Bruce L. Thompson
Chief Executive Officer

Bruce Thompson has been a leader in the travel industry for more than 25 years. His first venture grew to become the largest ski operator on the East Coast. That company evolved into Professional Hospitality Resources (PHR), as Thompson expanded into hotels and restaurants. In 1986, he entered the vacation ownership industry, co-founding the highly successful Gold Key Resorts. Today, his companies generate annual revenues exceeding $170 million and employ over 2000 associates. Thompson’s companies own and manage hotels, resorts, commercial real estate and restaurants in Virginia and North Carolina. In 2011, he launched a large mixed use development at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Thompson has been an ardent supporter of the travel industry, serving as a director of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and on the board of many tourism and development organizations. Thompson served for seven years on the Governor’s Travel Advisory Committee, American Resort Development Association Board, Resort Area Advisory Commission, Resort Leadership Council, Virginia Beach Festivals Committee and the Virginia Small Business Financial Authority. He was chairman of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s Transition Team for Film and Tourism and was appointed to the Governor’s Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission. In July 2010, Thompson was appointed by the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) Foundation Board of Trustees to serve on the EVMS Board of Visitors. In recognition of his accomplishments in the timeshare industry, Thompson was awarded “Best Industry Leader” in 2012 by Perspective Magazine, the leading trade publication for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry.

Thompson is a vocal proponent of community service. Since 2008, he has organized the largest Walk to Defeat ALS efforts in that organization’s history, raising more than $5 million to support the ALS Society, patient care and medical research. In 2009, he designed and secured funding for the world’s first fully accessible oceanfront park for the disabled, JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground for EveryBODY, which opened on the Virginia Beach oceanfront in May 2010. I Thompson received the 2009 ARDA Ace Philanthropic Award, the 2009 Outstanding Community Visionary Award from Amerigroup Foundation, the Virginia Center of Inclusive Committees Humanitarian Award and Gold Key Resorts (a company piloted by Bruce Thompson) received the 2010 ARDA Ace Community Service Award. After many years in support of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Thompson was crowned King Neptune XXXVIII in 2010. He is a member of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. In April of 2012, Thompson received the Lenora B. Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award from Volunteer Hampton Roads, recognizing his continued commitment to the community.

Robert Howard
Chief Investment Officer

Mission
To evaluate and manage the company’s various assets and their contributions to the financial performance and return on the Company’s investments and to seek out and evaluate new growth opportunities that will enhance the company’s return on investment across its portfolio.

Experience
Joined Gold Key/PHR in 1990 as Controller and subsequently promoted to Executive Vice President of Finance and Accounting in 1994, , Chief Financial Officer in 2000, and Chief Investment Officer in 2010. For several years was with Ernst and Whinney in the corporate audit practice and with a regional accounting firm where he provided audit, tax and consulting services.

Education
B.A. Accounting, Washington Jefferson College.

Professional and Extracurricular
Member of the Virginia and Tidewater Chapters of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Recognized by Virginia Business among its “Super CPA” and “CFO of the Year.” Served on the Fund Distribution Panel for United Way and the Tidewater Community College’s Accounting Advisory Committee. Past member of the Executive Advisory Council to the Dean of Business and Public Administration, Old Dominion University. Board of Directors of a regional community bank.

Brian Carson
Chief Financial Officer

Mission
Provide GoldKey/PHR Hotels and Resorts management with the financial tools to measure performance, cash flow planning and budgets at an extraordinary level of detail.

Experience
Partner with Goodman & Company (now Dixon Hughes Goodman) for more than a decade, specializing in Corporate financial audits, financial reporting, income tax reporting and financial forecasting. Focused primarily on the timeshare, hospitality, hotel management commercial real estate and construction industries. Also worked in the firm’s merger and acquisitions area.

Education
B.S. Accounting, Virginia Tech.

Professional and Extracurricular
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Member of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, Leadership Hampton Roads, Tidewater Chapter of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants and many other industry and trade associations. 

President, Gold Key Resorts
John L. (Bucky) Houser

Mission
To meet the revenue goals of Gold Key Resorts through sales efficiencies, strategic planning of sales activities, managing quality assurance, and operation of the company’s 4 sales centers.

Experience
Joined Gold Key Resorts in 1991 as a sales associate, advancing to Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, Director of Sales, VP of Sales and subsequently to President. During his tenure at Gold Key Resorts, company have grown from $2 million to $35 million. Education

Education
B.A. Business Management, University of Tennessee.

