Richard W. Norton – President
Rick Norton brings more than 30 years’ experience in directing, operating, managing and providing operational advisory services to the hotel and hospitality industry. Richard W. Norton is President of IPD Hospitality, Inc., overseeing the operations of the company’s hotel assets,development, real estate acquisitions and consulting services throughout the United States. Since his first hospitality position, Richard has operated and or consulted at numerous facilities including IHG properties, Wyndham, Choice Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Best Western and other franchised and non franchised facilities. This includes operations and consulting for time share and condominium management. Richard was directly responsible for the construction and management of a Hyatt multi-million dollar ninety-six unit time share project in the US Virgin Islands and the operation of a one hundred forty-four unit condominium complex in Florida. He has consulted directly for investor groups for the purchase of time share facilities in the United States. During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, he was responsible for the operation of 28 limited service hotels as its own independent chain. Prior to this position, Mr. Norton was President of a nationally recognized hotel management company. Working for this company since the age of fifteen, Richard has developed his knowledge of the hospitality industry through hands on operations experience. Taking full advantage of the company’s management training programs early in his career, he was promoted to General Manager of a full service hotel at the age of 21. Currently, Richard concentrates on sales and marketing and operations of IPD Hospitality’s portfolio of hotel, motel, restaurants and other service industry properties. Along with these responsibilities, he utilizes his many years of experience for consulting, asset management and study work for the hospitality industry.
Larry Nottingham – Vice President Director of Operations and Construction
As Vice President and Director of Operations & Construction at IPD Hospitality, Larry Nottingham leads the daily operations and strategic execution across the company’s growing hotel portfolio. With a hands-on leadership style and a results-driven mindset, Larry plays a key role in developing and implementing operational strategies that drive performance, enhance guest experience, and maximize profitability.
Larry oversees all aspects of hotel operations—including capital projects, technical services, revenue optimization, and quality assurance. His expertise in hotel renovations, asset restructuring, and property repositioning has consistently added long-term value to IPD-managed assets.
In addition to operational oversight, Larry is responsible for managing all property-level associates and ensuring that each hotel operates within its financial goals. His leadership is instrumental in shaping the performance and success of IPD Hospitality’s nationwide portfolio.
Jason Hayes – Vice President Of Operations
Jason Hayes brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong focus on hotel operations, revenue management, and performance optimization. As Vice President of Operations at IPD Hospitality, Jason oversees day-to-day operations while driving key initiatives in yield management, digital strategy, and web optimization across the company’s portfolio.
Jason has extensive experience working with major hotel brands—including Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham—as well as independent properties. His expertise spans hotel takeovers, property renovations, guest service enhancement, and task force leadership, making him a critical asset in IPD’s continued growth and operational excellence.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, Jason’s career has been rooted in hospitality from the start. His analytical approach and operational insight continue to elevate IPD’s hotel performance and guest satisfaction across all markets.
Kathy Bullock – Vice President of Development
As Vice President of Development at IPD Hospitality, Kathy leads the strategic growth and expansion of the company’s national portfolio. She is responsible for identifying new development opportunities, cultivating brand and investor partnerships, and executing projects that align with IPD’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and strong investment returns.
With a deep understanding of hospitality market trends and brand positioning, Kathy oversees site selection, development planning, and project execution from concept to completion. Her leadership ensures that every new asset is thoughtfully aligned with IPD’s operational standards and long-term vision.
Kathy’s forward-thinking approach and industry insight continue to drive the company’s growth, positioning IPD Hospitality as a trusted partner in hotel development and management.
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.
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.
Mindy Richardson – 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.
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.
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.
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Jeannine Tornese – Regional Director of Sales and 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 and 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.
Sarah Norton – Human Resources Officer / Administration
Ms. Norton joined IPD Hospitality in 2018 and has made countless contributions to the company since. Sarah is responsible for the successful administration of the organization’s Human Resource function and directs HR strategies to support the company’s goals. Sarah is a true leader and ensures that IPD acquires the best talent available within the industry.
Nancy Baillie – Vice President 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.
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.