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People News Along the West Coast

New hires and promotions are booming at several of California’s resorts and hotels.

By Amanda Christensen

The Golden State has seen a surge in hires and promotions across the businesses that make up its hospitality industry—and several properties in the south in San Marcos to the coast of Carmel Bay further north are making way for new talent that will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to their sales and events teams.

Emily Plascencia was promoted to sales and events manager at Hyatt Carmel Highlands just south of Monterey. Plascencia worked her way through the ranks of the hotel over the years, first starting at the property as a hospitality intern in 2016. In this new role, she will now oversee weddings, celebrations, and corporate events held at the hotel.

Headshot of Emily Plascencia. April 14, 2023
Emily Plascencia CREDIT Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Plascencia now has 10 years of industry experience and holds a unique passion for weddings and events overlooking the picturesque Big Sur coast.

Terranea Resort, situated along the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Ranchos Palos Verdes, appointed industry veteran Troy Wood as its director of sales in March. In the new role, Wood now oversees and coordinates all sales efforts for the 582-room property. “Terranea Resort is truly a special place unlike any other,” says Wood, in a prepared statement. “I am thrilled to join the team [and provide] elevated experiences combined with superior levels of service to our guests and clientele.”

Headshot of Troy Wood. April 14, 2023
Troy Wood CREDIT Terranea Resort

Wood comes to the resort with more than 15 years of seasoned hospitality experience, previously working in roles like director of sales at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa in Carlsbad; director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in New Mexico; and assistant area director of sales at Grand Hyatt San Antonio and Hyatt Regency San Antonio.

Further south, Lakehouse Resort in San Marcos named Michael Savastano as general manager of the property in March. In the role, Savastano oversees all facets of the resort operations, including golf, the marina, sales, events, and food and beverage. A 16-year veteran at Hyatt hotels, Savastano has strategized and opened several properties across the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia. “I was immediately drawn to the energy of Lakehouse due to its unlimited offerings for resort guests and the local community,” Savastano says in a prepared statement.

Headshot of Michael Savastano. April 14, 2023
Michael Savastano CREDIT Lakehouse Resort / Michael Savastano

Most recently, Savastano was resort manager of Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, California, the first new-build luxury resort in the Americas for the Alila brand. “My passion has always been creating an unrivaled guest experience, coupled with a fantastic work culture, and I’m so excited to bring that to Lakehouse,” he says.

hyatt.com

lakehousehotelandresort.com

terranea.com

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