January 9, 2008

January 9, 2008 (Highlands, N.C.) Crystal Vandershans has been named Front Office Manager for Old Edwards Inn and Spa, the luxury resort set in heart of the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.   With extensive experience working in luxury hotels all over the country, Vandershans is prepared to create a welcoming environment for guests, while also coordinating behind-the-scenes administrative and clerical duties.

“We are very impressed with Crystal’s knowledge and understanding of the hospitality industry,” said Mario Gomes, CEO of Old Edwards Hospitality Group.  “Her previous experience with high-end travel and luxury hotels makes her the perfect candidate to ensure our Front Office runs smoothly and efficiently.”

Before joining the Old Edwards team, Vandershans was a Travel Councilor at American Express where she managed travel arrangements for corporate clients and maintained relationships with travel partners including airlines, hotels and car agencies.  Before that she was Front Office Manager for the 4-star Teton Mountain Lodge in Jackson Hole, WY.   She has also held the positions of Rooms Division Manager at the 3-star Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park, California and Front Desk Manager at Glacier Bay Lodge in Glacier Bay, Alaska.

Vandershans received her Associate in Science in criminal justice from Warren County Community College in Washington, N.J.  Originally from Belvidere, N.J., she currently resides in Highlands, N.C.
###
Old Edwards Inn and Spa is located at 445 Main Street, Highlands, N.C 28741, 828-526-8008 or 866-526-8008. Old Edwards Hospitality Group, LLC, founded in 2003, includes Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm special events facility, Acorns retail shop, Rib Shack, and The Laundry and Dry Cleaners at Old Edwards Inn.  For more information, call 866-526-8008 or visit www.oldedwardsinn.com.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa, including The Lodge at Old Edwards Inn, are AAA-Four Diamond award winners.  Old Edwards Inn and Spa is also a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, Zagat-rated for 2008 and a member of Boutique-the newest brand within Preferred Hotel Group. The property is a Recommended Hotel in Condé Nast Johansens Recommended Hotels, Inns and Resorts Guide for 2005, 2006 and 2007 and was nominated for Most Excellent Inn 2006 and 2007. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

For more information, contact:
Anna Stancioff
Hawkins International PR
(212) 255-6541
Anna@hawkpr.com