Vision Hospitality Group

Mitch Patel, Founder And Chief Executive Officer

Channeling a passion for the hospitality industry, Mitch Patel established Vision Hospitality Group in 1997 on a foundation of values that guide the organization to this day.  

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Mitch oversees every aspect of the company, from investment procurement to the seamless execution of daily operations. Additionally, he oversees strategic development and implementation that has propelled Vision Hospitality Group to garner numerous awards within the industry.

Ish Patel, Honorary Chairman

A native of India, Ish earned his undergraduate degree in Dairy Science & Technology from Sardar Patel University in Anand, Gujarat, India, in 1969. He then pursued his education in the United States, earning his Master’s degree in Food Science & Technology from the University of California, Davis, where he also completed his post-graduate studies and research in Food Microbiology.

In 1977, he accepted the role of Quality Assurance Manager for a major food company in Stockton, CA. While maintaining his QA position, Ish entered the hotel industry in 1978 with the lease-purchase of an independent motel. In 1980, he moved to Cleveland, TN, in pursuit of a franchised property, which he owned and managed for over 24 years.

Ish’s passion for hospitality led him to be the first developer of a new-build hotel in East Tennessee as well as one of the first developers of a Days Inn in Tennessee in 1985. Guided by his favorite quote, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give” –Winston Churchill, Ish became a founding member of the Mid-South Indemnity Association, which eventually led to the start of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. He is also the founder and inaugural president of the Indian Cultural Association of East Tennessee (GSET). As Vision’s Chairman, Ish has been active in the local civic community as a member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, TN, since his joining in 1985.

Patrick O'Neil, Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer at Vision Hospitality Group, Patrick offers strategic guidance, operational expertise, and fosters a culture of excellence among the company's 1200+ associates across 40 hotels poised for accelerated growth.

Prior to joining Vision, Patrick held key positions at Peachtree Hotel Group including President of Asset Management and President of Peachtree Hospitality Management. Under his leadership, the Peachtree Real Estate portfolio experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 23 hotels to 90 properties within six years. Patrick's focus on prioritizing people contributed to cultivating a culture of operational excellence.

With a career spanning various roles within hotels and corporate settings, including founding his own brand and working with boutique hospitality firms as well as large private equity entities, Patrick remains dedicated to the core essence of the industry – delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

In his free time, Patrick enjoys being with his wife and three children. He is also an avid New England Patriots and Bruce Springsteen fan.

Mason Thornburg, Chief Financial Officer

Mason serves as the Chief Financial Officer, where he collaborates with key leadership members to shape financial strategy and ensure the company's financial health and stability. With a rich background spanning over 20 years in Finance and Operations, Mason brings a wealth of experience to his role.  His expertise includes construction, real estate, development, hospitality, and logistics.

Before joining Vision Hospitality Group, Mason held pivotal positions such as CFO at Patriot Family Homes, VP of Partnerships and Finance-Accounting at Signal Energy, LLC., and VP of Finance and Treasury at Hutton, among others. Mason earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and later pursued an MBA from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Throughout his career, he has taken pride in fostering high-functioning teams characterized by integrity.

Beyond his professional commitments, Mason remains deeply engaged with his alma mater and local church community. Hailing from Texas, Mason is an avid University of Texas enthusiast, with a passion for college football and UTC wrestling. In his leisure time, he enjoys wake surfing and snowboarding, embracing the outdoors with enthusiasm.

O’Mally Foster, Senior Vice President of Culture And Talent Resources

As the Senior Vice President of Culture and Talent Resources, O’Mally performs an important role in identifying new talent as Vision continues to grow. He also supports company leaders as they assist their associates in maximizing their full potential.

