Craig joined Valor as Director of Operations in 2018 after spending more than two decades in various facets of the hospitality industry. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Webber International University where he attended on a basketball scholarship, Craig began his career in the hospitality industry with Hyatt Hotels and worked his way through the Rooms Division with leading roles in housekeeping, front office, reservations, revenue management, and security. Craig’s Hyatt tenure spanned more than 13 years and five hotels across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

From there, Craig left the brand-managed world of Hyatt and was one of the first corporate leaders of Kokua Hospitality, a third-party management company based in Chicago. Craig was initially in charge of Transitions and Special Projects, where he oversaw new acquisitions and renovations. During the downturn of 2008, Craig moved back into the property level as General Manager of two of Kokua’s assets in downtown Chicago. Then as Kokua began to grow again, he was asked to move back to above-property oversight, where he finished his tenure with Kokua as Vice President of Business Development.

In early 2015, Craig joined Charlestowne Hotels in Charleston, SC as Regional Director of Operations. In this role, he was responsible for all areas of hotel operations, from pre-opening development through post-opening operations. Craig assisted in the initial launch of Graduate Hotels, overseeing the operations in five of the first six properties in this new and growing brand. During his tenure with Charlestowne Hotels, Craig led operations at luxury inns and independent and branded properties in locations across the U.S.

At Valor, Craig oversees all facets of Valor’s operation in the Americas. He strongly believes in the development of his team and focuses his time on grooming and mentoring leaders throughout the company, as well as Valor’s strategy for growth and operational excellence.

As Chief Development Officer, Dwayne leads the execution of the company’s growth strategy in the United States by sourcing, structuring, negotiating and executing third-party management contracts nationwide and assisting with underwriting acquisition and development opportunities for the company and its capital partners. Additionally, he will continue to build and nurture Valor’s strategic relationships with hotel ownership groups, hotel brands, asset managers, hotel brokers and the hotel investment community at large.

With over 17 years of experience in corporate hospitality, Dwayne joined Valor following senior leadership roles with Chesapeake Hospitality, Marriott International, IHG and more. In his role, Dwayne will work alongside developers to maximize the operating potential for properties, oversee driven team members to maintain successful outcomes and support Valor through continued growth in markets throughout the United States.

In addition to his role at Valor, he also works as a facilitator for eCornell, Cornell University’s online learning platform, instructing classes as part of several certificate-based programs including Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management and Hotel Management and Owner Relations.

Dwayne holds a Master of Business Administration (with Distinction) from Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia and a Master of Entrepreneurship from The University of Adelaide in Adelaide, South Australia. Additionally, he holds bachelor’s degrees in marketing and in leisure sciences and sports management. Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Dwayne currently resides in Milton, Georgia. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, beach activities, supporting the Liverpool and Hawthorn football clubs and being a foodie.

Natalie joined the Valor family as Corporate Director of People and Culture for the Americas region, supporting the team with a focus on customer service and culture, employee recruitment, attraction, selection and retention strategies, system optimization, benefits, and employee relations.  Natalie has more than 20 years of experience as a strategic HR leader in both profit and non-profit organizations in multiple industries, including retail, hospitality, distribution, media, and public health.  Most recently, she was HR Director for the CDC Foundation where she was responsible for building the HR infrastructure to support a 3,600 team member increase in staff across the U.S.  She has earned a BA in Psychology, as well as an MBA in Business Administration.

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Natalie relocated to Atlanta in 2019. Natalie has a passion for travel and does so as often as she can, both domestically and internationally.

Balencia Thomas joined the Valor team in August of 2021 as Regional Director of Human Resources. She has over 25 years of extensive Human Resource experience, with demonstrated, collaborative leadership with a focus on company growth strategies. She is a respected business partner with hands-on experience that impacts organizational effectiveness in the field as well as in the corporate environment. Balencia is a self-starter with a high energy level and a strong work ethic and is an extremely effective negotiator with the ability to motivate and persuade while working in a team environment.

