JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa has appointed Sam Garcia to director of event planning for the 575-room, AAA Four Diamond property. Dan Carraher, the resort’s director of sales and marketing made the announcement.
“We’re thrilled Sam is joining us at Starr Pass Resort & Spa,” said Carraher. “His vast experience in event operations, catering and convention services, in addition to an impressive track record with Marriott, makes him the perfect person to lead our event management team to greater heights of success.”
Garcia began his hospitality career with Marriott in 1975 at its Los Angeles Airport property in various positions including catering and guest services. In 1985 he joined the Marriott Hotel Anaheim holding several titles including convention floor manager, convention services manager and ultimately director of convention services. During that time period he was awarded Convention Services Manager of the Year. In 1991, Garcia moved to Palm Desert, California, where he spent 15 years and held various leadership roles at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, including director of event management and director of services. Under Garcia’s guidance, the resort won multiple awards of excellence in catering and events. In 2006, Garcia became an owner/broker for Desert Vacation Rentals & Sales in Palm Desert, specializing in residential property management for 10 years before returning back to the hospitality industry and Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
