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RI Hospitality Association Promotes Four

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) promoted four of its staffers as announced in March. Caroline Bhatia was promoted to Vice President of Membership & Business Development. Bhatia is responsible for developing new business opportunities for members and sponsors, sales on membership inquiries and endorsed partner referrals, analyzing statistics on retention and expansion opportunities, working with national affiliates and more. She previously held the role of Director of Membership. Traci Dufresne was promoted to Director of the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF). Dufresne is responsible for the management of all RIHEF workforce development initiatives and Hospitality Training Academy programs, overseeing educational grant contracts, fundraising efforts, plans to increase the number of students trained in RIHA/RIHEF courses, managing the RI Hospitality Employee Relief Fund and other scholarship funds. She previously held the role of Manager of Hospitality Workforce Development. Katie Kleyla was promoted to Director of Events & Marketing. Kleyla is responsible for creating marketing and communications content to aid the association’s growth plan; managing e-newsletters, websites and social media channels; event planning, development of annual reports; and more. She previously held the role of Manager of Marketing & Events. Cindy Stepanian was promoted to Office Manager, acting as a vendor liaison to office equipment and contract services; managing travel reservations; scheduling staff meetings; monitoring and maintaining office supply inventory; and assisting team members with events, meetings and team projects. She previously held the role of Finance & Administrative Assistant.

 

Photos by Spencer Gossy Photography.

 

 

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