MEET OUR TEAM
Executive Team
Richard W. Norton – President
Richard W. Norton brings over 30 years of extensive experience in hotel operations, development, and advisory services within the hospitality industry. As President of IPD Hospitality, Inc., he spearheads the company’s hotel operations, development initiatives, real estate acquisitions and consulting services across the United States. His diverse career includes roles in both franchised and independent properties, managing renowned brands such as IHG, Hilton, and Hyatt, as well as overseeing timeshare and condominium management Notably, Richard has successfully developed a 96-unit Hyatt timeshare project in the U.S. Virgin Islands and operated a 144-unit condominium complex in Florida.
Curtis Norton – Director of Operations - US Hospitality Group
Larry Nottingham
Vice President, Director of Operations & Construction
Larry Nottingham is the Vice President and Director of Operations & Construction at IPD Hospitality, where he leads daily operations and strategic initiatives for the growing hotel portfolio. With a hands-on approach he develops operational strategies that enhance performance and profitability. Larry oversees hotel operations, including capital projects and revenue optimization, ensuring quality assurance. His expertise in renovations adds long-term value to IPD-managed properties while managing associates to meet financial goals across the nationwide portfolio.
Jason Hayes
Vice President of Operations
Jason Hayes brings over a decade of expertise in the hospitality industry, specializing in hotel operations, revenue management, and performance optimization. As the Vice President of Operations at IPD Hospitality, he oversees daily operations and spearheads initiatives in yield management, digital strategy, and web optimization across the company’s diverse portfolio. With extensive experience collaborating with major hotel brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham, as well as independent properties, Jason plays a vital role in hotel takeovers, property renovations, and enhancing guest services. His analytical approach and operational insight are key to driving IPD's growth and ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction across all markets. A proud graduate of North Carolina State, Jason has been dedicated to advancing the hospitality throughout his career.
Kathy Bullock
Vice President of Development
Kathy, as the Vice President of Development at IPD Hospitality, is at the forefront of the company's strategic growth and national expansion. She expertly identifies new development opportunities and fosters partnerships with brands and investors, ensuring that each project reflects IPD dedication to exceptional guest experiences and solid investment returns. With her keen of hospitality market trends, Kathy oversees the entire development process from site selection to project execution, ensuring alignment with IPD's operational standards and long-term vision. Her innovative approach and industry expertise are key drivers of IPD Hospitality's continued success as a trusted partner in development and management.
Operations
Deanne Wainright
Director of Food & Beverage Operations
Deanne Wainright brings over 30 years of expertise in the food and beverage industry to her role as Director of Food & Beverage Operations at IPD Hospitality. Since joining the company, she has played a vital role in elevating the culinary and service standards across all F&B operations within the portfolio. Prior to IPD, Deanne owned and operated multiple successful, multi-million-dollar food establishments in the Atlanta area, earning a strong reputation for her leadership, creativity, and business acumen. At IPD, she oversees all facets of food and beverage operations—from menu development and cost control to quality assurance and safety compliance. A leader in product innovation and operational excellence, Deanne is passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences that align with IPD Hospitality’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction.
Daniel Warth
Director of Revenue Management
Daniel “Danny” Warth brings over 30 years of hospitality industry experience to his role as Director of Revenue Management at IPD Hospitality. With a career that began in hotel sales, Danny quickly rose through the ranks to become a General Manager and later a Regional Manager, where he successfully oversaw a portfolio of 36 hotels—consistently exceeding revenue and service benchmarks. Danny’s expertise lies in partnering with hotel owners and operators to drive performance in revenue generation, customer relations, sales and marketing, and systems management. His strong analytical skills, organizational abilities, and hands-on consulting approach make him a key leader in optimizing revenue strategy across IPD’s portfolio. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and a collaborative leadership style, Danny plays a vital role in ensuring each IPD property meets and exceeds its financial and service goals.
Michael Cotten
Regional Director of Operations
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Michael Cotten is a seasoned expert in hotel operations and revenue management. As Regional Director of Operations at IPD Hospitality, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing the performance of multiple properties within the company’s portfolio, ensuring operational excellence and financial success. Michael’s diverse background includes working with a range of prestigious hotel brands such as Hilton, InterContinental Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson, Best Western, and Wyndham. Prior to joining IPD Hospitality, Michael specialized in developing front desk training programs and spent two years teaching the Hotel Management program at the Cooking Hospitality Institute of America in Chicago. He holds a management certificate from The American Hotel & Motel Association and a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Kensington University in California. Michael’s wealth of experience and dedication to hospitality operations continue to drive success across IPD’s hotel portfolio. Prior to IPD, Deanne owned and operated multiple successful, multi-million-dollar food establishments in the Atlanta area, earning a strong reputation for her leadership, creativity, and business acumen. At IPD, she oversees all facets of food and beverage operations—from menu development and cost control to quality assurance and safety compliance. A leader in product innovation and operational excellence, Deanne is passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences that align with IPD Hospitality’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction.
