Goodness gracious, I’m exhausted! Have you been following the election? Congratulations to both Barack Obama and John McCain. It was a long, long campaign and good for us: we still have a working democracy. But oh my, it’s tiring. I haven’t slept a wink in days and I’m finally getting back to updating this blog. We’re going to have more regular updates here in the future.

First, I would like to welcome a new member to our Hollywood family: Dan Shaughnessy. He is our new Director of Sales & Marketing. While he’s new in Hollywood (sorry, ladies, he’s married), he’s a veteran in our industry, with over 20 years of experience in hospitality at hotels and resorts in Rancho Las Palmas, Phoenix, and Marina Del Rey. Most recently, he was Director of Sales for the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

Fun facts about Dan: his mother, Ilene Woods, was the voice of Cinderella in Disney’s classic 1950 film and his father, Ed, was the drummer on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. A big show-biz background for our newest director… sounds like he’s going to be right at home in Hollywood after all. We just announced his appointment to the media, and I wanted to share this money quote:

“We’re very happy to add Dan to our team,” says General Manager Bruce Gorelick. “His wealth of experience will be a great addition to our current operation and his marketing and sales record really speaks for itself.”

What a dashing young man that Bruce is, even in print… So well-spoken, so articulate. Like a young Abe Lincoln, but more handsome and athletic. Anyhow, I wanted to congratulate Dan on his appointment. I really look forward to working with him.

Finally, I would like to extend hearty congratulations to our former Director of Sales & Marketing, the dear Chris Orr, who is moving on to Baltimore. Good luck, Chris! We’ll miss you!