Hersha Appoints Karen L. Smith Director of Talent Acquisition
In this new role, Smith will lead the recruiting, interviewing and hiring efforts for the hotel mana
PHILADELPHIA, PA, August 10, 2006. Karen brings to HHM over 15 years of experience in hotel sales and four years of management recruitment expertise working for companies such as Tharaldson Lodging, Hospitality Specialists, Inc., Churchill Management, Shaner Hotels and Intercontinental Hotels," said Jeff Wade, vice president of human resources. The wealth of knowledge that she contains in these areas will serve the company well in seeking top candidates for employment with HHM."
Prior to joining HHM, Smith served at the University of Delaware in the Conference Services Department and the Courtyard Newark University of Delaware Hotel, located on the University campus in Newark, DE. In this role, Smith was responsible for booking large conferences and events that required hotel space. She also assisted in the education and training of the University hospitality career students as well as serving as a professional advisor for the student chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) on campus.
Prior to her work with University of Delaware, Smith served as a recruiter, leading recruitment efforts with Tharaldson Lodging, where she was responsible for hiring the management staff for over 100 hotels in a 15-state region. Smith was recognized as the top recruiter at Tharaldson for two consecutive years because of her success with decreasing hiring time for her properties by 40%. Smith also served as a regional sales manager with Tharaldson, overseeing the sales efforts of 12 hotels in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio for six nationally recognized hotel brands.
Smith is an active member of HSMAI, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Society of Government Meeting Planners (SGMP), Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Hotel Associations and the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).
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