Tempe, Ariz. – June 15, 2021 – The Westin Tempe, the largest new hotel to debut in Tempe, Ariz. in nearly four decades, has appointed Patti Hunt as the general manager ahead of their late summer opening.
As the general manager of The Westin Tempe, Patti Hunt is a veteran of the hospitality industry with over three decades of experience successfully launching and managing luxury hotels within the portfolios of some of the world’s leading hotel brands.
Hunt comes to The Westin Tempe after illustrious tenures with the likes of Marriott Hotels International, Hilton Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Fairmont Hotels, Carlson Hospitality, and various other independent brands. A distinguished hotelier, Hunt has acquired a number of prominent trade and leadership awards throughout her career, including the Business Impact Award by Downtown Tempe Authority, Hotel of the Year by Pacific Hospitality Group, General Manager of the Year by Marriott Hotels International, Hotel of the Year by Fairmont Hotels International, and the Pride, CARE Cup and Connie awards by Hilton Hotels, among others.
Hunt has also been active in education, advocacy and professional development efforts within Arizona’s tourism industry for over 26 years, having previously served as the President of the Arizona Hospitality Human Resources Association and the Tourism Commissioner for the Arizona Skill Standards Commission. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association and the Tempe Office of Tourism, as well as on the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Educational Institute Certificate Advisory Council.
Originally from Wisconsin, Hunt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, and a Master’s Certificate in Hotel, Revenue and Financial Management from Cornell University. After settling in Arizona in the early 2000s, she went on to represent the state as Mrs. Arizona America and as an ambassador for the Governor’s Office. Through her work with countless charity, school and civic organizations, Hunt developed a strong desire to serve others, to which she credits her success as a hotelier today.
