Douglas Wood Recipient of Stark Leadership Award
DENVER, CO, July 9, 2007. Providence Hospitality Partners (PHP) has named the General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, Douglas Wood, the premier recipient of its Charles 'Russ' Stark Leadership Award.
Wood was recognized, according to David Storm, President of Providence Hospitality Partners, "for his exceptional wisdom, strength of character, steadfast integrity, sound leadership, compassion and an uncompromised commitment to service, quality and profitability." The award was presented to Wood at PHP's annual management meeting that was held at the Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs, in June.
"I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of this award, as I am surrounded by so many talented and exceptional individuals at Providence Hospitality, each of whom could have easily won this award," said Douglas Wood. "I am proud to be part of the Providence family and of what we have been able to achieve at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach." As general manager, Wood has just overseen a two year, $15 million renovation of the landmark beachfront property which was originally built in 1972. The Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach is located at 450 E Harbor Blvd. in Ventura, California.
Named for the CEO of Providence Hospitality Partners, Charles 'Russ' Stark who was an U.S. Naval aviator, the award is a bronze of a 1920's style aviator by the artist George Lundeen. Born in Holdrege, Nebraska, George Lundeen is a nationally known sculptor of realistic figures. He holds the status of full Academician of the National Academy of Design in New York and one of his best known pieces is the bronze, life-size figure of Benjamin Franklin at the University of Pennsylvania. He also has work at the Capital Rotunda in Washington D.C.
Charles R. Stark, Chairman/Partner
As CEO and Partner, Providence Hospitality Partners, Russ brings the leadership and hotel acumen that comes from more than 35 years of hands on hotel operating and development experience. The son of a New York City hotelier, Russ has embraced the disciplines of effective hotel management and dedication required for success. Russ is actively involved in the daily operation of all hotels and maintains primary responsibility for the establishment of property level goals and strategic development and acquisition activities.
o Thirty five years of hands on experience
o Responsible for the administration and development of prestigious hotels throughout the United States
o Bachelor of Science degree, St. Louis University
o MBA, New York University
o Officer U.S. Navy (naval aviator)
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