Hilton Pittsburgh Continues Hiring Surge

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilton Pittsburgh has continued its aggressive hiring efforts with several new additions to its sales force. The new team members include Senior Sales Managers Mike Claravall and Shelley Wood; and Marketing Manager Derek Scalzott.

"With the completion of our $30 million Phase One restoration, our growing sales force is essential to accommodate the pent up demand for all of the luxuries that Hilton Pittsburgh now offers," said Tony Aslanian, Director of Sales and Marketing.  "Our expanded sales and service team is dedicated to providing outstanding service for company meetings, special events, conventions and business travelers."

Mike Claravall

A hotelier for nearly 20 years, Claravall is a Certified Hospitality Supervisor of the American Hotel and Motel Association and a member of the Society of Government Meeting Planners. Mike earned the Sales Person of the Year award in his most recent position at the venerable Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, Kentucky. Claravall earned his Hospitality Management Degree in the Philippines.

Shelley Wood

Wood is a familiar face within Pittsburgh's convention and tourism community because she previously served as Senior Sales Manager at Hilton Pittsburgh for more than 14 years.  A graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, Wood is a board member of Meeting Professionals International.

Derek Scalzott

Scalzott has previous guest services and special events management experience with SMG at Mellon Arena and Pittsburgh Public Theater.  A Pittsburgh native, Scalzott is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania.  

"We are enthusiastic to enhance our sales team with these talented industry sales professionals.  They will be genuine assets to Hilton Pittsburgh's expanded sales and marketing efforts," Aslanian said.  

About Hilton Pittsburgh

Under the venerable Hilton flag for 50+ years, Hilton Pittsburgh is the city's largest and most recognizable hotel.  Adjacent to Point State Park, the property is conveniently located near Heinz Field, PNC Park, the Cultural District, and the Convention Center.  

Hilton Pittsburgh recently renovated all 712-guest rooms to provide greater comfort, style and convenience for business and pleasure travelers.  Each of those beautifully appointed accommodations features flat panel HDTV, Hilton's Serenity Collection Bed and Bath amenities, and world renowned Lavazza® in-room coffee – all along with breathtaking views of the city's skyscape or Three Rivers.

Hilton Pittsburgh currently features 40,000 square feet of flexible function space, including Pittsburgh's largest hotel ballroom and a state-of-the-art Conference Center. The property employs almost 500 local residents and welcomes hundreds of conventions and special events each year.

Phase Two of the hotel's renovation plan will see the completion of a dramatic wave-like exterior addition that pays tribute to the city's Three Rivers and a Grand Staircase that will connect the Lobby and Ballroom levels.  

Additional information about Hilton Pittsburgh may be found on the company's Web site: www.hiltonpittsburgh.com

About Hilton Hotels

Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com.

About Crescent Hotels & Resorts

Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., outside of Washington, D.C., Crescent Hotels & Resorts owns, manages and co-invests in hotel real estate, and is an independent, third-party operator of hotels and resorts.  The company currently owns or operates approximately 62 hotels and resorts aggregating more than 13,200 rooms in 27 states.  The company's portfolio encompasses properties in the luxury, resort, upper upscale full-service, boutique, convention and premium select-service segments under the premier hotel brands of Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Hyatt, InterContinental, Radisson, Preferred, and Wyndham, as well as independent hotels, and resorts.  Additional information about Crescent Hotel & Resorts may be found on the company's Web site: www.chrco.com

SOURCE Hilton Pittsburgh