Phillip Blane, Harry Francis and Heather Rodgers Bring Energy and Excitement to the Old Town Opening
Alexandria, Virginia (February 29, 2024) – Hotel Heron, set to open its doors in spring 2024 in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, is pleased to announce its executive team: Phillip Blane, Harry Francis and Heather Rodgers. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry and beyond, the dynamic leadership team aims to set the tone with enthusiastic service and authentic charm that resonates with the historically rich destination of Alexandria.
Leading the team is Phillip Blane, who joins as General Manager of the property. After establishing himself in culinary roles at the notable Charlotte Hotel and Restaurant and Equinox Restaurant, Blane became the chef and owner of Washington, D.C. neighborhood restaurant Unum for nearly seven years. Seeking new challenges, he transitioned to hotel management, serving as general manager at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Washington, D.C., and the Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria, Virginia, starting in 2022. During his tenure at Lorien Hotel, Blane developed a fondness for the burgeoning and community-centric city of Alexandria, leading him to join Aparium Hotel Group to open the new 134-room Hotel Heron.
Joining Blane is Harry Francis, Hotel Heron’s Director of Lifestyle. A Virginia native, Francis is a vibrant and passionate hospitality and entertainment professional with more than 10 years of experience. With a rich tapestry of experiences, including leadership roles at Pangea Music Group and The Line Hotel DC, Francis infuses his passion for music into every aspect of his work. His artistic touch extends to curating hyper-local music playlists that add a special touch to the property. During his tenure at Riggs Hotel in Washington, D.C., as the brand and experience manager, he excelled at amplifying the brand’s essence through captivating experiences and strategic partnerships. In his most recent role at Riggs, as Guest Engagement Manager, Francis’ finesse in hospitality shone brightly as he orchestrated personalized encounters that captivated guests, earning him accolades for his leadership.
Heather Rodgers assumes the role of Director of Sales at Hotel Heron, bringing her impressive 25-year career in the hospitality industry to cultivate a distinctive hub for Alexandria. Her extensive experience spans global hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and independently branded hotels. Previously, she served as the regional Director of Sales and Marketing for the Mid-Atlantic region at TPG Hotels, formerly known as Marshall Hotels. Most recently, Rodgers held the esteemed position of Director of Sales and Marketing at the Lorien Hotel. Her deep affection for Alexandria and its vibrant community enables her to forge meaningful connections with local vendors, residents, and businesses, further fueling her passion for the city.
“I’m thrilled to work with this powerhouse Hotel Heron team to create a space that will have a lasting impact on both travelers and the Alexandria community for years to come,” says Phillip Blane.
Steps away from King Street Mile and Alexandria’s waterfront, Hotel Heron is one of the city’s most iconic examples of Colonial Revival architecture. Taking residence in the former George Mason Hotel, the adaptive reuse seamlessly blends the historic landmark with an adjacent new building, housing guest rooms, various food and beverage outlets and a selection of meeting and event spaces.
For more information about Hotel Heron’s opening, please visit www.heronalexandria.com.