Professional and Extracurricular
Board of Directors, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

Paul van Leeuwen
President, Professional Hospitality Resources

Mission
To manage PHR hotels, resorts and restaurants to achieve maximum guest satisfaction, career growth and satisfaction for our associates and optimum financial return for our owners and investors.

Experience
Joined PHR in January 2011
Former Chief Operating Officer of the Reynolds Capital Group and Executive Vice President of the Reynolds Hotel Group.
Led a team which secured the long term private partner role with the State of Georgia to revitalize Jekyll Island, a 5,000 acres state-owned barrier island.
Vice President of Resort Development for the Disneyland Resort of The Walt Disney Company for the majority of his career.
Also held senior positions with PRG-Schultz International, The John H. Harland Company and Silver Dollar City.

Education
B.S. Industrial Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
M.B.A., Harvard Business School.

Bryan D. Cuffee
Vice President of Development, Gold Key | PHR

Mission
To direct the development of all new construction projects for Gold Key/PHR.

Experience
More than 16 years of real estate development experience with Gold Key/PHR. Has developed more than $200 million in real estate assets and currently has more than $150 million under development today. Construction management experience includes hotels, resorts, office buildings, restaurants, retail, parking garages and public/private sector ventures.

Education
B.S., Norfolk State University
M.B.A., Old Dominion University; Construction Management Certificate.

Professional and Extracurricular
Member Virginia Beach Development Authority; Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Committee; Virginia Beach Planning Design & Review Committee; Tidewater Builders Association; National Association of Home Builders. Treasurer, Norfolk Middle Town Lions Club. Advisor, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Charter Member, United Way African-American Leadership Giving Initiative. 2006 Manager of the Year, Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts.

Mike Poch
Executive Vice President of Finance

Mission
To professionally manage Gold Key Resorts most vital financial functions: cash flow projections, unit inventory control, financial reporting, new project and property feasibility projections, development division management, financing projections, loan negotiations, loan closings, sales and marketing efficiency analysis, portfolio management, collections department management, tax planning, business development management, strategic planning and banking relations.

Experience
More than 18 years in accounting. Joined Gold Key as Controller prior to being promoted to Executive Vice President of Finance. Former Senior Accountant and Supervisor at the CPA firm of Goodman & Company.

Education
B.A., Accounting and Economics, Frostburg State University

Elizabeth Weller
Executive Vice President of Administration

Mission
To manage the company’s financial processes, including oversight of all internal financial and operating audits, quality assurance administration and the management of company assets. Also to manage the company’s internal and external reporting.

Experience
With PHR since 2000, serving in a variety of critical financial positions as well as overseeing process management within the entire organization.

Education
B.A., College of William and Mary
M.B.A., College of William and Mary

Professional and Extracurricular
Adjunct Instructor in accounting at Old Dominion University. Director, Virginia Beach Hotel/Motel Association Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Children’s Health Systems. 

Member of the Virginia and Tidewater Society of CPA’s.

Terry Lavey
Vice President of Operations

Mission
To assure that our guests have an excellent experience by servicing them with a motivated and trained staff and assuring that all properties are clean and maintained to our highest standards through excellent management and regular updating through our Reserves For Replacement program.

Experience
Over 25 years of experience at the executive level in the hospitality industry. Experience includes Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts franchise properties, General Manager of the Hilton Norfolk Airport Hotel and Vice President of the Garlin Hotels Corporation, a hotel management and consulting company.

Education
B.A., Business Adminstration and Accounting, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Professional and Extracurricular
Served on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Beach Hotel Motel Association. President of the Norfolk Hotel Motel Association. Serves on the Advertising Advisory Committee for the City of Virginia Beach. Served on the Board of Directors for the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau. Adjunct Professor, Hampton Roads Hospitality and Training Initiative. Advisory Board for the Norfolk State University HRIM Program.

Mary Reinhardt
Vice President of Sales

Mission
To optimize all sales activities within the companies, including all sales departments and all administrative quantitative and qualitative areas for the Sales Division. Also to assure professional execution of the sales process within in-house sales, in-house marketing, guest registration department and recruiting and training.

