Following the recent announcement of four key promotions within our Operations Division, Guest Services, Inc. is proud to continue recognizing the outstanding talent driving our company forward. This latest round of promotions highlights rising leaders across our Hospitality Services and Condominium & Property Management Divisions, each bringing energy, dedication, and deep expertise to their new roles.

“At Guest Services, our success is driven by the passion, integrity, and ingenuity of our team,” said Nico Foris, Chief Executive Officer. “These team members exemplify our core values and have earned the trust of both clients and colleagues through their hard work and leadership. We are thrilled to see them take on new challenges as we continue to expand our portfolio and services.”

Hospitality Services Division

Jesse Askew has been promoted from General Manager of the Lodge at Wakulla Springs to Area Manager, overseeing multiple Florida State Park properties. At Wakulla, Jesse led the revitalization of the historic lodge, helping restore its standing as a premier destination within the Florida State Park system. Previously, Jesse served as General Manager at Regal Palms, where she managed the clubhouse and 598 townhomes.

“Guest Services has been the bulk of my hospitality career. I even left for a year and came back because I saw what type of company it was,” said Jesse. “What excites me most is watching others grow their confidence in their roles and seeing our Guest Services family continue to expand.”

Chad Taylor has been promoted from Director of Marketing and Guest Experience at Lake Mead to Director of Operations under Brandy Frederich. In this role, Chad will take on strategic oversight and operational planning for Stehekin, Silver Falls, and Lake Roosevelt, while continuing to support marketing efforts across multiple properties.

“I never imagined I’d work for a corporation, but Guest Services changed my perspective,” said Chad. “This is a company that genuinely listens to its people and walks the talk, even during the toughest times. I’m honored to help shape the culture that has already given me so much.”

Kevin Rude has been promoted from Business Manager at Lake Mead to Regional Business Analyst, reporting to Brandy Frederich. Kevin will support properties across the Pacific Northwest by analyzing operational data and uncovering business insights that inform strategic planning.

“It’s been quite the adventure. From starting as Rod Taylor’s executive assistant to now supporting our incredible West Coast operations teams,” said Kevin. “Thanks to mentors like Rod and Brandy, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. Guest Services isn’t just a job—it’s about creating memorable experiences and leaving a positive impact.”

Condominium & Property Management Division

Ethan Loschiavo has been promoted from District Manager to Managing Director of The Marbella, one of Guest Services’ flagship luxury condominium properties. Ethan’s leadership across several sites, including the successful launch of Kalea Bay, has positioned him as a key force in the division’s continued excellence.

“This next chapter with The Marbella is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Ethan. “With its unique blend of luxury living and community care, I look forward to leading this vibrant property alongside an incredible team of dedicated professionals.”

Karla Thurkettke has been promoted from General Manager of Stratford to District Manager. Her outstanding service delivery has earned the trust of residents and board members alike and has elevated Guest Services’ reputation within the communities she has supported.

“Working with the support structure at Guest Services has allowed me to strengthen so many core skills,” said Karla. “In this new role, I’m excited to share those lessons and support our teams through growth and challenges.”

Please join us in congratulating these talented individuals on their well-earned promotions and continued commitment to excellence!

Guest Services, Inc. is proud to announce the promotion of four dynamic leaders within our Operations Division: Paulette Lassiter, Gabi Muskett, CJ Brenner, and the new addition to our team, Victoria Decker. These individuals exemplify the talent, commitment, and leadership that define our company culture.

“I am thrilled to announce and celebrate the well-deserved promotions within our company,” says CEO Nico Foris. “These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and leadership, earning their new roles through hard work and commitment. Their contributions have been instrumental to our success, and I have no doubt that they will continue to strengthen our teams and drive our company forward.”

Please join us in congratulating Paulette, Gabi, CJ, and Victoria as they step into these exciting new roles.

Paulette Lassiter, Director of Food and Beverage Operations

Paulette Lassiter began her Guest Services journey in 1987 as a cashier, and nearly 40 years later, she has been promoted to Director of Food and Beverage Operations. Her extensive experience spans law firm cafeterias, the National Shrine, and National Mall locations.

