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Our Team
President
Nick Patel is a graduate from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is responsible for the companies growth and profitability with a strong commitment to Turkey Creek Hospitality’s vision and mission statement. He is responsible for the company’s long-term growth strategy and positioning in the hotel industry as well as the coordination of all accounting, budgeting, financial and administrative functions for the company. He is the primary for negotiating management contracts, refinancing, acquisition and sales of the hotels. He serves the company in every aspect of hotel operations.
Chris Drew Director of Operations
Katie Ard Regional Director of Operations
Katie Ard Regional Director of Operations
- In 2000, began career in hotel management.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012.
- Specializes in revenue management, front and back of house operations, and HR.
- Develops and implements effective employee training programs and provides effective leadership management for all TCH hotels.
- Responsible for defining, implementing, and revis
- In 2000, began career in hotel management.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012.
- Specializes in revenue management, front and back of house operations, and HR.
- Develops and implements effective employee training programs and provides effective leadership management for all TCH hotels.
- Responsible for defining, implementing, and revising operational policies and guidelines for the organization, while mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
- Awarded Hilton Circle of Excellence.
Katie Ard Regional Director of Operations
Katie Ard Regional Director of Operations
Katie Ard Regional Director of Operations
- In 2005, began career in hotel management.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012.
- Specializes in property improvement, quality assurance, revenue strategy, hotel operations, and upholding brand standards.
- Responsible for creating budgets to forecast future financial projections involving historical data, trend and regression analysi
- In 2005, began career in hotel management.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012.
- Specializes in property improvement, quality assurance, revenue strategy, hotel operations, and upholding brand standards.
- Responsible for creating budgets to forecast future financial projections involving historical data, trend and regression analysis, expenses and revenue.
- Evaluate P&L statements to ensure each hotel meets their budget expense and revenue goals.
Cassidy Drew Director of Sales IHG Brands
Krystal Denton Director of Sales Hilton Brands
Krystal Denton Director of Sales Hilton Brands
- Studied Business and Hotel Management at Walter State Community College for 2 years.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012 as a breakfast attendant at Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2013, began as a Guest Service Agent.
- In 2014, FOM at Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2015, FOM at Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive.
- In 2020, acc
- Studied Business and Hotel Management at Walter State Community College for 2 years.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012 as a breakfast attendant at Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2013, began as a Guest Service Agent.
- In 2014, FOM at Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2015, FOM at Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive.
- In 2020, accepted the GM at Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2024, managed Comfort Suites Knoxville East and Comfort Suites Kodak.
- In 2025, accepted the position of Director of Sales for the IHG Brand.
Krystal Denton Director of Sales Hilton Brands
Krystal Denton Director of Sales Hilton Brands
Krystal Denton Director of Sales Hilton Brands
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2014 as a Room Attendant at the Hampton Inn Express & Suites @ Stadium Drive, quickly progressing to the Executive Housekeeper position.
- Cross-trained on the front desk as a Guest Service Agent.
- In 2023, Front Office Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive.
- In 2025, accepted the position of Director of Sales for the Hilton Brand.
LaTonya Rudloph General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West-Papermill Drive
LaTonya Rudloph General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West-Papermill Drive
LaTonya Rudloph General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West-Papermill Drive
- Graduate from the University of Kentucky with a BBA in Marketing.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012 with over 16 years of experience in Sales and Management.
- Opened the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West @ Papermill as General Manager.
- Developed sales & revenue strategies and tools that have been instrumental to TCH and
- Graduate from the University of Kentucky with a BBA in Marketing.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2012 with over 16 years of experience in Sales and Management.
- Opened the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West @ Papermill as General Manager.
- Developed sales & revenue strategies and tools that have been instrumental to TCH and still used today.
- Under her leadership, the Holiday Inn Express Knoxville West has earned Newcomer of the Year, IHG Design, and the Torchbearer Award.
- In 2018, LaTonya was named Knoxville Tourism Alliance General Manager of the Year.
