September 18, 2014 – WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Today, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions announces the addition of Steve Magnuson to its senior leadership team. In his role as Vice President and Managing Director, Pocono Mountains, Magnuson will lead all operations across the Nelson-family resort and convention business in the company’s newest location. Slated to open in June 2015, the $230 million dollar project will span over 150 acres upon completion.
“Steve Magnuson joins the Kalahari Resorts family at a crucial time in our company’s history,” said Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts. “His extensive background in creating unparalleled guest experiences, paired with his iron-clad ability to steer growth and foster success for resorts pre-and post-launch will be essential to Kalahari’s expansion – not only in the Pocono Mountains, but beyond.”
Magnuson’s responsibilities will include: overseeing the day-to-day operations of the new Pocono Mountains resort, as well as providing leadership, guidance and direction to the on-site management team, while serving as the resort’s liaison not only to the regional Pocono community, but also to Kalahari’s executive management board.
Magnuson brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his role, most recently serving as Vice President of Operations for the Marcus Hotels & Resorts senior leadership team. He first joined Marcus in 1994 as general manager of Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, ascending to the role of Vice President and Managing Director in June of 1998.
Prior to joining the Marcus Corporation, Magnuson spent 15 years with Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, holding numerous management positions, including Assistant General Manager at Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World.
Magnuson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and a minor in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He also holds the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) designation from the American Hotel & Motel Association. Mr. Magnuson also sits on various boards within the hospitality and tourism industry.