Her personal purpose: Create an environment that encourages others to focus on their development and achieve their goals and have fun in the process!

Ann Sheahan is a career Hospitality industry professional. She enjoyed successful tenures with strong companies such as Brinker International, Salsarita’s Franchising , Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and was a Hospitality Recruiting Partner with Goodwin Hospitality. Ann recently was President of Free Fenix Franchising, which owns several fast-casual restaurants in North Carolina. Ann has held key leadership positions in Training and Development, Multi-Unit Operations, Recruiting, and Franchise start-up growth. Ann’s goal is to create opportunity and success for aspiring hospitality professionals who have the same passion for the industry. A Mom of only four-legged friends, she is a dedicated protector of the animals and active in several foster and rescue groups. She is proud to be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

In her current position, Ann works with the HR and Valor Americas property teams to establish beneficial recruiting processes and efforts on retention.

Originally from Montauban, France, Annabelle began her career studying Hotel Management at the internationally recognized Paul Bocuse Institute of Hospitality. Annabelle brings 20 years of hospitality experience to her role, including experience in award-winning restaurants, bars, luxury and lifestyle hotels.

She specializes in analyzing organizational needs for development, aligning learning & development activities within the organization, and drafting and implementing that strategy. Annabelle is a well-respected leader in the industry with a proven history of motivating award-winning teams to peak performance in efficiency and service.

Annabelle is an integral part of Valor’s culture, her role has been intrumental in people development in all functions and regions across the organization.

Wade joined the Valor team in 2019 as Director of Sales & Marketing and provides leadership and support to the company’s growing portfolio of hotels. In his 20+ years in hospitality, Wade has achieved success and recognition for his results with companies like HEI Hotels & Resorts, John Q. Hammons, Atrium Hospitality and most recently at Charlestowne Hotels.

After spending five years in the US Navy, Wade received his degree in Business and International Entrepreneurship at California State University while working as a bellman at a luxury hotel, where he ultimately earned the position as Director of Sales & Marketing. He quickly became known as a leader who was able to build and retain high-performing sales teams and create successful marketing strategies. Wade believes that setting clear expectations, providing training and support and a focus on accountability are the pillars that build successful teams.

When Wade isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his three boys and trying new restaurants with his wife. If there is any time left over, you can find him in the garage working on a project.

Kristi Lee originally joined Valor Hospitality in October of 2013 as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Crowne Plaza Charlotte. She brings a wealth of experience in both hotel sales and operations. Kristi’s hotel career began on an exchange program as Front Desk Manager of a small Bed and Breakfast in London. She loved the hotel industry so much that she continued on that career path when she returned to the states.

In her role as Corporate Sales Strategy and Systems Manager, Kristi will work on a variety of sales initiatives, including sales strategies and commercial performance at the property level. Additionally, Kristi is responsible for maintaining, updating and acting as a resource for Valor’s sales systems.

Jeannene joined the Valor team in October 2022 as Regional Director of Sales & Marketing. Previous to joining Valor, Jeannene has held a variety of sales, marketing and operational leadership roles throughout her career and has extensive experience with hospitality brands, including Hilton, Kimpton, and Hyatt as well as independent luxury hotels.

She is a graduate of University of Kansas and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and exploring art galleries and museums.

Grey joined the Valor team in January 2022 first as an Associate supporting the Global Valor brand and Americas region hotels. As Global Brand Manager, she is responsible for maintaining Valor’s global presence and works directly with each region’s stakeholders on strategy to further develop the brand across the world. Grey also serves as key support to Chief Development Officer of Americas implementing campaigns for the execution of Valor’s growth strategy.

Previous to joining Valor, Grey started her career in the entertainment industry working in public relations and marketing developing publicity and promotions campaigns across the Southeast for clients Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century Studios, Marvel Studios, Pixar, United Artists Releasing and Metro Goldwyn Mayer. She brings experience in creating a variety of field and digital strategies for campaigns through market research and forming relationships to facilitate promotions.

