SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (June 6, 2023) – The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel, managed by Twenty Four Seven Hotels, is pleased to announce the appointment of Damien Abrams to the role of general manager and Jennifer Byerly to the role of director of sales. Abrams and Byerly collectively bring more than 30 years of hospitality experience and will play an integral part in the opening and success of the 87-all suite boutique property this month, promising to embrace its future and anchor all of its efforts into being good stewards – both of its lush locale and its guests.
“We are delighted to welcome both Damien and Jennifer to The Steward’s leadership team, where their wealth of experience will not only result in a successful opening, but build a strong foundation for years to come,” said Jillian Katcher, president of Twin Bridges Hospitality. “Both will bring their truly unique expertise and passions to the property, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll have on our team members, while creating lasting memories for our guests and the Goleta community.”
Damien Abrams, General Manager
As a seasoned hospitality professional, Abrams brings more than 15 years of industry experience to his role as general manager of The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel. Prior to joining The Steward, Abrams was the hotel manager of Renaissance Newport Beach, overseeing the Four Diamond property with 444 rooms and over 30,000 square feet of event space. Previously, Abrams held key leadership roles across Southern California properties, including Irvine Marriott, Marriott Irvine Spectrum and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Throughout his career, Abrams has provided exceptional leadership in guest services, food and beverage, and hotel operations while improving top and bottom line revenues. As The Steward’s general manager, Abrams is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the property’s operations team and upholding the highest standards of guest service at the new hotel. Abrams earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jennifer Byerly, Director of Sales
A hospitality veteran, Byerly brings more than 18 years of industry experience to her role as director of sales at The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel. In her new position, Byerly is responsible for curating innovative strategies to garner new business from meetings and events clientele, while bringing awareness of The Steward among business and leisure travelers, and the surrounding community. Byerly began her career as a sales coordinator at Hyatt Regency Columbus, combining her passion for sales and marketing with a desire to explore the world. Later, Byerly worked her way up the sales ladder as she served as the director of sales at Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus, Towneplace Suites by Marriott Columbus, as well as the director of sales and marketing at Residence Inn in Worthington. Most recently, Byerly served as the director of sales at Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport.
Starting rates at The Steward will begin at $350+/night. For more information on The Steward, please visit www.thestewardsb.com and follow @thestewardsb on Instagram and Facebook.
