SHL alumni spotlight - Don Strickland '14

submitted by Don Strickland

Through the School of Hospitality Leadership, I found an internship that led to a job offer to work as a guest services manager for an award-winning ocean-front hotel in Corolla, North Carolina. From there, I moved to Chapel Hill as an assistant general manager with Atma Hotel Group. Within six years at Atma, I climbed the ladder and became an area manager who oversaw five hotels, including Hilton, Marriott and IHG brands.

After a decade of hotel operations, I made a change and began working as a project manager. I now work for Joseph Lang Lasalle, ranked 185 on the Fortune 500 list, the world’s second-largest real estate firm. As a PM, I help hotel owners and developers make their dreams a reality by managing renovations and ground-up developments across the country. Project management was not something I considered as a hospitality major; however, there is much overlap between the two industries. Though I miss being on property, being a PM allows me the flexibility to create a great work/life balance. I can work from home or the office or travel to work with different brands and owners while still having time with my family.

I’m also chairman of the Carrboro Tourism Development Authority, which helps bring visitors to Orange County through events and attractions.

What I learned about lodging, events, F&B and tourism I now use to help develop amazing properties around the country. Thanks to SHL, I get to change city skylines, create lasting memories for travelers, and live out my dream of impacting lives through hospitality & tourism.

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• Academic
• School of Hospitality Leadership