Diane Thompson

I began my hospitality career as a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn in Greenwood SC and discovered the thrill of making people happy. 

 

Following graduation from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration, I built a career with roles in operations, brand management and franchise support with the Hampton Inn and Homewood brands; asset management for a large hotel REIT with holdings in Hilton, Marriott and Starwood family of properties; and multi-unit management that included oversight of branded 3- and 4-diamond hotels and independent boutique inns.

 

In these various roles I built a toolbox of experience in training, consulting, operations, sales, ownership, brand management, consulting and training.  I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with others and fostering the next generation of hospitality professionals, helping them see what an amazing career it can be.

The joys of my life are my family and my doodle Capers.  My husband and I love to cook, entertain, travel, garden and do anything in, on or under the water, including fishing, boating and scuba diving.