United States Air Force
“My experience with IHG has been nothing short of awesome and I have learned so much. Soon I will be the GM of the World’s Largest Holiday Inn Express (currently the IHG Army Hotels on Fort Lee) with 1,000 rooms.”
Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) Michael Bayerl joined the U.S. Air Force in 1979. Throughout 20 years of active duty, he served as an Air Force Services Specialist and Inspector General for Services-Air Mobility Command. From the moment he started with the USAF Michael was immersed with hospitality experience, starting out in Food in Beverage before working his way through the ranks and functioning in virtually every position available within military restaurants & hotels.
In 2002, Michael took on a General Manager position at an Air Force Inn, and since that time, he has managed hotel complexes with over 2000+ rooms, on 3 different properties. Michael found his way to IHG when he intentionally took on a role with Army Lodging, knowing that the hotel would soon be privatized into an IHG hotel.
Today, Michael is the General Manager at IHG Army Hotels on Fort Lee (soon to be re-branded as the World’s largest Holiday Inn Express).
Navy
Regional Director of Operations
InterContinental Hotels Group
Teresa had the honor of serving her country for 20 years in the United States Navy in the supply/logistics field and retired in 2004. She has 22 continuous service years with IHG and over 30 years in the hospitality industry.
Teresa currently is responsible for multiple Army installations as well as being the General Manager & Regional Director at Fort Sam Houston, part of JBSA. One of her biggest accomplishments has been the development of “Sarge’s Boot Camp” now known as the “Teen Academy,” a portfolio-wide internship program for dependents of IHG Army Hotels employees. This program is being considered for adoption across the broader IHG estate. In 2009 after transitioning the first group of Army Hotels she gained the approval of IHG senior leadership to make the Fisher House the main charity for IHG Army Hotels. She also was responsible for the success and continuous development of a unique cleaning and maintenance program which then was used as the foundation of the IHG companywide programs. Recently she had the opportunity to narrate a “True Hospitality” video that speaks to her passion when it comes taking care of her brothers and sisters in uniform under the IHG Army Hotels mission and The Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program.
U.S. Air Force
Regional Risk and Safety Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group
Johnny served in U.S. Air Force Law Enforcement from 1992-2000. He began his career in hospitality with IHG at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles, where he worked as a Director of Security from 2008-2012. He then transferred to IHG’s US Headquarters in Atlanta to work as a Corporate Risk and Safety Manager in 2012. He currently is responsible for Risk Management within the IHG Army Hotels Portfolio.
U.S. Air Force (R)
Operations Manager, IHG Army Hotels on Fort Bragg
Paul, retired from the Air Force after 24 years, and his career included a number of very interesting duties. He worked in Cryptological Communications, where he copied Morse Code, and later served in the Serviced Career field as a First Sergeant, Mortuary Affairs NCO, Dining Hall Manager, Fitness Manager, Lodging NCO and capped off his last four years writing plans for Headquarters Services in Europe.
Paul is also a 20-year hospitality veteran, as he began this career while still in the Air Force as Superintendent of Lodging for Operation Decisive Endeavor, Pisa, Italy and Operation Deliberate Forge, Vicenza, Italy. Upon retiring, he began working for Army Lodging in 2003, and then transitioned to IHG in 2013. “I love working for IHG and would’ve liked to start my career here earlier on, as I love how forward-thinking the company is and how our processes are constantly changing as the world dynamics change,” comments Paul. “The opportunities to move up in this huge company are there for everyone and that's so refreshing to see these days.”
U.S. Army
Accounting Supervisor, Holiday Inn Express on Fort Benning
Leavy enlisted as a Cavalry Scout in 1998 and served in the 1/35 Armor in Baumholder, Germany. During his career, he was deployed to Albania, Kosovo and Iraq among others. He was also stationed on Fort Carson with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment.
Upon leaving the Army, Leavy began his career in hospitality in security with Army Lodging at Fort Benning, while also working towards an Associate Degree. Upon transition to IHG, he jointed the team on Fort Benning as an Accounting Specialist, and has been promoted since.
When asked how he feels about working for IHG, his brief but enthusiastic reply says it all: “I love it here!”
U.S. Army
Front Desk Agent, IHG Army Hotels on Joint Base San Antonio
Kinsasha enlisted in 2015 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After graduation, she was assigned to the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion and conducted multiple successful Strong Bonds events, ACE led training, Resiliency events and helped guide countless soldiers. Kinsasha has multiple training disciplines under her belt as well as many awards and decorations, including the Army Achievement Medal Ribbon, two Army Certificate of Achievement awards, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism.
“IHG welcomed me with open arms after my transition back into the civilian life. Not only were my fellow coworkers very professional and curious but patient and always willing to help answer any questions,” explains Kinsasha. “IHG to me is like my second family. I love going into work to interact with not only the guest but the team members as well. IHG provides great benefits, a safe work environment and a place that feels like home. I would recommend IHG hotels to any soldier that is transiting out to get off to a great start!”
