Southern Aluminum adds multiple hospitality veterans to its sales & marketing team.

Posted 01/18/2020

Southern Aluminum is pleased to announce the most recent additions to the company's evolving sales and marketing team. “We continue to experience tremendous demand for our linenless products throughout the hotel industry,” said John Menghini, Southern Aluminum’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He continued, “Southern Aluminum is committed to providing our customers with the best possible buying experience, and that starts with building strong local relationships. This exciting expansion of our team establishes our presence in key markets and will ensure that we are always available to our customers in search of the best solutions for meeting and event furniture.”

Southern Aluminum focused its search for new sales executives in a number of the leading U.S. hotel markets. Each of these seasoned professionals brings a wealth of hospitality experience, deep relationships, and an ability to further fuel the company’s growth. They join the company’s seven current Regional Sales Directors.

Christina Burnett - Regional Sales Director – Florida
Christina Burnett has over 25 combined years of experience in the golf, retail, and hospitality industries. Before joining Southern Aluminum, she worked for Guardsman, a division of Amynta Group as an Account Manager with responsibility for a long list of hotel partners. Christina is based in Orlando and will have responsibility for the state of Florida.

Dawn Migliore – Regional Sales Director – New York, New Jersey
Dawn Migliore is a seasoned sales professional with a proven track record in the hospitality space. She spent 10 years with American Hotel Register, a leading hospitality supply company. Most recently, Dawn served as a Territory Manager for Studio B ~ Brill Seating, a supplier of designer furniture to the hotel industry. Dawn is based in New Jersey and her primary focus will be New York City and the surrounding area.

Gabrielle Rooffener – Regional Sales Director – Northern California, Nevada
Gabrielle Rooffener is an experienced sales executive and account manager. She spent the past two years with Wasserstrom where she managed sales of tabletop equipment to the Northern California hospitality market. Prior to that, Gabrielle spent time at TriMark R.W. Smith and RP & Associates marketing products to the hotel industry. Gabrielle is based in the Bay Area and she will have responsibility for Northern California and Nevada.

Cody Schaefer – Regional Sales Director – Illinois, Wisconsin
Cody Schaefer joins Southern Aluminum after a successful 13-year career with Towne Park, a leading hospitality services company. While there, Cody worked his way from an entry-level associate to a senior management position with extensive account management responsibility. Cody has a proven track record of building relationships and driving growth. He resides in Milwaukee and will oversee Illinois and Wisconsin.

John Utz – Regional Sales Director – Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky
John Utz is a 20+ year hospitality veteran and a skilled business development executive. He spent 21 years with Towne Park, a leading hospitality services company where he served in a variety of senior operational and sales positions. John is passionate about the hotel industry and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Nashville Hotel Association. He is based in Nashville and will focus primarily on Nashville, Atlanta, and Louisville.

In addition to these new hires, Southern Aluminum has announced appointments to the company’s National Accounts team. John Menghini stated, "With the expansion of our dedicated National Accounts team, we have an enhanced ability to respond to growing interest from hotel brands as well as third-party management companies and ownership groups. We’re very excited to name two long-time employees to this new team."

Ted Nelson – Vice President of National Accounts
Ted Nelson joined Southern Aluminum six years ago as Director of National Accounts. In that time, Ted has managed several key national relationships with leading brands. He has also been integral in the development of new products in response to customer needs. Ted is a visionary leader and a creative problem solver. He will continue in his current duties, as well as take on additional responsibilities working closely with the EVP of Sales & Marketing. Ted is based at the company’s Magnolia, Arkansas headquarters.

Casey Whitehead – Director of National Accounts
Casey Whitehead joined Southern Aluminum over 10 years ago. In that time, he has significantly contributed to the company’s growth into a leader in the hospitality space. Casey served most recently as a Regional Sales Director in the Northeast. He possesses a unique ability to cultivate customer relationships and while serving as a trusted resource to partners and colleagues. Casey is also based in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Through these hires and promotions, Southern Aluminum is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for its innovative products while continuing its legacy of exemplary customer service.