Carol Warford General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pigeon Forge/ Near Dollywood
LaTonya Rudloph General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West-Papermill Drive
LaTonya Rudloph General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West-Papermill Drive
- Graduate from Liberty University with a BA in Business and Psychology Leadership, an AA in Interdisciplinary Studies. She has Certifications in Accounting, Revenue Management, and Front & Back of House Operations.
- Began career in hospitality in 1994.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2017 as Director of Sales.
- In 2018, received the S
- Graduate from Liberty University with a BA in Business and Psychology Leadership, an AA in Interdisciplinary Studies. She has Certifications in Accounting, Revenue Management, and Front & Back of House Operations.
- Began career in hospitality in 1994.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2017 as Director of Sales.
- In 2018, received the Sevier County Hospitality Alliance Lodging Employee of the Year Award.
- In 2025, Carol accepted the GM position at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pigeon Forge/ Near Dollywood.
- Awarded the 2025 Women in Tourism & Hospitality Leader of the Year.
Erek Burkhart General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pigeon Forge- Sevierville
LaTonya Rudloph General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West-Papermill Drive
Erek Burkhart General Manager @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pigeon Forge- Sevierville
- Studied Business & Hospitality at Pellissippi State Community College.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2010 as a Night Auditor at Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive.
- Promoted to FOM in 2011. Became AGM in 2012.
- In 2012, Erek won the Circle of Excellence Award for Hilton.
- In 2015, transferred and opened the Holiday Inn Express & Sui
- Studied Business & Hospitality at Pellissippi State Community College.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2010 as a Night Auditor at Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive.
- Promoted to FOM in 2011. Became AGM in 2012.
- In 2012, Erek won the Circle of Excellence Award for Hilton.
- In 2015, transferred and opened the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pigeon Forge- Sevierville as GM.
- In 2016, awarded the Renovation of the Year Formula Blue by IHG.
- In 2018, awarded the Quality of Excellence by IHG and Stars of the Industry Lodging General Manager of the Year by Sevier County Hospitality Association.
Amy Patel General Manager @ Hampton Inn Sevierville
Paige Lowery General Manager @ Hampton Inn & Suites Sevierville @ Stadium Drive
Amy Patel General Manager @ Hampton Inn Sevierville
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2019 as a Guest Service Agent at the Hampton Inn Sevierville.
- In 2021, accepted the position of AGM at the Hampton Inn Sevierville, guiding her team to understand they are the heart and soul of our business.
- In 2024, with her "by the book" management style, promoted her to the GM of the Hampton Inn Sevierville.
Tracy Wade General Manager @ Home2 Suites Sevierville
Paige Lowery General Manager @ Hampton Inn & Suites Sevierville @ Stadium Drive
Amy Patel General Manager @ Hampton Inn Sevierville
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2024 in the role of GM at Home2 Suites Sevierville with 25 years of management experience in the hospitality industry.
- With hands-on leadership as a GM and Corporate Trainer, she enhances hotel efficiency and delivers exceptional service training to her team.
- Opened the hotel fostering a positive and
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2024 in the role of GM at Home2 Suites Sevierville with 25 years of management experience in the hospitality industry.
- With hands-on leadership as a GM and Corporate Trainer, she enhances hotel efficiency and delivers exceptional service training to her team.
- Opened the hotel fostering a positive and structured work environment from the beginning and ensures consistency.
Paige Lowery General Manager @ Hampton Inn & Suites Sevierville @ Stadium Drive
Paige Lowery General Manager @ Hampton Inn & Suites Sevierville @ Stadium Drive
Paige Lowery General Manager @ Hampton Inn & Suites Sevierville @ Stadium Drive
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2023, after receiving the first Turkey Creek Hospitality Internship, as a Guest Service Agent at Comfort Suites Kodak.
- In 2024, Paige began her training in hotel management at the Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive; focus of training being brand standards, operation efficiency, financial performan
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2023, after receiving the first Turkey Creek Hospitality Internship, as a Guest Service Agent at Comfort Suites Kodak.
