get to know our sales and convention teams
The Westin Indianapolis redefines efficient service with an effortless style and gracious attitude that ensures a truly unforgettable experience. Scroll down to meet our energetic and thoughtful sales and convention teams.
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Meet our Sales Managers |
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Deborah Wichers, Director of Sales and Marketing Deborah was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She begin her hospitality career as a General Manager in full service hotels, migrated to sales and marketing, and has been in multi-unit, market and brand environments from DOSM of single properties to Regional Vice President of Sales positions. Deborah entered the hospitality industry after serving for 10 years of full time/active duty in the US Air Force. She continues to serve as a reservist and is at Grissom ARB in Peru, Indiana as an Education and Training Manager. Deborah’s formal education is in Workforce Education, Development and Training from Southern Illinois University as well as Logistics and Production Control and Education and Training Management through the Air Force. In 2011 Deborah moved from Chicago to Indianapolis to join her fiancé and began working at the Westin Indianapolis. She enjoys all that Indianapolis offers in sports, culture, tourism and business and is delighted at the opportunity to work in a hotel and brand culture that has a forward vision and is committed to delivering a customized individual guest experience. Deborah’s Passion: "The joy of family and friends, service to others, working out and a great glass of chardonnay." You can contact Deborah at 317-231-3960 or email her at deborah.wichers@westin.com
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Gail Smith, Sales Manager Gail graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management and has been a member of The Westin Indianapolis team for 16 years. Originally hired as the Group Reservations Coordinator in 1994, Gail was promoted to a position in the Sales department in 1999. You can contact Gail by phone at 317-231-3922 or email her at Gail.Smith@westin.com
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Kelsey Rigdon, Catering Sales Manager Kelsey is originally from a small town of 4,500 people called Sullivan, Indiana. After graduating from Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis with a degree in Tourism Conventions and Event Management, Kelsey then traveled around the world planning special events for the United States' Troops. When asked about the time she spent overseas Kelsey responds "The USO provides a home away from home for our troops and I was very happy to be a part of that! I lived and worked in 10 countries and my most recent tour was 13 months in Iraq". After Kelsey returned to the states she began working for VMS planning meetings and events for Pharmaceutical companies before transferring to The Westin Indianapolis. You can contact Kelsey by phone at 317-231-3968 or email Kelsey.
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Jayne Boyd, Sales Manager Jayne graduated from North Central High School and J. Everett Light Career Center with a focus on Marketing and Merchandising and has been a member of The Westin Indianapolis Sales team for five years. Jayne has worked in the hotel industry for 29 years in various positions including Catering and Convention Services and served as Director of Sales and Marketing at a suburban property. Jayne's Passion: "I Love to travel and hope to do more of it. I enjoy experiencing other cities, cultures and the entire hotel and dining experience. " You can contact Jayne by phone at 317-231-3907 or by email at Jayne.Boyd@westin.com
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Kimberly Timmons, Senior Sales Manager Kimberly graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Restaurant, Hotel & Institutional Management. Kimberly began interning during the summer at The Westin Indianapolis in June of 1997, and became a full time member of our team in 1999, filling many positions ranging from Front Desk Supervisor to Sales Manager. In 2002 she was promoted to Corporate Sales Manager, and in November of 2009 she was again promoted to the position of Director of Sales. Kimberly's passion: "Football. I am a HUGE NFL fan and it is my passion to visit every football stadium in America! Not to mention that I am a SUNDAY TICKET subscriber." You can contact Kimberly by phone at 317-231-3910 or email her at Kimberly.Timmons@westin.com
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John Barry, Director of Catering John is originally from Providence and is a graduate of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. John's passion for food and beverage began in kitchens and dining rooms of restaurants in his hometown. Upon commencement from Catholic University, John continued to pursue his passion for hospitality high-profile Washington D.C.'s restaurants, before transitioning into the exciting environment of hotels and larger events. John relocated to The Westin Indianapolis in early 2008 and loves all the Circle City has to offer - mostly the Hoosier hospitality offered at The Westin Indianapolis. John's Passion: "Family. John and his wife Angela are the proud parents of two of the sweetest and most wonderful girls you will ever meet." You can contact John by phone at 317.231.3995 or email him at John.Barry@westin.com