O’Mally’s career began in 1996 as the regional training specialist and LP agent for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. From this position, he transitioned into the hospitality industry where he gained experience as an assistant general manager and a rooms manager. He later became the regional director of human resources for Noble-Interstate Management where he supported a portfolio of hotels that employed over 3000 associates. His ability to successfully develop and implement strategies to identify and recruit employees led him to his next position as the human resources generalist in Charleston, TN, which he held for two years. The Chattanoogan Hotel in Chattanooga, TN, then offered him the position of human resources director. He spent the last three years revamping the hotel’s culture program, improving internal communications and community relations, and developing a new onboarding process. His work ethic and results earned him the Chattanoogan’s Rising Star award in 2016.

O’Mally enjoys traveling the world, reflecting on his passion for meeting new people and learning about different cultures. He was born and raised in Mobile, AL, and has acquired a talent for cooking and baking. He is involved in the community through service projects such as Chattanooga Clean and Green, and he serves as a member of the local and national Society for Human Resource Management.

Arlene McCullough, Senior Vice President of Accounting

Arlene returned to the Vision family in 2023 in the role of Senior Vice President of Accounting, bringing 30 years of hospitality experience establishing accounting standards and procedures.

Arlene loves to travel with her husband and dog, Olive, and enjoys serving as the travel agent for her extended family's travels.

Kevin Warwick, Vice President of Design and Construction

As the Vice President of Design and Construction, Kevin plays a pivotal role in steering the strategic vision and leadership of our forthcoming property design and concept initiatives.

Prior to joining Vision Hospitality Group, Warwick held the position of Director of Construction at Innisfree Hotels, contributing over a decade of dedicated service. He oversaw every facet of project development, from initial concept to design, procurement, and final execution. Kevin garnered numerous accolades from both branded hotels and the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, securing multiple awards for properties under his stewardship, as well as acclaim from esteemed brands for design and development.

With a career spanning 28 years,  Kevin began his professional journey in general contracting before redirecting his focus to the hospitality industry in 2013. His diverse expertise across various disciplines attests to his extensive tenure and the prestigious awards he has received.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Warwick finds joy in spending time with his wife and three adult sons along with their families. In his leisure, he enjoys activities such as fishing, hunting, and being in nature.

Joel Wineman, Vice President of Asset Management

As Vice President of Asset Management, Joel is responsible for driving optimal financial performance across the portfolio of Vision Hospitality Group-owned assets. Joel optimizes revenue strategies, benchmarks and measures key operating metrics, and works collaboratively with the hotel operating teams at all levels of the organization. Joel is also responsible for developing annual asset capital expenditure budgets, managing insurance renewals and claims, and uncovering ROI opportunities for Vision to invest in.

Prior to joining Vision in September 2021, Joel worked extensively in the asset management arena for a variety of ownership interests, including multiple national private equity firms, a 3rd party asset management firm, and a public REIT.  Before he began his career in asset management, Joel worked in hotel operations as a Director of Finance with Marriott International for 18 years.

Joel earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska – Omaha. He enjoys spending time with his new neighbors in his community of Chattanooga and taking long walks at the River Park with his wife, Theresa, and their dog, Tucker.

Terry Daum, Vice President of Revenue Generation

As the Vice President of Revenue Generation, Terry is responsible for all aspects of the Vision portfolio’s revenue generation, optimization and online presence. The Vision Regional Sales, Revenue Management and Digital teams are among the best in the industry.

He attended the University of New Hampshire where he attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration. While attending UNH, Terry gained experience working in local hotels that led to an opportunity to be the Area Director of Sales for Innkeepers Hospitality, now known as Island Hospitality. Terry spent nine years mastering various positions within Innkeepers, from General Manager to Vice President of Revenue Management. In 2005, he accepted the position of Director of Hotel Sales and Revenue Management Support with Hilton Worldwide. He worked for Hilton Worldwide’s Focused Service Division for 14 years before joining the Vision Hospitality Group in 2018.

When not at the office, Terry and his family enjoy taking advantage of the great outdoors, whether hiking, kayaking, or biking.

