People Profiles

Events Director Fallon Allison balances events for McGuire Moorman Hospitality’s restaurants, with more to come.

One of the world’s richest restaurateurs debuts a new luxury hotel concept in Houston.

Judy Payne bridges GameStop’s generational divide with meetings.

Chris Howard has worked in the hospitality industry for a decade, but recently made Austin his home, where he’s settling into his new role as director of sales and marketing at the Hyatt Regency Austin. Situated on the shore of Lady Bird Lake, the hotel sports a modern aesthetic that suits Austin’s vibrant downtown. The AAA Four Diamond property off ers 45,000 square feet of customizable function space, which Howard is ready to sell.

Marcela Ceccacci grew up traveling with her parents and fell in love with the idea of working in hotels. That way, her career could take her anywhere in the world. 

“I wasn’t sure where I wanted to live when I grew up, since I was fortunate enough to spend summers in Italy and winter breaks in Buenos Aires,” says Ceccacci. “I decided that pursuing a career in hospitality would be the best route for me.”

Mary German knows a lot about personality. As a certified StrengthsFinder facilitator and coach, she helps people identify their strengths and “find their paths based on who they are to their core,” she says.

As senior vice president of operations at the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, German has served in various roles at the ACVB since 1991 and was recently named an honoree for the Women in Tourism category by the Dallas Business Journal. 

Karen Fogle has served as the association and corporate sales manager of Visit Plano for more than a decade.

Chris Cusack, co-founder and CEO of Treadsack Management, is opening three new restaurants this fall, bringing him to a grand total of seven. With everything from a neighborhood bar to regional Thai food, it’s no surprise Cusack knows what he is doing.

John Gilbert of G Texas Custom Catering whips up a fulfilling work environment and positive partnerships. 

Urban Dictionary defines Girl Friday as “a female you can rely on when you are in need of extra assistance; a female who acts as a ‘jack of all trades’ and is capable of doing almost anything,” whichisexactlywhatAdrienneLopezisto her clients. And her Fredericksburg-based business, Girl Friday & Co. Events, has the service portfolio to show for it.