OMAHA, NE (June 24, 2020) – Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, operated by Pivot Hotels & Resorts and opening August 2020 in Omaha’s Blackstone District, is pleased to announce the executive appointments of Mara Bouvier to General Manager and James Schelnick to Director of Sales & Marketing. Bouvier and Schelnick will join the leadership team to open the 205-room historic hotel and oversee operations for the eight-story property and its outlets, including a signature steakhouse and lounge, a French-inspired cafe, a resort-style swimming club and solarium, and more than 13,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
Bouvier brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as general manager with more than 20 years of experience working in boutique hotels in world class destinations such as Antigua, Cape Cod, and Turks and Caicos. She began her career in hospitality as a Sommelier, and had the opportunity to work alongside chefs such as Michel Richard and Jean-Louis Palladin. Most recently, Bouvier served as general manager at Sunrise Springs Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In her new role with Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, Bouvier oversees hotel opening initiatives, hiring decisions, budgets, guest services, and leads the executive team through the opening and beyond.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the revival of such a beloved and historic landmark in the Omaha community,” said General Manager Mara Bouvier. “Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel’s talented opening team has already demonstrated nothing short of excellence, and I’m honored to lead the hotel into a new era as we begin welcoming guests to what is sure to be an exceptional experience.”
Schelnick is an established industry veteran with experience holding leadership positions at hotels in cities such as Houston, Oklahoma City, Scottsdale, Little Rock, and Austin. Schelnick has been leading the sales efforts for Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel since June 2019. As director of sales & marketing, he will continue to oversee all sales and marketing efforts including the development and management of sales budgets, grow existing accounts and generate new clients, and spearhead efforts surrounding corporate, business, and group travel.
“Mara and James’ seasoned leadership, dynamic expertise and passion for hospitality will prove invaluable as we introduce Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel as an anchor in the community and a coveted hotel and dining destination,” said Jay Lund, Principal at GreenSlate Development.
For more information, please visit www.thecottonwoodhotel.com or call 402-810-9500.