Maggie Moran, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Jeff Mochel, Regional Vice President of Operations

Jeff oversees operations for Vision Hospitality Group's Chattanooga at Hamilton Place properties. He works closely with the management teams at the properties in maintaining operating standards and executing daily procedures. Jeff acts as a liaison between the hotel general managers and the management company, where he is charged with not only upholding the hotel’s brand standards but also maintaining Vision's “hands-on” culture at the property level.

Prior to joining the organization in 2010, Jeff worked with Jameson Inn hotels as Senior Regional Director of Operations. His duties included overseeing as many as 50 hotels in the Southeast. Jeff is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. Jeff’s time in the hospitality industry has taught him to be creative in solving problems, as no two days are alike, but every day gives the opportunity to help someone, whether it be a guest, General Manager, or a coworker.

Jeff serves as the Vice President of Education on the board of the East Brainerd Chamber of Commerce. Jeff is involved with local Chattanooga schools on improvement projects as well as volunteering his time to prepare the students for interviewing, career options, and educating them on careers in hospitality. Jeff also volunteers his time with the Chattanooga Food Bank, American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, and Toys for Tots in the Chattanooga area.

In his free time, Jeff and his wife enjoy hiking the trails of the Great Smokey Mountains and the amazing trails surrounding the Chattanooga area.

Steve Patterson, Regional Vice President of Operations

Steve joined Vision Hospitality Group in 2021 as Regional Vice President of Operations where he supports all of our hotels in the Atlanta region as well as Blue Ridge. 

Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, with over 35 years in the industry. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a BS in Tourism, Food, and Lodging Administration. Like most in our profession, Steve worked up through the ranks, getting his start in food and beverage. He has been in operations for the majority of his career, with highlights including serving as Regional Vice President of Operations with both Hilton and Hyatt for 25 years.

Career highlights include joining Hyatt to collaborate on the startup of both the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands. He worked extensively with owners and operators to collaborate on a successful launch of both brands. Steve also says that "developing and mentoring outstanding people in the hospitality industry" is his proudest accomplishment so far.

Heather Brinson, Regional Vice President of Sales

In Heather's 20 years in hospitality, she has spent eight of those years in group and business transient sales with Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Her next move took her to a Director of Sales position with Hotel Equities in the Atlanta market.

Heather first joined Vision Hospitality Group, in 2013. While she started as a Director of Sales, Heather soon took on the role of Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for what became Region 3 within the portfolio. While her hotels were primarily located in the Atlanta metro area, she also assisted in our growth to Houston TX, Wilmington NC, Denver CO, Aurora CO, Huntsville AL, and Tuscaloosa, AL. Heather was not only present for much of that change and growth, she helped to facilitate that growth through consistent results and a hand's on approach.

Throughout all this experience, when asked to list her proudest career moment this far, Heather says "I love coaching and developing sales leaders and witnessing their growth and successes. When I walk into our hotels, I feel a sense of family."

In her life at home, Heather and her husband, Jared, are proud of their daughter, Kira, attending Georgia Southern as a freshman this fall. Their son, Scott, will be a junior at Milton High School. She loves spending time with family, traveling, playing tennis, going to concerts, and, of course, Alabama football. Roll Tide!

Kremena Matzelle, Vice President of Revenue Management

As Vice President of Revenue Management, Kremena oversees the day-to-day revenue management for Vision's lifestyle hotels. She identifies new opportunities, implements revenue management procedures and best practices, and ensures the properties are exceeding service levels and operational standards.

Kremena's hospitality journey began in 1999, where she worked at a destination resort in Bulgaria. Finding her passion in the hotel business, she continued to pursue her career through various positions in operations with full-service properties such Adams Mark Hotels, Radisson, and Hilton. In 2007, she accepted the role of Revenue Manager with TMI Hospitality where she oversaw a portfolio of Marriott extended stay hotels. Her track record and performance quickly gained her two promotions where she was instrumental in developing a revenue management training program for new general managers and revenue managers. It was in this capacity that she also assisted in the opening of over twenty hotels while supporting the development of new talents within the revenue management team. In her role as Revenue Strategy Director, she was responsible for the financial performance and revenue maximization for an assigned region of 45 hotels, consisting of six different brands.

