Debbie Gateowod

Resourceful and results-oriented hospitality and operations professional with 8+ years of experience in front office management, team leadership, customer service, and daily hotel operations. Experienced in training and coaching employees, improving operational efficiency, managing budgets and inventory, resolving customer concerns, and maintaining high service standards. Strong communicator and hands-on leader with experience collaborating across teams and implementing process improvements.

Assistant Manager - Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile - Chicago, IL

(2015-07)

• Lead and support day-to-day hotel operations while maintaining a high standard of guest service.
• Completed leadership development training focused on communication, decision-making, strategic thinking, and team leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges and support organizational goals.
• Lead team-based process-improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and cost-conscious operations.
• Coach and support employees in delivering consistent service and following operational standards.

Front Office Manager - Hotel Profitability’s Hotel Task Force - Chicago, IL

(2013-10 - 2017-05)

• Directed front office teams and provided day-to-day guidance to support efficient hotel operations.
• Managed scheduling, inventory, customer service, and front office workflows.
• Developed and implemented strategies to improve productivity and streamline processes.
• Supported sales growth through staff training, coaching, and guest-service initiatives.
• Implemented cost-control measures and monitored expenditures against departmental budgets.
• Partnered with cross-functional teams on marketing, operational, and service-improvement initiatives.
• Conducted employee performance evaluations and helped identify development and training needs.
• Maintained quality-control standards and addressed customer concerns promptly to protect the guest experience.
• Integrated technology and POS systems to improve operational efficiency.
• Managed end-to-end hiring activities, including interviews and selection decisions.
• Provided coaching and mentoring to support employee performance and professional growth.
• Ensured compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and other applicable operational requirements.

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management - Roosevelt University (2012-06 - 2016-06)