Experience
A veteran of the vacation ownership industry, she has achieved top sales honors throughout her career. Top sales representative at Fairfield Communities/Williamsburg (Wyndham) Named Top “On Site” Sales Representative in North America by American Resort Developers Association. Front Line Sales Manager at Fairfield Resorts and subsequently Regional Vice President. Oversaw Fairfield Atlantic City, the most successful opening in the company’s history. Joined GoldKey/PHR Hotels and Resorts in 2003 and named Vice President of Sales in 2009

Chuck Sass
Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations

Mission
To operate our restaurants as successful profit centers by providing every guest with an excellent culinary and service experience.

Experience
A 25 year food and beverage professional with experience in classical French cooking, high volume catering and hotel and restaurant management. Joined PHR in 1994 where he gained national recognition for Mahi Mah’s Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Saloon.

Professional & Extracurricular
A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.
Earned a Mobil 4-Star rating at the Ship's Cabin Restaurant.
Named a Certified Food and Beverage Executive by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
Has overseen the launch many highly acclaimed restaurants including Salacia, Virginia's only AAA 4-Diamond Steakhouse.

Axel Suray
Vice President of Hotel Operations

Mission
To provide guests at the company’s flagship hotel, Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, with a true luxury hotel experience.

Experience
Joined PHR in 2009 as Vice President of Operations. Formerly General Manager of the internationally renowned Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C., and the Mansion on Forsyth Park, one of the 100 best hotels in the US. More than 15 years at Westin Hotels in a variety of positions including Food & Beverage Director and General Manager of hotels in the US. and abroad. Vice President at Colonial Williamsburg Hotel Properties with primary responsibility for the famed Williamsburg Inn.

Education
B.A. Business, Hospitality College Wanne-Eickel Germany

Jackie Riggs

Vice President GKR Owner Relations

Mission
To serve as a liaison between Gold Key and PHR, creating a conduit between sales and marketing to the service delivery of the vacation experience. Additionally, keeping the Developer in compliance with legislation that holds the Developer responsible to their time-share owners with respect to the management and operation of a time-share project and program.

Experience
A professional in the hospitality industry since 1987, Jackie Riggs has spent the majority of those years with Gold Key Resorts. Mrs. Riggs is an authority within Gold Key Resorts in all matters of legal and regulatory content. Gold Key Resorts encompasses four time-share projects in Virginia Beach with Mrs. Riggs acting as the advocate for close to 30,000 owners and investors. Every contract, Public Offering Statement, and purchase document is carefully scrutinized by her watchful eye to ensure compliance and accuracy prior to utilization. She is involved in the negotiation and cultivation of strategic partnerships that have resulted in an increase in profitability to Gold Key Resorts. She has spearheaded the pre-sales and opening of all resorts developed by Gold Key Resorts.

Professional and Extracurricular
Board of Director-
    TC TSOA, Vice President
    OBC TSOA, Vice President
Virginia Resorts & Developers Association (VRDA)-
      President, Developer Representative and Legislative Committee Member
Common Interest Community Board, Governor Appointed
American Resort Developer’s Association (ARDA) AIF Research Committee
Philanthropy-
    Alzheimer’s Foundation Walk
    Susan B. Komen Walk for the Cure
    Chairperson for the annual JT Walk & Beach Party

Paul Grosch
IT Director

Mission
To evaluate, manage and develop the company’s Information Technology capabilities, ensure improvements translate directly to customer value, deliver IT service excellence and continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of IT.

Experience
Over 15 years’ experience in software development and IT Service Management. Joined Gold Key/PHR in 2007 as Manager of Application Development and promoted to IT Director in 2008. Previous employers include Lockheed Martin, Innova Systems International and Department of Defense. Previous experience includes technical support, requirements engineering, application development and business intelligence.

Education
B.S. Computer Science, Virginia Tech & Old Dominion University
M.S. Computer Science, Old Dominion University

Professional and Extracurricular
Certified Project Management Professional and Member of Project Management Institute ITIL Certified Microsoft Certified Professional in Business Intelligence, SQL Development, SQL Administration and .NET Development

Tom Miner
Chief Food & Beverage Officer

Mission
To lead PHR’s Food & Beverage division in providing exceptional dining experiences for guests and owners, and planning and executing food service business best practices to maximize revenues and profits for asset ownership.