While studying German at the Foreign Language School Geo Milev and International Business at the University of Economics - Varna, Kremena had the opportunity to practice five different languages and travel extensively. She now passes on her passion for traveling and exploring various cultures to her children.

In her free time, Kremena enjoys ice-skating and camping with her husband and two sons.

Michael DiMaria, Regional Director of Operations

Michael joined Vision Hospitality Group in 2017 as a General Manager.  Over the course of three years, he made significant strides in revitalizing two struggling properties, earning him recognition as Vision's GM of the Year and the opportunity to spearhead the opening of Kinley Chattanooga Southside as its General Manager.  His remarkable performance paved the way for a promotion to Director of Asset Management, and subsequently to his current role as Regional Director of Operations.

Prior to joining Vision, Michael gained valuable experience in positions at Starwood Hotels, HEI Hotels and Resorts, and various independent properties. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Hospitality Services, from Central Michigan University.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Michael enjoys quality time with loved ones and embarking on outdoor adventures, particularly hiking with his loyal companion, Edley.

Darin Grohs, Director of Culinary Arts

Darin Grohs joined the Vision family in 2020 as the Director of Culinary Arts for our growing lifestyle and boutique hotels. In his role, Darin oversees property F&B standards, the development and implementation of new property specifications, F&B vendor relations, and provides support to the property F&B Leaders to ensure their prosperity and profitability.  Darin's extensive operations experience positions him to not only set up F&B teams for success but also prepare them for the evolving landscape of the industry.

With a rich background in hospitality F&B, his journey began in the culinary arts, granting him invaluable insights into both front and back-of-house management. Prior to joining Vision, Darin spent 13 years contributing to the growth and development of F&B teams at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. His leadership roles within the organization included Director of F&B and F&B Consultant- Hotel Openings, showcasing his dedication to enhancing the guest experience.

Darin's journey through the hospitality industry is rooted in his early experiences, as he once served in the Navy and was stationed in South Carolina for four years. Following his military service, he relocated to Atlanta, where he completed his associate's degree in culinary arts and a bachelor's degree in business administration. This foundation was further strengthened by the attainment of his MBA, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Jenelle Hawkins, Director of Operational Excellence

As the Director of Operational Excellence, Jenelle is responsible for the management of all training initiatives, which includes maintaining and implementing Vision's digital training program. In addition, she designs and develops learning materials and curricula based on identified needs, ensuring that all training procedures are aligned with Vision's core values and business objectives.

With over fifteen years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jenelle joined the organization as an expert in identifying, developing, and conducting unique training programs and professional courses. Jenelle studied Music Education at the University of Tennessee. Though she enjoyed her field of study, she was attracted to the interactive environment hospitality offered, and in 2006, she accepted a position with the Read House Hotel, a 241 room historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, TN. Within the Read House, she transitioned to several management positions in which she facilitated numerous training sessions that enhanced company culture and best practices. Jenelle’s passion to help others become stronger workers then led her to accept her most previous position as Training and Development Manager for Stokely Hospitality Enterprises, one of East Tennessee’s largest employers in the hospitality industry.

In her free time, Jenelle enjoys working on her personal goal to complete a hike of every established trail in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Brian Hennessy, Director of Investments

As Director of Investments, Brian sources development projects and acquires operating hotels. He utilizes his strong background in site acquisition to procure best-in-class sites for future hotel use, using his relationships with various brands to secure the highest yielding flags. He works closely with sellers, counsel, and consultants to provide a seamless transaction.

Brian has a worked in a similar capacity with hotel and retail developers and earned a Master of Real Estate from John Hopkins University.

He enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and a round of golf.

