WInTeR 2015 California Hotel & Lodging Association 19 SHERATON GRAND S A C R A M E N T O terrAneA reSOrt iS terri HAACK’S PriDe AnD JOY. The resort has only known Terri as its Managing Director—she arrived two years prior to the opening of the property and is now overseeing the fifth anniversary and has ascended to be the newly appointed President of Terranea Resort. Terri oversaw the final stages of construction and was ultimately responsible for the initial hiring of associates, which now totals over 1,250 associates at the 102-acre, 582-unit luxury resort on the former Marineland of the Pacific site. From her start, integrating the resort into the environment and community and then assimilating associates into the resort’s high standard of service, Terri has led by example. Her involvement with associates, in the community and with the industry has been reflected in the success of the resort including earning a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2014 Gold List, being named one of Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World for 2014, and a Los Angeles Top Place to Work. Her accessibility to her associates is manifested in her “talk to Terri” program, which enables direct questions and suggestions to Terri from each of her associates. Among other industry participation, Terri is also a founding member and Vice Chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) Women in Lodging Executive Council, recognizing and advancing women’s significance in the hospitality industry. She also serves as Chairman of the AH&LA Educational Foundation Scholarship Committee and contributes to developing the future leaders of the hospitality industry, supporting mentoring by annually hosting local high school students in conjunction with AH&LA’s National Groundhog Job Shadow Day in February. The goal of the program is giving young people a new perspective on their studies through hands-on learning and a one-day mentoring experience. “The overwhelming response was inspiring,” said Terri. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to share our passion and insight with these future hospitality associates.” Haack’s secret to success is staying optimistic. Something good is always on the other side of any problem, a mantra she often repeats to her employees. “I learned the days you are most afraid are the days that you make the best decisions because you know you aren’t going to give up,” she says. “We have a great team, and we really pull together. I believe we can accomplish anything.” From the cover... terri Haack Leader & Mentor
CH & LA Winter 2015
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