Experience
Prior to joining PHR in 2011 as the Chief F&B Officer, Tom was a Principal at Technomic, Inc, a leading food industry consulting firm, for 15 years. At Technomic, Tom developed, sold and managed client services for foodservice multi-unit management systems, unit operations, concept and menu development, market research, and acquisition due diligence. Prior to Technomic, Tom was Vice President Marketing of the Lettuce Entertain You Consulting Group where he developed and managed client services for new product development, market research, and strategic growth planning. His “side work” for Lettuce’s restaurant group included consumer research for concept development, competitive research for partnerships, and strategic planning for restaurant brand promotions, as well as concept/brand evaluation. Tom began his foodservice career in restaurant operations in New York and France. In NYC, Tom wore the executive chef toque for 12 years, leading culinary operations at The Boat House in Central Park (Upscale Italian), Fraunces Tavern (American Fine Dining), and Mickey Mantle’s (American Regional).

Education
B.A. Creative Writing, Columbia University
M.B.A. University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

Professional and Extracurricular
Tom is the author of numerous trade articles and a text book for chefs. He is a Founding Member of the Research Chefs Association and an active member of the National Restaurant Association.

Brian Rowe
Director of Regional Marketing

Mission
To support the company's growth plan by seeking out and providing qualified tour prospects from regional destination markets to the Gold Key Sales Team who willl in turn attempt to convert in to new timeshare owners. In the process, to support and enhance the company's brand positioning through consistent marketing messages to regional markets.

Experience
Joined Gold Key Resorts in 2006 as Marketing Promotions Manager and subsequently promoted to Director of Regional Marketing in 2009. For previous nine years was Director of Marketing for Snowshoe Mountain Resort, where he successfully marketed the largest ski resort in southeast and mid-Atlantic.

Education
B.A. Marketing, The College of William and Mary

Stacey Rouse
Director of Human Resources

Mission
To develop, implement and support programs, policies and processes that add value to Gold Key/ PHR and its associates, leading to improved associate welfare, empowerment, growth and retention; while being committed to Gold Key/ PHR’s key mission tenents, its management and prosperity for its customers, associates and owners.

Experience
Over a decade of comprehensive human resource management experience collaborating with senior management, and conducting human resources strategic planning in support of organizational goals. Experience working in private, public, and non-profit organizations. Past employers include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the University of New Mexico and Adelante Development Center, Inc.

Education
B.A. Communication, East Carolina University
M.P.A. Human Resource Management, University of New Mexico

Professional and Extracurricular
National Member, Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Local SHRM Director of Publicity, HR-SHRM

John Babb
Director of Asset Management

Role
To preserve, protect and enhance the value of various corporate assets. To maximize the effective utilization of corporate assets, including corporate aviation, marine and real estate assets. To serve as risk manager of assets and to plan and execute property enhancements and upgrades.

Experience
More than 25 years of financial and asset management in the banking, commercial real estate, and hospitality industries. John Babb has managed real estate development, construction and management of more than $1 billion in properties. He also served as CEO of a financial and management consulting firm.

Education
B.S. Business and Finance, Virginia Tech

Arthur Schleifer
Chief Marketing Officer

Mission
Create a customer centric organization where marketing strategies are at the forefront of decision making. Instill best practices and identify opportunities for cross marketing and enterprise wide value creation.

Experience
Joined PHR in 2012 as Chief Marketing Officer. Prior experience as Executive in Residence focused on the search strategy practice at Roundarch, where he provided functional expertise in performance marketing and advised principals on positioning of practice. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Pinnacle Entertainment managed brand marketing, relationship marketing, digital marketing, analytics, loyalty-program development, and direct-mail operations and drove a YOY increase in revenue and ebitda despite the pressure of increased competition. Also held senior positions with Caesars Entertainment, Excite@Home and Home Shopping Network.

Education
B.A. History, Tufts University.
M.B.A. Business Administration, Harvard Business School.

Glenn Ramella
Director of Financial Services

Mission
Management and reporting on owners financial records and obligations’ to the company, to assure credit quality and performance of the loan portfolio, minimizing losses and lender compliance.

Experience
Joined Gold Key in 2000 as Portfolio Manager, promoted to Director of Financial Services in 2007. Previous experience spans 30 years in Financial Services, which include positions as Regional Senior Vice President with Nations Credit and Area Vice President for Avco Financial Services.

Education
A.A., Edward Williams College

Professional and Extracurricular
Served on Board of Directors for Consumer Finance Associations in various states.

J. Robin Gasser
Director of Leasing & Property Management

Mission
To lease and manage the company’s Retail, Office and Industrial assets, retaining successful tenants and attracting new tenants that enhance the company’s commercial asset portfolio and the oceanfront submarket, as well as attracting tenants for future commercial developments.