Grey is an Atlanta native and graduate of the University of South Carolina, School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She has a passion for serving clients directly correlating into the Hospitality industry. In her spare time, she loves to travel, be outdoors, play tennis and spend time with friends + family.

Ashley joined Valor as Director of Hotel Operations in 2021. She has more than 15 years of experience in various roles in the hospitality industry. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Purdue University, and her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Butler University.

Ashley has spent most of her hospitality career with Dora Hotel Company, a hotel development and management company with a 21-hotel portfolio overseeing multiple brands including Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental Hotel Group. During her tenure there, Ashley held a variety of roles from General Manager to Regional Manager, and finally as Vice President of the company. Ashley led operations and oversaw the full life cycle of hotels from pre-opening development through day-to-day operations.

Before working at Dora Hotel Company, Ashley worked for Kimpton Hotels as well as Fairmont Hotels. Ashley is passionate about creating a company culture of organizational effectiveness and creating high-performance teams, allocating the right resources in the right places, and empowering people to get the job done.

Bill Bennett joined Valor Hospitality Partners in June of 2013 as General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Charlotte. He brings a wealth of experience in hotel sales and marketing, hotel operational effectiveness, revenue management and asset repositioning. As General Manager of the Crowne Plaza, Bill successfully repositioned the asset to the forefront of the Crowne Plaza brand rejuvenation effort leading his team through a $10 million property-wide renovation and completely transforming a 30-year-old Marriott Hotel into a top Crowne Plaza brand performer.

Prior to joining Valor, Bill’s career includes time with Sage Hospitality Resources, Peabody Hotel Group and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in a variety of sales and administrative leadership roles, including Director of Sales, Regional Director of Sales and General Manager for various brands such as Marriott, Westin, Sheraton and Hilton. He has won numerous accolades for his efforts including Hotel of the Year, Sales Team of the Year, Director of Sales of the Year and the prestigious All Green Zone award with Hilton for four consecutive years.

His knowledge and experience of hotel sales and marketing, asset repositioning and hotel operations, including city-center, suburban and resort destinations, provide a sound foundation for his current role with Valor.

Danny joined Valor in November 2018 after spending over 30 plus years in the hospitality industry. Danny began his career with Hyatt hotels where his journeys took him to Memphis, Chicago, Hilton Head, Palm Beach, Indianapolis, and Houston. In 1999, Danny joined the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama, and led that four-diamond Preferred Hotel for almost 10 years. During his tenure at the Wynfrey Hotel, he was awarded “Alabama Hotelier of the Year” in 2000, and served as Chairman of the Board for the Birmingham CVB for 3 years. He also served as Chairman of the State Lodging Association for 3 years, and served on the Board of Directors for the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

In 2008, Danny joined O&S Hospitality as VP of Hospitality and General Manager where he managed the Westin Huntsville and one of the top Heavenly Spas for Westin Hotels. The hotel was rated the #1 Hotel in North America in guest service scores on multiple occasions and he was an “Alabama Hotelier of the Year” award winner again in 2010. Most recently, Danny was the “Transition General Manager” for Chesapeake Hospitality where he was involved with the transition and repositioning of several IHG and Hilton assets. Over the years, Danny has developed strong leadership skills and the unique ability to build a strong, dynamic team that yields financial results in every location.

Eli joined Valor as Regional Director of Operations in 2023.  With 20+ years in the hotel industry, Eli’s has significant experience in Operations, Sales, and team development.

Eli has spent much of his career with Marriott and Wyndham Hotels as both a Hotel Manager, Global Sales leader, and Regional Director of Operations.  As a team-centric leader, Eli focuses on individualizing the guest experience through dynamic service and attention to detail.

In his off time, Eli enjoys traveling with his wife and three children.  Eli is an avid sports fan and enjoys being outdoors whenever possible!