Danielle Renteria, Director of Finance and Development Accounting

Danielle joined Vision Hospitality Group in 2015 as an Accounts Payable Manager.  During her time with Vision, she had several promotions, including Property Accountant, Development and Investments Accountant, which led to her current role as Director of Finance and Development Accounting.  Danielle oversees all construction accounting, including cash flow management, projected final cost reporting, budget variance analysis, and end-of-project cost segregations. Among other full-cycle accounting services, she also acts as treasurer for partner contributions, quarterly distributions, fund investments, working capital loans, FF&E, tax, and insurance escrows.

Danielle earned her Master's degree in accounting from Georgia Southern University and previously worked as an accountant for an Atlanta general contractor that specialized in multi-million dollar apartment and retirement communities.  Before starting her accounting career, she served in the US Air Force as a Cryptologic Linguist.

Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons hiking, bike riding, watching and playing baseball, and building Legos.

Keri Moore, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing

Keri joined Vision Hospitality Group in 2022 as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for our Region 3 hotels, which primarily consists of hotels in the Atlanta market, as well as Huntsville and Tuscaloosa.  In her position, Keri collaborates with hotel leaders to create and execute strategic sales plans as well as providing assistance and support to the hotel sales leaders.

Keri started her sales career as a catering coordinator in a full service hotel.  By the time she was 25 years old, she had worked her way through every sales and catering position in the full service sales office.  Her first director position came with Interstate Hotels and Resorts, where she worked in brands such as Residence Inn, Hyatt Place, and Courtyard by Marriott.  Her career further expanded into brands like Embassy Suites and the Autograph Collection.  Keri most recently served as a Regional Director of Sales for five years at Ascent Hospitality.  There, she managed sales teams from Mississippi, to Georgia.  

In  her life outside of work, Keri enjoys spending time with her husband and furry friends.  She also loves bird watching, gardening, home decorating, and anything outdoors.  She has a strong passion for recycling and preservation of the environment. 

Kaylon Tuttle, Regional Director of Revenue Management

Kaylon is responsible for the day-to-day revenue management for Vision's East Tennessee properties. As one of the four Regional Directors, he identifies new opportunities, implements revenue management procedures and best practices, and ensures the properties are exceeding service levels and operational standards.

Kaylon accepted the Regional Director of Revenue Management position with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, from properties in Texas to Tennessee. He joined the organization in 2012 where he has since received numerous accolades based on his revenue optimization and management skills. His leadership allowed him to transition through several positions, such as assistant general manager and dual sales manager, before being named general manager of the Hampton Inn by Hilton Chattanooga West/Lookout Mountain in 2016. In this role, Kaylon led his team to receive a consecutive Hilton Circle of Excellence award as well as placement in the top 5% of the Hampton brand in Total Quality Service.

In his leisure time, Kaylon enjoys playing guitar and pick up soccer. He is an avid podcast listener and reader, and he enjoys wandering through any downtown with no real plan.

Teresa Garcia, Regional Director of Revenue Management

Teresa joined Vision in 2022 in the role of Regional Director of Revenue Management where she oversees our greater Atlanta portfolio of hotels.

Teresa has fifteen years of hospitality experience in both property level operations and above property revenue optimization positions.

She enjoys traveling, exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures and cuisines.

Tara McCulloch, Regional Director of Revenue Management

Stephanie Berkland, Regional Revenue Manager

Mike Willingham, Corporate Director of Information Technology

As Director of Corporate IT, Mike ensures the company is connected and compliant with organizational communications, telecom, and IT Infrastructure needs. Prior to joining Vision Hospitality Group, Mike spent the last 13 years with Benchmark Hospitality elevating in many positions from property-based IT Manager to Benchmarks Director of IT, overseeing 80 hotels and resorts. Professionally Mike has been recognized by the White House Communications Agency – Certificate of Appreciation (IT Support) and U.S. Army – General Kevin T. Campbell’s Office - Certificate of Appreciation (IT Support). In his spare time, he is active as a Lookout Mountain Georgia Municipal Planning Commission Member and Lookout Mountain Georgia Volunteer Fighter.