Experience
Joined Gold Key/PHR in 2010 to lease and manage the $72 million dollar mixed-use lifestyle center that includes The Shops at 31Ocean, the Class A Sidney Kellam Office Building, and the Summer House resort-lifestyle apartments. Prior to joining Gold Key/PHR, Robin was responsible for leasing a portfolio of over 581,000 square feet of commercial assets in Southeastern Virginia with Divaris Real Estate. Previously, Robin planned, organized and implemented incentive program events for many national organizations following her experience in hospitality sales and management.

Education
B.S. Business Administration, Old Dominion University

Professional and Extracurricular
Virginia Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Past-President, Commercial Real Estate Women
Hampton Roads Chapter; Past-President, Cape Henry Rotary Club
ICSC Member
HRACRE Member
Volunteer with St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children and Young Adults Kid2Kid Program

Michelle Coronato
Internal Auditor

Mission
Evaluate internal controls in an effort to identify inadequate processes and to subsequently suggest proper solution(s). Ensure policies and procedures are strictly adhered to while creating and maintaining positive, transparent, and professional relationships with Company operators.

Experience
In July 2007, upon college graduation, moved from Virginia Beach to Las Vegas to pursue an opportunity via the Management Associate Program (MAP) with MGM Resorts International; this program was specifically created for recent college graduates and provided for a well rounded understanding of the Company and its strategic position in the Las Vegas market. Upon completion of MAP, promoted to Assistant Hotel Manager in 2008, Hotel Evaluation Manager in 2010, and Productivity Evaluation Manager in 2011. Relocated to Hampton Roads in the beginning of November 2012 and joined the Gold Key/PHR team as Internal Auditor.

Education
B.B.A. Hospitality & Tourism Management, James Madison University
Study abroad program participant with International Business concentration, University of Antwerp

Professional and Extracurricular
Served as Co Chair for Mirage Green Sustainability Committee
Member of Las Vegas Hospitality Association
Volunteer for MGM Resorts International/Las Vegas community

Tade Allen
Director of Sales and Marketing, Hotel Division

Mission
To innovate, develop and lead the sales and marketing efforts for the PHR Hotel Division in seeking and securing profitable group and transient revenue streams.

Experience
Joined Gold Key/PHR in May of 2011. Prior to joining Gold Key/PHR was Director of Sales and Marketing for Benchmark Hospitality at The Founders Inn and Spa.

Education
B.A. Business, University of Pittsburgh

Professional and Extracurricular
Member of the Hampton Roads Chapter of HSMAI, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hotel Partnership Committee.
Benchmark Hospitality Sales Manager of the Year 2005 and Sales Leader of the year 2010.

Dave Shively
Vice President of Marketing

Mission
To acquire new timeshare customers via marketing channels within specific markets. Secure and manage relationships with strategic partners that support our marketing footprint.

Experience
Joined Gold Key | PHR in 1990 as Project Director and subsequently promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 1994 and President in 1998 until 2002. After serving as President of Great Wolf Vacations and CEO of Land’or Williamsburg, LLC rejoined Gold Key Resorts in 2011 as Director of Marketing. Began in the timeshare industry in 1980 and has a diversified background including finance, development, operations, owners’ associations, marketing and sales.

Professional and Extracurricular
Registered Resort Professional (RRP) designation with the American Resort Development Association (ARDA)
Served two terms as a board member for the Virginia Resort Development Association (VRDA)
Served on the initial timeshare advisory committee to the Virginia Real Estate Board
Served as a judge for the ARDA annual sales and marketing ARDY awards
Two time ARDA Convention Speaker

Jenny McLane
Director of Risk Management

Mission
To support the company’s mission of predictable, sustainable earnings by evaluating, controlling and managing risk in the areas of insurance, workers compensation, security, loss prevention and safety.

Experience
Joined Gold Key/PHR in 2006 and since that time worked in various departments including Human Resources, Development and Insurance and is currently the Director of Risk Management. Previous experience in administration, recruiting, marketing and advertising.

Education
B.S. Business Marketing Management, Virginia Tech
B.S. Resource Management, Virginia Tech

Professional and Extracurricular
Volunteer for EQUI-KIDS
Virginia Tech Alumni Association
Certified Risk Manager, The National Alliance