PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 9, 2013?- The GATE Hospitality Group (GHG) has announced the appointments of three key leadership positions in the operation of the company’s four world class resort/private club properties – The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra, Epping Forest Yacht Club and The River Club.
Steven Jones will serve as Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations. In his new position, he will have overall responsibly for the direction, planning and development of food and beverage operations of the four GHG clubs.
Jones’ food and beverage service career extends more than 25 years. Most recently, he served as the Regional Director of Food and Beverage Operations for the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Players Clubs. Jones has experience in senior management positions at the Princess Hotel and the Coral Beach and Tennis Club, both in Bermuda. He is a member of the prestigious Northeast Florida Chapter of the Chaine Des Rotisseurs, the Guild of Certified Sommeliers and the Hotel and Catering International Management Association.
Joan Sykora is the newly appointed Vice President of Membership Sales. Sykora will have overall responsibility for developing and implementing sales strategies designed to increase and retain membership in the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, The Lodge & Club, Epping Forest Yacht Club and The River Club.
Sykora’s extensive membership sales career spans more than 24 years. Previous experience includes senior management positions with ClubCorp, the Dallas-based network of more than 150 golf and country clubs, business clubs, sports clubs and alumni clubs in 25 states and two foreign countries. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the Savannah College of Art & Design.
Martin Diehr has been appointed Director of Food and Beverage Outlet Operations for the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. In this capacity, he will oversee the training of all service staff at the club’s eight restaurants and lounges, ensuring the attainment of AAA Five-Diamond service standards.
Diehr’s resume in the field of food and beverage service and training is extensive. He has supervised dining operations for Ritz-Carlton Resorts in the Canary Islands; Jupiter Beach, Fla.; and Greensboro, Ga. Additionally, he has served at both the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami and the Disney Company in Orlando. His vast knowledge of wine has earned him a Certified Sommelier rating.
“We are delighted to have attracted such respected industry leaders to our organization and welcome them to our team,” said Dale Haney, president of the GATE Hospitality Group. “Their respective depth of experience, talent and industry knowledge is simply unparalleled. We have great confidence that their service will prove a great value and benefit to our members and guests, as well as our employees.”