General Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing and Director of Engineering to Oversee New Property
Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center Announces Executive Positions
NEW ORLEANS, LA, July 5, 2005. Three Marriott veterans will take over the helm at the Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center as part of its Executive Committee. The hotel will open its doors July 11, 2005.
General Manager Joe Blanchek has been with Marriott for 20 years, serving most recently as the Director of Operations at the Denver City Center Marriott. Along with his solid operational background, Blanchek has also directed convention services and food and beverage systems for Marriott. He is a Certified Meeting Professional and a member of the Court of Master Sommeliers and has been an active member of the Marriott Colorado Business Council, an area community service organization.
Kristen McMillon is the Director of Sales and Marketing, overseeing all of the sales efforts for the property and assisting in market sales for the New Orleans area. A career Marriott employee, McMillon has a solid track record in sales that spans more than 11 years-most of which have been spent representing New Orleans Market properties. Under her leadership, both Event Booking Center and Market sales teams were awarded sales teams of the year for Marriott International.
Director of Engineering Mark Palmeri is responsible for maintaining the operations of the property, its grounds and landscaping. A native New Orleanian, Palmeri began as a mechanic at the New Orleans Marriott 16 years ago. He worked his way through the ranks to become Chief Engineer at the Canal Street property before moving to the Marriott New Orleans Convention Center.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
