BIRMINGHAM, AL, May 12, 2008. Darryl Whittaker, a 16-year hospitality veteran who has worked for meetings properties in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, has joined the award-winning Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Ala., as a corporate sales manager.

In his new role, Whittaker will book local and national corporate meeting groups for the 329-room meetings and conventions property. The AAA Four Diamond hotel, which is connected to one of the region's largest indoor shopping malls, draws meeting professionals, business travelers, and vacationers from around the world.

Whittaker most recently was a sales manager for the Tutwiler Hotel in Birmingham, Ala. During his one-year tenure, the hotel experienced a 35 percent increase in corporate transient business and added 475 room nights per quarter.

Before that, he served as a corporate sales manager, guest services manager, and assistant guest services manager for the Wyndham Atlanta Hotel. He also assisted with the openings of several Wyndham properties in Atlanta, serving as the lead member of the Wyndham task force sales team.

Early career stints included roles as a group billing coordinator and group reservations coordinator for the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. He began his career as a night audit manager and front desk supervisor for the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashville.

"Darryl is a proven leader who has helped take several meetings properties to the next level," said hotel general manager Tynette Lynch. "We are delighted to welcome him to the Wynfrey Hotel as a corporate sales manager. Under his leadership, the hotel will continue to build on its reputation as one of the top hotels in the Southeast for meetings and conventions."

Whittaker gained national exposure in 2003 and 2004 when Wyndham Hotels & Resorts named him Manager of the Year. The company twice named him Manager of the Quarter. Other honors include being named Volunteer of the Year by Nashville Cares in Tennessee.

He is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, the Birmingham Hospitality Association, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, and Birmingham Event and Meeting Professionals. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee State University in Nashville.

"I am honored to join one of the top hotel sales teams in the nation," Whittaker said. “This is a wonderful opportunity, and I plan to make the most of it. My goal is to help take the hotel to even greater heights as the premier national destination for meetings.”

The Wynfrey Hotel, which is conveniently framed by the 2 million-square-foot Riverchase Galleria shopping mall, is a popular destination for conventioneers, business travelers, leisure travelers, shopping
enthusiasts, social groups, honeymooners and golfers. Highlights include three ballrooms and 18 meeting rooms totaling more than 32,000 square feet; Shula’s Steak House fine-dining restaurant; the more casual Chicory Grille; Ivory’s, a piano-accented lounge; the Chancellor’s Club, a private concierge level; and a spacious lobby complemented with Italian marble floors and fine art.

The hotel has undergone many improvements over the past few years. A $3 million renovation in 2007 included the installation of Italian marble and French chandelier lighting in all of the property’s guest bathrooms. Guests also can enjoy a new upscale amenities package that includes Tarrocco brand shampoos, conditioners, lotions, bath bars and facial bars. New plush carpet has been installed in corridors on all guest room floors.

In 2003, the Wynfrey joined forces with legendary football coach Don Shula to open Shula’s Steak House, a 140-seat eatery featuring a virtual museum of 1972 Miami Dolphins memorabilia, sepia-toned photos, rich wood, and hand-painted football menus. The restaurant serves only Certified Angus Beef.

In 2007, the hotel made history by receiving its 21st consecutive Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association, a first for a lodging property in the state of Alabama.

Over the years, the Wynfrey also has received the highly prized Pinnacle Award from the readers of Successful Meetings magazine, the Mobil Four-Star Award, and the Stars of the South Award from Meetings South magazine for outstanding meeting facilities and excellent service.

For more information, contact the Wynfrey by phone (205/987-1600 or 800-WYNFREY), by e-mail (tynette.lynch@wynfreyhotel.com or rusti.price@wynfreyhotel.com) or by mail (1000 Riverchase Galleria, Birmingham, AL 35244).

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