Maria Cataldo
Regional Director of Operations
Maria Cataldo brings 10 years of experience in the hotel industry to her role as Regional Director of Operations at IPD Hospitality. She began her career as an Account Manager, overseeing more than 100 employees across 14 hotels, representing major brands including Marriott, Choice, Hyatt, Hilton, and IHG. Maria’s passion for hospitality led her to housekeeping management, where she honed her leadership skills before transitioning into General Manager roles for both Choice and Hilton properties. Her detail-oriented and leadership-driven approach has been integral to her success, and she now plays a key role in overseeing operations across multiple properties at IPD Hospitality. Maria’s diverse background and strong operational expertise make her a vital asset to the team, ensuring quality service and optimal performance across the portfolio.
Sales and Marketing
Jeannine Tornese
Regional Director of Sales & Marketing
Jeannine Tornese serves as the Regional Director of Sales & Marketing at IPD Hospitality, Inc., where she oversees and supports the sales and marketing initiatives across the company’s diverse portfolio of hotels. With a wealth of experience in both hotel sales and broader hospitality sectors, Jeannine plays a key role in driving revenue growth and enhancing brand presence. Before joining IPD Hospitality, Jeannine worked as a sales trainer and quality assurance test call administrator for several national hotel chains. Her expertise also extends to convention and event management, having served as a National Sales Manager for a convention center and as a Sales Manager for a convention and visitors bureau in the greater Atlanta area. Jeannine holds a degree in Hotel Management from Georgia Southern University, earned in 1992, and has been an integral part of the hospitality industry ever since. Her strategic approach and extensive background make her a crucial asset in IPD’s continued success.
Tonya Glover
Regional Director of Sales & Marketing
Tonya Glover joined IPD Hospitality in August 2021 as the Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, where she collaborates closely with the Sales Team and General Managers to boost group sales and drive local and regional business growth. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Tonya specializes in hotel management, inventory strategies, and forecasting for both limited service and extended stay markets. Before joining IPD, Tonya held positions as General Manager and Regional Director of Sales & Marketing with major hotel brands, including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. Her hands-on approach to sales and customer relationship management has been integral to driving customer loyalty and achieving strong revenue performance across her portfolio. Tonya’s wealth of experience and proactive leadership continues to be a key driver in the success of IPD Hospitality’s sales and marketing efforts.
Accounting
Nancy Baillie
Vice President of Finance and Accounting
Nancy Baillie is an energetic and disciplined finance professional overseeing the financial operations and accounting teams at both the property and corporate levels for IPD Hospitality. In her role, she is responsible for preparing monthly profit and loss statements, tracking accounts receivable and payable, and ensuring the financial health of the organization. Nancy produces detailed monthly operational reviews, including comprehensive profit and loss reports, budget commentary, capital improvements updates, and accounts management. Her analytical skills and attention to detail ensure that financial operations run smoothly and align with company objectives. Nancy holds an Accounting degree from West Chester University and has applied her expertise to drive sound financial management throughout her career.
Mindy Richardson
Director of Accounting
Mindy Richardson serves as Director of Accounting at IPD Hospitality, where she brings a deep understanding of hotel operations and financial management to support the company’s growth and profitability. In her role, she focuses on streamlining accounting processes, supporting operational improvements, and ensuring financial accuracy across the IPD portfolio. Mindy’s hospitality career began in her family’s successful catering business, eventually leading her to earn a degree in Tourism, Convention, and Event Management from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. During college, she participated in the Walt Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida, gaining hands-on experience with one of the industry’s leading hospitality organizations. She has since held key roles in Sales and Catering, as well as General Manager positions in Iowa, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Her background includes working with major hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels. Mindy’s well-rounded experience in both operations and finance gives her a unique perspective in aligning accounting strategies with the company’s overall goals.
Melissa Stauser
Accounting
Melissa works in Accounting at IPD Hospitality, where she leverages her extensive knowledge of hotel operations and financial management to support the company's growth and profitability. In her role, she focuses on streamlining accounting processes, improving operational efficiencies, and ensuring financial accuracy across the IPD portfolio.
Sharae Nottingham
Accounting
Sharae Nottingham brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to IPD Hospitality, where she plays a key role in overseeing several of the company’s high-performing assets. Her focus includes identifying efficiencies, developing brand strategies, and driving profitability across the portfolio of hotels managed by IPD. With more than 15 years of experience in senior management roles, Sharae has served as General Manager for prestigious hotel brands including IHG, Hilton, Choice Hotels, and numerous independent properties across the country. Her comprehensive expertise in hotel operations, combined with her financial acumen, ensures that the properties under her guidance achieve optimal performance and growth.
Walter Gropp
Accounting / Administration
Walter Gropp brings 7 years of experience in both government and private sector accounting to IPD Hospitality. Although new to the hospitality industry, Walter is responsible for managing accounts payables, property accounting, and reconciliations across multiple properties within the IPD portfolio. With strong analytical and technical skills, Walter is adept at applying his expertise to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations. He holds a Business Management degree from Georgia Gwinnett College, and his detail-oriented approach contributes to the smooth financial operation of the company.
