Member Showcase- July 2022

Kathi Kelly KSL Resorts 2022 Lifetime Achievement / Hall of Fame Phoenix Awards Recipient

My Dad always said, "he was bit by the aviation bug at an early age," ever since his uncle Ray was with an airline.  That "bite of passion" led him to become VP of Sales for Eastern Air Lines!

Apparently, the apple didn't fall far from the tree! I was bitten by the "hotel bug" at a young age.  Being the youngest of four, I went on many trips with my parents, stayed in nice hotels, and went to some memorable industry events. But I sure do miss those free airline passes!

After graduating high school, I ventured to work at Bay Roc Resort in Jamaica for a summer.  When I graduated from the University of Georgia,  my Dad contacted his friend, Carey Rountree, who was influential in the hospitality industry with Marriott and then with the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, and asked him to consider giving "his kid" a job. It all worked out as I ended up on the team that opened the Marriott Hilton Head Resort (now Sonesta) in 1982.  What an adventure it was to be on a new resort's opening team and gain experience in many different departments.  I was Front Office Manager, and my starting salary was $12,500!   After watching the sales team entertain clients in the restaurants and on the golf course, I thought, "I need to get into sales – that looks like more fun"!

After working in hotels and for a DMC on Hilton Head for a few years, I met my hubby, Gary, and made a move to Atlanta. My good luck continued when in 1991, I opened the second hotel remote office in Atlanta representing The Westin Resort Hilton Head and joined GAMPI (now MPI Georgia) 31 years ago. Those were the days of open bars at our monthly luncheons. I bet anyone who is a "seasoned" MPI Georgia member misses those days. It was also the year I met Paulette Hopkins, who was on a site to the Westin Hilton Head. We still laugh about that trip as we partied like rock stars until the wee hours of the morning!

My involvement grew as I joined various committees; the Harvest Gala was memorable, with John Smoltz as the honorary chair in 1993. (See photo below) However, the highlight of that year was giving birth to my daughter, Cambre, who is now 29. 

My volunteer involvement grew, as did my career. I was promoted to Global Sales for Westin during this time, which morphed into Starwood. Finally, in 1999, I became part of the KSL Resorts National Sales Team, where I have had an exciting career for the past 23 years representing world-class properties.

Over the years, I served on many MPI Georgia committees and was on the Board with the fantastic mentor, Lorraine Powell.  One of the best benefits of being an MPI Georgia member is the life-long friendships developed from being involved in the chapter.  In addition, there are so many planners that I have enjoyed doing business with for decades. One of the highlights each year for me is the Phoenix Awards, along with the Fall Classic, a "never miss" event for me!

Being honored with the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award this year was a career-high!  It was extra special as my daughter, Cambre, was there to see me win!

The years of involvement with MPI Georgia and the industry as a whole as proven to be everything a career should be...Enjoy the ride!  You won't regret it!