Courtyard Birmingham Downtown At UAB Appoints New General Manager

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospitality industry leader Marriott International proudly announces David Rookard as the new general manager of Courtyard Birmingham Downtown at UAB.

Rookard brings 15 years of experience in hospitality management to one of the premier hotels in downtown Birmingham. His cross-brand experience includes working full-service and select-service hotels with Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Sheraton and Hyatt.

"It is with great pleasure that I join the Courtyard Birmingham at UAB team," said Rookard. "I plan on utilizing my diverse experience and knowledge of the industry in this position, working hard to ensure the hotel continues to exceed guests' expectations with top-notch amenities and superior services."

Beginning his hospitality management career in 1998, Rookard served as director of housekeeping for various Hilton and Marriott hotels in Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC. In 2006, Rookard took on an area general manager role for Residence Inn hotels in Charlotte, NC and Spartanburg, SC. With regional and corporate responsibility, Rookard improved guest satisfaction scores from 38.7 to 88.3 on a 100-point scale. He was also instrumental in managing a $7 million renovation of both extended-stay hotels.

Rookard then moved to Ypsilanti, MI in 2008 as direction of rooms at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, where he led the front office and housekeeping operations. A year later, Rookard accepted his first general manager position at the Hyatt Place Houston Bush Intercontinental in Houston, TX.     

Most recently, Rookard served as the area director of operations and sales for Interstate Hotels and Resorts, a position he began in 2011. His responsibilities included oversight of all operations and sales for four Hyatt Place properties in Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. Additional responsibilities included managing and training staff, directing four general managers and completing forecasts and annual budgets. From 2011 to 2013, all four hotels scored above the brand quality assurance ratings, and his Houston property received the second highest quality assurance rating within the brand. Rookard was also recognized as the highest company performer for REVPAR (revenue per available room) index in 2012 and 2013.

In his spare time, Rookard enjoys spending time with his family and keeping up to date with technology advancements.

The downtown Birmingham hotel that Rookard will lead attracts business and leisure travelers with well-appointed accommodations and amenities that include free Internet access and luxurious bedding. The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect. serves breakfast, dinner, evening cocktails and specialty Starbucks beverages, ensuring visitors' stay is full of convenience.

Among the top Birmingham hotels, Courtyard is near UAB Medical Center and features easy access to the hospital through an enclosed sky bridge.

About the Courtyard Birmingham Downtown at UAB
The Courtyard Birmingham Downtown at UAB at 1820 5^th Ave. South in Birmingham, AL, is near Vulcan Park, Five Points South and the University of Alabama. The hotel offers easy access to UAB Medical Center via an enclosed sky bridge and features 6 floors, 115 rooms, 7 suites, 5 meeting rooms boasting 1,982 square feet of flexible event space, a bistro and fitness center. For information, visit www.marriott.com/BHMDW or call 1-205-254-0004.

Learn more about Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott International Inc.

CONTACT
David Rookard
1-205-254-0004
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141202/161966

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SOURCE Courtyard Birmingham Downtown at UAB

Related Links

http://www.marriott.com/BHMDW