Residence Inn New Orleans Downtown is ringing in 2016 with a new general manager and a fresh vision for the future.
An 11-year Marriott veteran, Vanessa Jackson has taken the reins of the New Orleans hotel. She started her career in the hospitality industry at the age of 16 at Grove Park Home, a retirement residence in her home country of Canada. In 2003, Jackson participated in her first American work experience during an internship at New Orleans Marriott while studying to obtain a Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality from Southern New Hampshire University.
Upon graduation, she returned to New Orleans Marriott as an assistant in-room dining manager. Jackson helped oversee several renovation projects, supported the hotel’s rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and was a key player in developing initiatives for a guest satisfaction score committee.
In October 2008, Jackson transitioned to the director of restaurants position. She led the execution of a $98,000 marketing plan for 5FIFTY5 restaurant and managed food and beverage outlets with a combined revenue of $5.8 million in 2009. She was also successful in achieving “green zone” status on consecutive quality assurance audits. In July of 2010, she took on the role of director of services, where she was responsible for the strategic direction of housekeeping and laundry operations of the 1,329-room hotel and oversaw 180 associates.
After a successful stint at New Orleans Marriott, she accepted an assistant general manager position at Residence Inn New Orleans Downtown in May 2014. Her energetic and focused approach led the team to success in many areas, including increased quality assurance scores in check-in experience, maintenance and upkeep, breakfast quality and staff service. She worked closely with leadership on hotel renovations such as the installation of a new roof.
Accepting the new general manager position in December 2015, Jackson says she looks forward to taking the hotel into its next chapter and will have a prime focus on continuing associate development and increasing market share.