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Joyce Russell, Senior Sales Manager Joyce graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Political Science and Office Administration and has been a member of The Westin Indianapolis team since June of 1987. She even has worked in the pre-opening office for a year. Joyce worked for the ICVA out of college and then moved to our team where she has remained. You can contact Joyce by phone at 317-231-3912 or email her at Joyce.Russell@westin.com
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Jennifer Hephner, Sales Manager Jennifer graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Exercise & Sport Science, and then went on to receive her master's degree in Sports Management from the University of Georgia. Jennifer has been a member of The Westin Indianapolis team since mid 2010; however, was previously a sales member of Starwood properties in other locations. Jennifer's Passion: "FOOTBALL - collegiate and professional - I grew up surrounded by football in Northeast Ohio and attended two football-dominating universities (on purpose). I love the business of sport, as well as the ‘game'. GO BUCKS!" You can contact Jennifer by phone at 317-231-3976 or email her at Jennifer.Hephner@westin.com
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Meet our Convention Services Associates |
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Kate White, Director of Convention Services Kate was born in Mesa, Arizona, but at an early age made her to Pittsburgh, "the City of Champions"... and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though she has not lived in Western Pennsylvania since the early 1990's, she still calls it "home". During her years at The Westin Indianapolis, Kate has arranged for us to be a headquarter hotel for four NCAA men's and women's Final Four Basketball Championships, as well as the National Football League's (NFL) annual Scouting Combine/Video Directors/Competition Committee Meetings since 1999. Kate was a 2009 nominee for Starwood C.S. Leader of the Year and led her team to Convention Services Team of the Year. Kate's Passions: "I love my three rescue dogs, good wine and, of course, Steelers football. I also recently developed a new appreciation for the speed bag at the gym and have the gloves to prove it!" You can contact Kate at 317-231-3913 or email her at Kate.White@westin.com
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Andrea Galvan, Convention Services Manager Andrea started her career with The Westin Indianapolis in 1992 as a Front Desk Night Auditor while attending Indiana Business College for Travel & Tourism and is currently studying to obtain her CMP designation. Once she decided she loved the Westin brand and the hotel business, she set out to experience as many different areas of hotel operations as possible. After working with The Westin Riverwalk and The Westin San Antonio, Andrea rejoined The Westin Indianapolis team as Front Office Manager. Since returning to Indianapolis, Andrea has tried her hand in catering and sales before finally finding her home in convention services where she has been since 2007. Andrea's Passion: "Spending time with family and friends. Andrea and her husband have a beautiful son who is in pre-school. Watching him grow and learn new things every day is absolutely amazing!" You can contact Andrea at 317-231-3906 or email her at Andrea.Galvan@westin.com
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Becky Moore, CMP Born and raised a Hoosier, Becky has lived in Indiana her entire life. A graduate of the University of Evansville (Go Purple Aces!) with a BA degree in Advertising, Becky has been in the hospitality industry since 1989. She began her hospitality career as a Banquet Server while in college, and went on to becoming a Catering Coordinator, Banquet Manager, Sales Manager and has even held the title as a Meeting Manager for a prominent medical education company. Today Becky loves coming to work each day as the Convention Services Manager at The Westin Indianapolis! Becky received her CMP certification in 2009, and was nominated for ACOM convention services manager of the year by one of her clients in 2008. Becky's Passion: "I have fantastic pen pals - over 40 "friends" from all over the world!" You can contact Becky at 317-231-3993 or email her at Rebecca.Moore@westin.com
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John Saveley, Convention Services Manager John was born and raised in Mattoon, Illinois known as the "Bagel Capital of the World". After graduating high school he moved with his family to Indianapolis and attended Butler University. John started his hotel career in 1989 in our restaurant. Before taking his hand in the sales and marketing department as a Convention Services Manager in 1997, John held many positions at The Westin Indianapolis. John truly enjoys working for a world class brand. John is an active member with CARA Charities which is an auto racing auxiliary and raises money to benefit children which works closely with Riley's Children's Hospital. John's Passion: "I enjoy spending time at home working on home improvements and spending time with my family and our dog Riley and cat Sammie." You can contact John at 317-231-3903 or email him at John.Saveley@westin.com |