Diana Cato, Corporate Director of Human Resources

Diana joined Vision in March 2022 in the position of Corporate Director of Human Resources where her primary responsibility is employee relations and upholding our Vision culture.  With a background of over nine years of hospitality focused Human Resources experience, she provides coaching and guidance to our property leaders navigating challenging situations, as well as assisting in all aspects of Human Resources.

Diana has a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and earned PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-CP (Society of Human Resources - Certified Professional) designations.

Outside of work, she enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with her husband and dog.

Sam Ladue, Corporate Director of Facilities

As Corporate Director of Facilities, Sam Ladue oversees Vision's portfolio of hotel operational equipment, including HVAC, plumbing, and kitchen systems, ensuring building integrity and cost-effective maintenance. With a focus on Quore training and meeting the needs of operational associates, Sam emphasizes seamless behind-the-scenes work so guests experience flawless service.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He has held key leadership positions, most recently serving as Corporate Facilities Manager, where he managed maintenance and engineering for seven hotels, retail spaces, office spaces, and The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. His dedication to operational efficiency and financial prudence earned him the Associate of the Year award in 2021 with his previous employer.

Sam and his wife, Stephanie, moved to Tennessee 16 years ago and haven't looked back. They are both committed to animal welfare while actively participating in fostering and rehabilitating feral and stray cats. Their only child is LoLa, their black lab fur baby. In their leisure time, they enjoy dining out, travel and exploring new destinations.

Mary Strech, Personal Assistant to Mitch Patel

Mary has been a loyal associate with Vision as the Executive Assistant to Mitch Patel, providing administrative support for the CEO and oversight over all office operations, including new development entity management, associate payroll, partner relations, banking and financial record-keeping. Most importantly, she strives to provide each of Vision’s properties with the dedicated service and personal attention they require.

After 16 years in banking, Mary entered the hospitality industry as a Night Auditor for a Hampton Inn in 1996 and later became a Front Office Manager with ZMC Hotels. In 2005, she joined the Vision team as the General Manager of a Hampton Inn that was previously managed by the company.

Brent Stockberger, Development Manager

Brent joined Vision in 2020 in the role of Development Manager.  He is responsible for overseeing construction management and development project cost control for new construction and renovation projects.

Prior to joining Vision, Brent gained valuable skills working in various rolls within the construction industry and earned his way to project manager. Brent graduated from Chattanooga State Community College with an Associate Degree in Construction Engineering.

Mario Olivelli, Development Manager

Brandi Paris, Digital Marketing Manager

In her role, Brandi oversees the online content, social media and digital marketing for each hotel in Vision's growing portfolio. 

Brandi joined Vision as a front desk associate in 2012.  Brilliant work and solid work ethic created numerous opportunities for promotions and new assignments including time in accounting, operations, sales, revenue optimization and E-commerce which led to her current position as Digital Marketing Manager.   

In her free time, Brandi enjoys spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes, gardening and spending time with her three sons and two dogs.

Amy Helton, Corporate Payroll Manager

Amy joined Vision in 2006 and was quickly promoted to Corporate Payroll Manager.  In this role,  Amy has watched Vision grow from a small company of less than a hundred employees to the over 1200 plus Vision associates we have today.   She is responsible for everyone receiving their paycheck.

Prior to joining Vision, Amy's career in hospitality started as a sales secretary and she quickly moved up the ranks to become Assistant General Manager.

In her spare time, Amy is a historian who studies and collect artifacts pertaining to the Royal Family of Britian.

Glenn Hogan, Senior Investment Associate

Glenn Hogan serves as the Senior Investment Associate for Vision Hospitality Group. Glenn acts as the primary contact with investors and supplies all necessary financial information to lenders, equity partners, brokers, and teams. He works extensively in identifying, evaluating, and securing financing sources, playing an essential role in all acquisitions and dispositions.

Prior to joining Vision, Glenn gained valuable experience in real estate sales and construction.  He graduated from University of Georgia with a bachelor's in finance and real estate.

Glenn spends his free time enjoying the outdoors hunting, hiking or watersports.

Michael Dollarhide, Financial Analyst