Hotel Granada, the upscale boutique hotel from Aparium Hotel Group bringing new life to a fully renovated historic building in Midtown Atlanta this August, is proud to announce its executive team. Leading the charge are General Manager, Alfonce McKinney; Director of Sales and Marketing, Violaine Diogene; and Director of Lifestyle, Chay Steer. Together, they will spearhead curated community events, deliver thoughtful service to guests and in-town visitors, and drive successful business for the property as it celebrates its grand opening and beyond.
Alfonce J. Mckinney, III, General Manager
Originally from the southside of Chicago, IL, McKinney pursued his undergraduate degree from Savannah State University and went on to earn his Hospitality & Tourism certification from Florida International University. Following school, McKinny found a love for the world of hospitality and steadily climbed the ranks from titles including Front Office Manager to Director of Guest Services and ultimately, General Manager at properties such as the Mills House in Charleston, SC, Kimpton Brice in Savannah, GA and most recently the Darwin Hotel in Atlanta, GA. McKinney has received industry accolades such as Manager of the Year and the Rising Star award with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. He also earned a nomination for General Manager of the Year for boutique hotels by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, an organization where he remains an active member.
Violaine Diogene, Director of Sales and Marketing
Born in Jeremie, Haiti, and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Diogene brings a diverse background to her role. Originally earning her degree in Marine Biology, she found her passion for hospitality when she began working in a hometown restaurant. Her career growth includes ventures in event planning, sales and catering, holding positions such as Banquet Manager for Sheraton Colonial Hotel in Wakefield, MA, Director of Sales and Operations for An Exquisite Taste in Boston, MA, Director of Catering Sales at Hilton Marietta Conference Center in Marietta, GA and Associate Director of Sales at Hotel Yountville in Napa Valley, CA. Most recently, she led a team of employees as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Hotel Colee in Atlanta. Her dedication and excellence have earned her numerous awards such as Sales Manager of the year for both Sheraton Hotels, as well as Sales Manager of the Year and Director of Catering of the Year for Hilton. Diogene is a member of the International Luxury Hotel Association and holds certifications through Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Wedding Industry Professionals (CWIP).
Chay Steer, Director of Lifestyle
Fulfilling Aparium’s unique role of Director of Lifestyle, Chalyne “Chay” Steer brings nearly a decade of versatile business management and brand development expertise. Born in Kingston, JM and raised in Palm Beach, FL, Steer has always had a keen eye for creativity and a talent for fostering connection. Her extensive marketing background translates to her current role, allowing her to curate innovative programs and experiences for Hotel Granada’s guests and local community visitors. Early in her career, Steer founded her own boutique creative agency specializing in brand development and digital marketing for various lifestyle brands, entertainment companies and non-profit organizations. Concurrently, she served as the Director of Business Development for a luxury beauty retail storefront in Sandy Springs.