“My experience at Guest Services, Inc. has been a great one,” Paulette shares. “I started on September 3, 1987, as a cashier, and to have a company promote from within really speaks volumes. I was a District Manager for 25 years and recently got promoted to Director of Food and Beverage Operations on April 1, 2025. It is such a joy to work for Guest Services, and I am overjoyed for what’s to come for all employees who want to enhance their careers here.”

Reflecting on her future in this new role, Paulette adds, “What excites me is how Guest Services takes care of its employees and cares about both internal and external customers, products, and properties. I’m passionate about what we’ve achieved—like gaining new properties and facilities—and I’m looking forward to what’s next for me.”

Gabi Muskett, District Manager, Operations

Promoted from Area Manager to District Manager, Gabi Muskett brings nearly a decade of hands-on experience across the recreation division, including key roles in Boston, Washington, DC, and even hurricane recovery efforts in Florida.

“My experience with Guest Services, Inc. has been collaborative, innovative, and steady,” Gabi says. “Whether I’ve been slinging kayaks at Hopkinton, cleaning up Flamingo after a hurricane, launching Dinners at Dusk, or hosting a holiday party at Washington Sailing Marina, I’ve always felt a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie.”

She continues, “Something that is so unique to GSI is the retention of so many people I work with today. People like Bill Briggs, Rick Wayland, Nico Foris, Ninya Domingo, Alex Binsted, Matt Lawler, CJ Brenner, Liliana Ochoa, and many others have known me for 9+ years, and while I hope they don’t tell all the stories, our rapport continues to grow. That team around me is the rock to my career.”

Looking ahead, Gabi is most excited by the unknown: “The various opportunities that I probably don’t even know about yet, but I know the company will continue to offer. Fresh out of college as a Shift Lead at Hopkinton Boathouse, I never imagined I’d be offered a District Manager position in DC. But here I am! That’s what excites me… the fact that Guest Services invests in us and believes in promoting from within.”

CJ Brenner, District Manager, Administration

After over a decade with Guest Services, CJ Brenner has been promoted to District Manager, Administration. Her career has evolved from Dock Hand to HR Coordinator, Compliance Analyst, Operations Manager, and most recently, leading DC and Boston operations.

“I’ve recently celebrated 10 years with Guest Services,” CJ says, “but I’ve actually worked with parts of the team for 13 years, starting as a Dock Hand at Key Bridge Boathouse. I’ve swiped thousands of credit cards, onboarded hundreds of staff annually, taught CPR to over 100 team members each year, and tried my best to prevent people from falling in the water—or losing their phones—while renting equipment.”

She adds with a laugh, “Many team members think I’m a computer. I’ve heard ‘OMG she does exist’ more than once when meeting the Florida or Massachusetts teams in person.”

In her new role, CJ is especially energized by the opportunity to shape programming and expand marketing efforts. “I’m excited to continue developing our programs, classes, and tours. I’ve always enjoyed being able to create something new and see what guests respond to. I’m also looking forward to improving our outreach in DC and Boston so more people know about everything we have to offer.”

Victoria Decker, Senior Manager, Operations

Joining Guest Services as Senior Manager of Operations, Victoria Decker brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience to the team. Her background includes culinary operations, food safety, purchasing, and quality assurance for high-volume scratch-cooking restaurants across the Washington, DC metro area.

“I’m a dedicated hospitality professional, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such an amazing career working with outstanding companies,” Victoria shares. “I’ve worked with Clyde’s Restaurant Group, Farmers Restaurant Group, Jose Andres Group, and Thompson Hospitality Group, developing programs in purchasing, R&M, QA, and risk management.”

Victoria’s roots in hospitality go back even further. “I started young, like age 10, volunteering at a local German restaurant. I’ve had a love for food and service ever since. It’s the chefs and operators that make everything happen, and I’ve always valued fostering those relationships.”

Now, she looks forward to applying her expertise at Guest Services. “The company’s rich history, impressive clients, and exceptional team make this the ideal place for the next chapter of my journey. I’m excited to contribute to the growth of our business, the enhancement of our brand, and the continued success of one of the best organizations in the industry.”