Marcus Hotels & Resorts Appoints Key Leadership Positions at Its Milwaukee Properties

MILWAUKEE– Marcus^® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation, today announced the promotions of Brandon Drusch and Dana Johnson at its Milwaukee hotels. Drusch was promoted to general manager of The Pfister Hotel and managing director of both The Pfister Hotel and Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, succeeding Tim Smith who retired this fall. Johnson was promoted to general manager of Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, succeeding Drusch.

“Marcus Hotels & Resorts has long been known as a place to grow your career, and Brandon and Dana are excellent examples of this,” said Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “Both began at Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Milwaukee properties early in their careers and rose through the ranks as they showcased their drive and energy for the industry along with their strong leadership skills and commitment to operational excellence. I know they will continue to lead our teams to success while fulfilling our mission of creating extraordinary experiences for every guest that visits us.”

Drusch has over 15 years in the hospitality industry, beginning his career while still in college. He most recently served as general manager at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel since 2020. Under his leadership, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel became a AAA Four Diamond property in 2021 and has been honored by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top hotels in the Midwest for three consecutive years. Prior to this role, he served in various operational leadership positions while at The Pfister Hotel and Hilton Milwaukee City Center, both Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ properties. He also held management roles at properties in the Phoenix-area at the start of his career. In his new role as managing director and general manager of The Pfister Hotel, Drusch will oversee operations of The Pfister Hotel and Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel.

Drusch holds a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He also serves on the Greater Milwaukee Hotel & Lodging Association’s board of directors. In 2022, Drusch was named a Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient for his significant contributions to the hospitality industry and the local community.

Johnson has more than 25 years of experience in hotel group sales and has spent the majority of her career at Marcus Hotels & Resorts. She most recently served as executive director of sales for Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Milwaukee market since 2021. In this role, she managed the sales teams for the company’s three Milwaukee properties – Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, The Pfister Hotel, and Hilton Milwaukee City Center – while developing new members of the sales teams and maintaining strong relationships with several key corporate accounts. Prior to this, Johnson held various sales management roles with the company and its portfolio. In her new role as general manager of Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, Johnson will manage the 219-room property in the heart of the city’s entertainment and theater district. She will lead the team as they invite guests to experience the arts in new ways, like through the hotel’s multiple gallery and exhibition spaces, numerous culinary destinations, as well as nightly live music and performances.

Johnson serves as a member of Professional Dimensions, the leading women’s professional association in the Milwaukee area, and TEMPO, the largest professional women’s group in Wisconsin. She is also part of United Way’s Emerging Leaders program. In 2022, she was named as one of 10 People to Know in Hospitality by the Milwaukee Business Journal, a list of southeastern Wisconsin executives who are climbing the ladder and making a difference in hospitality and the local community.

For more information on Marcus Hotels & Resorts and its hotels, please visit: www.marcushotels.com.