Name: Gail F.
Position: Regional Vice President, Sales & Distribution – U.S. Eastern Region
Dream destination: Maldives
Drink or treat of choice: Rosé- French…and yes, sometimes all day!

Gail can trace her Marriott career back to one simple passion: travel.

“I always enjoyed traveling and exploring areas that were different from where I grew up,” says Gail, Regional Vice President of Sales for Marriott’s U.S. Eastern Region full-service and luxury hotels. “We didn’t travel far as a family, and I always believed that travel was the best education to open your mind to a different way of thinking.”

Gail began her Marriott career as a Sales Assistant on the pre-opening team for the Renaissance Times Square Hotel. Since then, she’s held 11 Sales & Marketing roles both at hotels and with the Global Sales team.

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“I have traveled to over 30 countries, mostly as a perk of my role, but also because of the amazing Explore Rate benefit!”

Now, she oversees sales for 140 premium and luxury hotels in the U.S. Eastern Region, from Massachusetts to Florida.

“Marriott’s core values align with mine. All the values align, but to me, you have to lead with the people and culture,” she says. “You can have the greatest strategy in the world, but if you don’t have the right people to execute it, it doesn’t matter.”

Throughout her career, Gail has set an example for Marriott’s core value to “put people first” through mentorship opportunities — both within the company and at her alma mater. In addition to hosting an internal mentorship program for Sales and Revenue Management leaders, Gail is also a member of the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Advisory Board, where she participates in setting the strategies that help support and develop the next generation of hospitality talent.

“I am passionate about mentoring the next generation — they will be the future for our industry,” says Gail. “I also aim to act as a role model for my daughter, who is pursuing a career in the hospitality industry.”

She attributes her penchant for mentorship to her own leaders, mentors and role models over the years.

“I have always had leaders that supported my personal career goals. When my daughter was younger and I needed more flexibility, I was given the opportunity well before flexibility was a larger conversation,” says Gail. “From training to exposure to mentorship, I have always felt supported by the men and women I’ve worked for. I feel it is very important to pay it forward.”

Learn more about Gail’s Sales career, in her own words, below.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?

It’s a culture where people are willing to help each other, even if there isn’t something directly in it for them. The attitude is to support each other and pursue something positive for the greater good of the company.”

When have you felt most supported at Marriott?

When I was planning to interview for my current role, I was humbled by how supported I was by my network. They gave me the perspective, guidance, and confidence to pursue this role — which I totally love!

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

As part of the largest M&A in the hospitality industry, and as a newly appointed VP of Global Sales, I helped lead the integration of three global sales teams (Marriott, Starwood and The Ritz-Carlton) when Marriott International acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts. It was exciting to bring together different company cultures into one team. We established a phenomenal sales culture with record-breaking employee engagement scores — even as a brand-new team!

What is your favorite part of the job?

Seeing our associates grow, gain confidence, develop, and get promoted into new roles. I also love seeing this next generation join the sales ranks. I spend a lot of time in the market, in the hotels, and the enthusiasm for the industry and the future is so energizing. I am so proud of our teams!

When you’re interviewing talent for your team, what characteristics do you look for most?

Authenticity, drive, and curiosity.

As a Marriott Bonvoy member, how have you used the Explore Rate?

Without a doubt, my most important trip was when we traveled to Moscow, Russia, to adopt my daughter. We spent 3 weeks in country at the Marriott with a new baby, and it was great to have that sense of “home” when we were so far away under new and exciting circumstances!

Most recently, I visited Rome, Italy, for a long weekend. I traveled with my husband, who is Italian, and speaks the language. For once, we had no “formal” plans and strolled all the neighborhoods. Our only goal was to explore, shop, and eat well — which we did!

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