Deann Patena Returns to Radisson at Star Plaza as Director of Sales

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- White Lodging is pleased to welcome Deann Patena back to the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana.  Patena's new position with the company is as the Director of Sales and Marketing.  

"Deann previously was the Senior Sales Manager at the hotel between 1999 and 2008, and she brings a wealth of sales experience with her as well as an established history and relationships with a myriad of key clients and organizations," said Joe Frasca Vice President and General Manager at the Radisson.

In 2008, Patena left White Lodging to assume the Sales Manager job and then the Director of Sales position at Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa in Michigan City, Indiana.

A graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Journalism, Patena's first job in the hospitality industry was with Schahet Hotels.  In her three years with this company she served as the General Manager of the Hampton Inn Northwest in Indianapolis.  From there, she moved to the Quality Inn & Suites in Indianapolis, which is managed by Sunburst Hospitality Corporation. At that property she was again the General Manager.

Patena's career in sales began in earnest when she worked for hotel management firm USFS where she was the Regional Sales Manager for nine hotels across the Midwest. It was after leaving this position that Patena first joined White Lodging as the Senior Sales Manager at the Radisson.

In her nearly nine years at the Radisson, Patena consistently exceeded sales goals and was responsible for $1.5 million in bookings each year.  She also received several industry awards including being named the Associate Member of the Year by Indiana Society of Association Executives, the Supplier of the year and the Chapter Member of the year by the Indiana chapter of Meeting Professionals International (IMPI), and being inducted into the IMPI Hall of Fame.  Patena is also a past president of IMPI.

"Deann is one of the most prolific room night producers in the history of the Radisson," Frasca commented.  "We are truly glad to welcome her back."

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development, and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to large-scale hotels across the country. Their current portfolio consists of over 155 hotels in 18 states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or call 219-472-2900.

SOURCE White Lodging Services Corporation