ALBANY, N.Y., June 20, 2023 – Officials of HEI Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality investment and management company, today announced the company has named Catlin Ptak general manager and Mina Gagraj director of sales of the 110-room Hyatt Place Albany in New York. The under-construction hotel is expected to open August 31, 2023.
“As HEI expands its New York reach with its eighth hotel in the state, we want to ensure that our latest property benefits from superior leadership, and Catlin and Mina are the embodiment of what a successful team looks like,” said Rachel Moniz, COO, HEI. “With a combined total of more than 25 years of hospitality experience, both have spent numerous years at multiple property-level positions, giving them the first-hand experience necessary to thrive in their new roles. They quickly will lead the hotel to its rightful place as the lodging destination of choice for the greater Albany area.”
Catlin Ptak
With 16 years of hospitality experience, Ptak began her career in the hospitality industry as night auditor at the Holiday Inn, Middletown, NY. Since then, she has risen steadily within the ranks, including night manager at the Hilton Albany and most recently the New England area manager with Visions Hotels. While there, she oversaw diverse teams at multiple hotels, during concurrent renovations, focusing on elevating the guest experience through exceptional service. Catlin has been previously involved with volunteering and contributing to various LGBTQ+ organizations. She received her associate degree in liberal arts/mathematics from SUNY Orange.
“I am thrilled to bring my 16 years of hotel leadership to this new role and for our guests to experience Albany’s first Hyatt brand hotel,” Ptak said. “I can’t wait for Hyatt Place Albany to become an active member of downtown Albany, one that embodies an elevated guest experience and that actively volunteers in our community.”
Mina Gagraj
A 12-year hospitality veteran, Gagraj most recently was area director of sales with Marriott at Residence Inn and Courtyard in the Albany and Kingston market, where she oversaw both hotels and increased year-over-year revenue growth with increased sales by 10%. She has held multiple property level positions over the years, including marketing and catering sales manager with the Double Tree by Hilton in Schenectady NY. Gagraj is part a member at Discovery Albany and the Albany Chamber of Commerce. She received her degree in hospitality from Cornell University.
“I’m excited to start this next chapter in my career at Hyatt Place Albany and look forward to building a strong sales team with a proven track record that will help secure HPA’s position as a market leader,” said Gagraj.
Hyatt Place Albany
Nestled in the Upper Hudson Valley at 82 Montgomery Street, the pet-friendly hotel is in the heart of downtown Albany’s thriving culinary scene and verdant walking paths along the Hudson River, as well as the world-class sports and entertainment MVP Arena and ornate Palace Theatre. Hotel amenities will include a daily, complimentary breakfast bar, 24/7 gym, shared computers and 3,100 square feet of flexible meeting space. Guests may dine at the Placery, serving burgers, salads, sandwiches and premium alcoholic beverages. Rooms will be equipped with 49″ swiveling HDTV, coffee maker, refrigerator, iron and ironing board.
