USA, Merced, California. September 07, 2020

Robin Donovan, managing director of El Capitan, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, Mainzer and The Tioga today announced that Sara Cribari Hill has been appointed the director of people and community impact for the three downtown Merced based businesses. Hill, a Merced resident, brings a wealth of knowledge to the newly created position through her professional human resource experience and passion for community involvement.

The director of people and community impact is a hybrid position specifically crafted for El Capitan, Mainzer and The Tioga, three businesses affiliated with the Joie de Vivre Hotels brand, to oversee human resource operations while simultaneously cultivating and supporting the properties goal to positively impact the Merced community. In this role, Hill will support these efforts across El Capitan, a 114-room hotel set to open in late 2020, the recently opened historic theatre and restaurant Mainzer, and the luxury apartments at The Tioga. Hill's initial community impact focus will be in the areas of education, job creation and economic development. El Capitan is expected to hire more than 100 positions over the coming months and plans to support the effort with a robust job training program. All three business will be managed by Hyatt and affiliated with the Joie de Vivre Hotels brand.

"We are thrilled to have Hill join us to assist in building our team and developing strategies to help our properties be a catalyst for good in Merced," said Donovan. "With her extensive experience and thorough knowledge of the area, she's ready to hit the ground running and make a positive impact from day one."

Hill's involvement in the Merced community and greater Central Valley have been an integral part of her life since she moved to the area in 2016. In her most recent position as the chief executive officer of the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce, she revamped the chambers structure to streamline the organization's efforts to support existing and new businesses, drive economic development and cultivate the local workforce. Previously, Hill served as the talent development and strategy director at CoreHR, a Fresno-based human resources and legal firm. In this role she expanded business offerings to include compliance consulting and workforce development training, ultimately supporting businesses of all sizes in the Central Valley. Prior to that, Hill held several positions with Old Navy and Old Navy International providing her with more than a decade of experience in branding, inventory analysis, apparel buying and human resources.

Hill holds a degree in merchandising marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising where she attended at their Irvine and San Francisco campuses. She is an active member of the Merced community and currently serves on the board of the Merced Rotary Club. Hill resides in downtown Merced in a 1950's bungalow that she restored with her husband.

"I've always been intrigued by the magic of the San Joaquin Valley and towns like Merced that grow and produce food and beverages for our nation," said Hill. "I'm excited to work with a company that is committed to not only celebrating the amazing people, places and businesses in Merced but also being a partner in the continued positive growth in the area."

El Capitan, set to open in late 2020, is housed in a former 19th century historic hotel of the same name and will invite guests to rediscover tradition and adventure in California's Central Valley. Located on the same block, the recently renovated and reopened Mainzer theater is an exciting new restaurant and entertainment venue set in a restored 1920's theatre. Just across the street, The Tioga is a 70-unit upscale apartment complex located in a newly renovated historic landmark building.

For more information, please visit www.elcapitanhotel.com, www.thetiogamerced.com and www.mainzer.com.