U.S. Navy
Front Desk Agent, IHG Army Hotels on Joint Base San Antonio
Christopher served from 1997 to 2005 and his tours include locations in Europe, South America and Asia. He joined the IHG team in 2014. “IHG has been very instrumental in allowing men to transition completely to the civilian life. I want to thank most of all my Regional Manager and the entire staff for everything they have done to help my growth.”
U.S. Army
Shuttle Driver, Holiday Inn Express on Fort Benning
William served for eleven years, most of it in Europe. He began his career in hospitality with Army Lodging in 2010, and joined IHG upon transition in 2015.
William, a disabled veteran, truly enjoys his job as a driver. “I encounter many International soldiers. I have made many friends and learned about various customs and cultures. It is very rewarding!”
U.S. Marine Corps
Maintenance Supervisor, Holiday Inn Express on Fort Benning
Denny served four years in Motor Transportation with the 1st Tank Batallion in Twnetynine Palms, Calif. Later, when working with Army Lodging, he jumped on the opportunity to work for IHG upon transition in 2015. Denny has been the Maintenance Supervisor at this 914-room hotel on Fort Benning since then.
“IHG allows me to continue to work with service members every day,” says Denny. “I am able to use my military skills and work closely with hotel management to make sure we take the best care of our guests.”
U.S. Army
Front Desk Clerk, IHG Army Hotels on Fort Knox
Stella served in the Army for 5 1/2 years; starting in 1988 as a Food Service Specialist. She attended Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. During her military career, she served at Fort Hood, TX, and during one overseas assignment in Korea. Her last duty assignment was with the 1st Cavalry Division (15th Forward Support Battalion). She was honorably discharged from the Army in 1993, to start a family.
Stella’s hospitality career started in 2010 with IHG Army Hotels on Fort Knox, Kentucky. “I enjoy the day-to-day operations of the hotel industry, and also interacting with our guests – soldiers and their families – as well as with my colleagues,” explains Stella. She is highly admired by her peers and has received numerous recognitions for her daily contributions to the hotel.
Stella has been married to Command Sergeant Major(R) Willie Tennant for over 28 years and they have 2 children; Willie Jr. and Whitney. Her two favorite IHG Winning Ways are: “Show We Care” and ”Work Better Together.”
U.S. Army
Maintenance Manager, Holiday Inn Express on Fort Benning
Jonathan served in the military from 2004 to 2010 and had one deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He began a career in hospitality after leaving the military, as a Chief Engineer at a Best Western Plus hotel. He joined IHG in 2019 as a Maintenance Manager. His feedback about working for IHG is that “there is a great atmosphere, the team members are amazing. Also, there is a good structure within the management team with great communication and teamwork.”
U.S. Army
Maintenance Utility, Holiday Inn Express on Fort Benning
Carl Served in the U.S. Army as a MP (Military Police) for 7 ½ years. He as two tours of duty in Iraq and was then assigned to the 209th MP detachment at Fort Benning, GA.
He began his career in hospitality at the Holiday Inn Express on Fort Benning. “IHG has taught me the skills need to proficient in my job,” says Carl. “From my co-workers to the Management team, I have help whenever I need it.”
U.S. Army
Houseperson, IHG Army Hotels on Fort Knox
Jordano served as a 19D Cavalry Scout from 2004 to 2011. He started his career in hospitality after leaving the Army, and joined IHG. “My time in the military was an eye-opener and gave me leadership and responsibility,” says Jordano.
“Since then, I’ve been employed with IHG and have found my time here fun and extremely rewarding. IHG has treated me with awareness and respect as I slowly continue to address my disabilities.”
U.S. Army (R)
Head of Maintenance, Holiday Inn Express on Dugway Proving Ground
Michael is a Veteran with 23 years of active duty service. He retired in 2015 as a First Sergeant, and is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, with three combat tours.
Upon leaving the Army, he started his career in hospitality in Engineering, and also worked as a Campus Executive Chef at Valdosta State University, in Valdosta, Ga. He recently joined the Holiday Inn Express on Dugway Proving Ground as the head of Maintenance. “Transitioning to the IHG team has give me the opportunity to continue supporting those who serve,” said Michael. “I enjoy working for and beside incredibly competent leaders and employees who motivate me daily.”
U.S. Army (R)
Maintenance Manager, IHG Army Hotels on Fort Leonard Wood
Robert’s career has come full circle as he began basic training in 1981 at Fort Leonard Wood, the same post where he now works at IHG Army Hotels. Among his many accolades, he was awarded the Bronze DeFluery medal, the highest distinction awarded to an Army Engineer for his service to the Corps of Engineers.
Upon retiring from the Army in 2002, he started his hospitality career at Army Lodging on Fort Leonard Wood as a maintenance worker. Since then, he has received many promotions and also the opportunity to transition to IHG in 2011. “Working with IHG is very rewarding for me, as I still get to be around the soldiers and the Army, to which I gave over 21 years of my life,” comments Robert. “I get to see the changes and advancements in technology, which are helpful in advising my son, who is now an active duty soldier.”
