff

Luci Smith, CMP, Convention Manager
28 Years of Service of which the last 18 years as a Convention Manager
10 years in The Banquet Department

Kim Williams, Convention Manager
17 Years of Service of which the last 10 Years as a Convention Manager
Group Reservations and Front Desk
7 years in the Rooms Division (Group Reservations and Front Desk)

Christy Ball, Convention Manager
16 Years of Service of which the last 7 Years as a Convention Manager
Group Reservations for 9 Years

Dave Parlett, Convention Manager
8 Years of Service of which the last 2 Years as a Manager in Catering and Convention Services
6 Years in Banquets as a Chef

Star Robertson, CHSP, Catering Manager
3 Years of Service with The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa