Military Veterans Thrive at IHG: How Military Leadership Shapes Careers in Hospitality
IHG supports military veterans in their transitions to post-service hospitality careers.
(IN SHORT) IHG continues to support military veterans by offering career opportunities within its hotels and corporate roles. In celebration of Veterans Day, several IHG leaders shared their journeys from military service to leadership positions in hospitality. Veterans like Teresa Colatarci, Jeffery Waddell, Dennis Corrigan, and Cassandra Penman exemplify how military skills such as leadership, adaptability, and discipline translate into success within the hospitality industry. Through IHG’s SERVE employee resource group, veterans are empowered to use their skills in new roles, contributing to the company’s growth and mission of excellence in hospitality.
(PRESS RELEASE) Denham, UK, 2024-Nov-12 — /Travel PR News/ — As part of its continued commitment to supporting military veterans, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) celebrates the invaluable contributions that service men and women make as they transition into civilian careers. Every year, an estimated 200,000 military personnel leave active duty and bring a wealth of transferable skills, work ethic, and discipline to industries across the globe. IHG has long been dedicated to providing career growth opportunities for veterans within its hotels, corporate roles, and leadership positions.
In honor of Veterans Day, IHG invited several of its leaders who have made the successful transition from military service to share their journeys and offer advice to veterans and active-duty personnel considering a career in hospitality. These veterans, now in leadership roles at IHG, reflect on how their military experience shaped their careers and discuss the value of the hospitality industry in supporting their professional development.
Teresa Colatarci: Leading with Pride and Purpose
Teresa Colatarci, Regional Director of Operations for IHG Army Hotels, is a key figure in the company’s mission to serve the military community. Colatarci, known affectionately as “Sarge” within IHG’s Army Hotels network, brings nearly two decades of Navy service to her role, applying the leadership, organizational skills, and discipline she honed in the military to her career in hospitality. After earning a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Institutional Management, Colatarci joined the hospitality industry and soon became part of the team responsible for the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL).
“Working in hospitality felt like the natural next step after my military career. I wanted to continue serving my brothers and sisters in uniform, ensuring they have a positive experience when staying at a hotel,” Colatarci said. Under her leadership, IHG Army Hotels focuses on community-building within the lodging environment, offering unique touches like holiday meals and surprise gestures for children staying on military bases.
Jeffery Waddell: Leadership Built on Marine Corps Values
Jeffery Waddell, General Manager at The Kimpton Pittman Hotel, brings a “grind, hustle, and execute” mentality to his role, influenced by his time in the United States Marine Corps. Waddell’s military career, which began in 1982, laid the foundation for his leadership style—adapting to diverse situations and working with others to achieve common goals. Whether overseeing operations or managing guest relations, Waddell’s focus remains on fostering a team environment and ensuring that every staff member feels valued and supported.
“Leadership in the Marines taught me the importance of adaptability and supporting those around you. I carry that lesson into every role I take on, whether it’s managing a crisis or leading my team to success,” Waddell explained. His experiences in the Marines, such as managing high-pressure situations, translate seamlessly into his current role where collaboration and calm leadership are essential.
Dennis Corrigan: From Army Officer to Senior Vice President at IHG
Dennis Corrigan’s transition from U.S. Army officer to Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at IHG is a testament to the skills veterans bring to the hospitality industry. Corrigan’s early military career involved overseeing logistics and transportation operations in Germany, where he learned invaluable leadership and problem-solving skills. These lessons have shaped his approach to IHG’s operations, where he now focuses on revenue management and strategic growth.
“The Army instilled in me the importance of team collaboration and the ability to navigate complex situations,” Corrigan said. “I bring that perspective to my role at IHG, where leadership is about ensuring our teams feel empowered and equipped to meet our goals.”
Cassandra Penman: Bridging the Gap Between Military and Hospitality
Cassandra Penman, Manager of Human Resources for IHG’s Americas Hotel Operations, is another example of how veterans thrive in hospitality. Penman’s transition from the U.S. Air Force to the hospitality industry began with a front desk agent role, eventually evolving into a leadership position within IHG. Her experience navigating both military and corporate worlds enables her to support other veterans in their transition, ensuring they find their place within IHG.
“Serving in both the Air Force and hospitality taught me how to balance multiple priorities while leading with integrity and respect,” Penman said. “It’s rewarding to now be in a position to help other veterans find the same sense of purpose and fulfillment in hospitality that I’ve found.”
Conclusion: A Path to Growth and Leadership in Hospitality
At IHG, veterans are welcomed with open arms and provided with opportunities to grow and lead within the company. From the operational leadership of Teresa Colatarci to the strategic expertise of Dennis Corrigan, the hospitality industry offers a wealth of opportunities for those with a military background. Through IHG’s employee resource group, SERVE, the company continues to support its veteran employees and ensure that they can leverage their skills in new and meaningful ways, helping them succeed in the hospitality industry and beyond.
About IHG
IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,500 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 2,200 in the development pipeline.
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Media Contact:
Jamie Cwalinski
Manager, Corporate Communications, The Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Jamie.cwalinski@ihg.com
(470) 847-8914
Source: IHG
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