- In 2024, Paige began her training in hotel management at the Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive; focus of training being brand standards, operation efficiency, financial performance, and the guest experience.
- In 2026, while creating a culture of consistency, positivity, and service excellence received the promotion to GM at the Hampton Inn & Suites @ Stadium Drive.
Debra Adams General Manager @ Edgewater Hotel Gatlinburg
Danielle Gazlay General Manager @ Comfort Suites Knoxville East
Cynthia Johnson Webster General Manager @ Hu. Hotel Memphis
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2021 as the GM of the Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center in Gatlinburg.
- Beginning in 1998, Debra brought 30 years of experience with her to TCH.
- Awarded the title of Lodging General Manager of the Year from the Sevier County Hospitality & Tourism Association.
- In 2023, awarded the prestigious Purple Iris Award for Tennessee's General Manager of the Year.
Cynthia Johnson Webster General Manager @ Hu. Hotel Memphis
Danielle Gazlay General Manager @ Comfort Suites Knoxville East
Cynthia Johnson Webster General Manager @ Hu. Hotel Memphis
- Graduate from Spring Hill College with a BA and a graduate from Belhaven College with an MBA.
- 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry; specializing in rooms division, finance, HR, and revenue.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2025 as the GM of the Hu. Hotel Memphis.
- Adjunct Professor at the University of Memphis, Kemmons
- Graduate from Spring Hill College with a BA and a graduate from Belhaven College with an MBA.
- 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry; specializing in rooms division, finance, HR, and revenue.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2025 as the GM of the Hu. Hotel Memphis.
- Adjunct Professor at the University of Memphis, Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality, and Arkansas State University- MidSouth.
- Served as President of Metro Memphis Attractions Association and is a current board member of Welcome to Memphis.
- Awarded Manager of the Year, Industry Leader of the Year from Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association, and Manager of the Year at the Canopy Hotel Memphis.
Anna Scales General Manager @ SpringHill Suites Pigeon Forge
Danielle Gazlay General Manager @ Comfort Suites Knoxville East
Danielle Gazlay General Manager @ Comfort Suites Knoxville East
- Graduate of Paul Smith's College in New York with a degree in Hospitality.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2026 as the GM of the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge.
- In 1999, Anna began working as a Guest Service Agent for Gibson Hotels' at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville Airport/Alcoa.
- Managed multiple Gibson Hotels pr
- Graduate of Paul Smith's College in New York with a degree in Hospitality.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2026 as the GM of the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge.
- In 1999, Anna began working as a Guest Service Agent for Gibson Hotels' at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville Airport/Alcoa.
- Managed multiple Gibson Hotels properties.
- Provided accounting and HR assistance in the corporate office.
- In 2018, awarded Manager of the Year from Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association; in 2021, awarded Manager of the Year for Gibson Hotel Management.
Danielle Gazlay General Manager @ Comfort Suites Knoxville East
Danielle Gazlay General Manager @ Comfort Suites Knoxville East
Danielle Gazlay General Manager @ Comfort Suites Knoxville East
- Graduate from Pellissippi State Community College with a degree in Business & Hospitality Management.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2021, right out of college, as a Guest Service Agent at the Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2023, promoted to the Front Office Manager.
- In 2024, accepted the AGM at the Comfort Suites Knoxville Eas
- Graduate from Pellissippi State Community College with a degree in Business & Hospitality Management.
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality in 2021, right out of college, as a Guest Service Agent at the Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2023, promoted to the Front Office Manager.
- In 2024, accepted the AGM at the Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
- In 2026, promoted to the GM of the Comfort Suites Knoxville East.
Michelle Woods Accounting
- Started with Turkey Creek Hospitality at its inception approximately 24 years ago.
- Records the accounts and transactions of our business.
- Skilled in business operations and bookkeeping.
- Upholds the goals set within the company and the technology sector to ensure our processes are as simple and efficient as possible.