About Our Hospitality Team
Agnelo Fernandes
Chief Executive Officer
Agnelo Fernandes is the Chief Executive Officer of Cote Hospitality, a recognized thought leader in the hospitality and luxury lifestyle industries, and a sought-after speaker on leadership, service culture, growth strategy, communications, global marketing, and branding. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including hospitality, spa and wellness, real estate, travel and tourism, and restaurants.
Agnelo Fernandes
Throughout his career, Agnelo has held senior executive roles with some of the industry's most recognized brands. Prior to leading Cote Hospitality, he served as:
- Chief Strategy Officer & EVP - Coral Tree Hospitality & Terranea Resort
- Executive leadership roles at Canyon Ranch and Sonesta Hotels
Expertise & Contributions
- Strategic leadership in brand development and global marketing
- Growth strategy and service culture transformation
- Driving revenue optimization and market expansion
- Leadership in talent development and industry innovation
Awards & Recognitions
- Lodging Magazine's Best and Brightest Hotel Innovators and Visionaries
- HSMAI Resort Marketer of the Year
- HSMAI Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue
- i-Lead Leader of the Year - Two Roads Hospitality
- ‘Spirit of Lowe' Award - Lowe and CoralTree Hospitality
Professional Affiliations
- Visit California's Marketing Advisory Board
- Immediate past chair of the Branding Committee
- Led the deployment of the $110 million ‘Dream Big' brand campaign
- Executive Committee Member - HSMAI Board of Directors
- Immediate past chair of the HSMAI Foundation
- Focused on attracting, developing, and retaining talent in the hospitality industry
Agnelo's strategic leadership, industry influence, and dedication to innovation continue to shape the future of hospitality.
Regina Pruitt
Chief Financial Officer
Regina Pruitt is a seasoned finance professional with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in financial leadership, budgeting, forecasting, and system implementations. As CFO at Cote Hospitality, she oversees the financial operations of the company's resorts, summer camps, and real estate developments. Working closely with the CEO and operational teams, she plays a key role in driving EBITDA growth, supporting the organization's expansion strategy, and ensuring financial excellence across all stages of development and operations.
Regina Pruitt
She is a dynamic finance leader whose career spans senior roles across the hospitality industry, including serving as Vice President of Finance, Corporate Director of Finance, and Property Level Director of Finance. In these positions, she has led financial strategy for portfolios of up to 45 hotels including resorts, brands, and boutique hotels.
Her leadership has driven key initiatives such as SOP modernization, labor management, POS, PMS, & financial system implementations, AP automation, and the development of robust cash flow and reporting frameworks. Regina is known for fostering financial transparency and accountability while mentoring high-performing accounting teams. She brings deep expertise in financial analysis, multi-property reporting, and cash flow management. Regina holds a Master's in Accounting and Financial Management and a Bachelor's in Business and Technical Management from the University of Akron. An avid reader, she also enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking. She is also an active member of HFTP, IMA, and AHLA.
Profile
- Chief Financial Officer - Cote Hospitality
- Vice President of Finance - Charlestowne Hotels
Expertise & Contributions
- Financial analysis, portfolio-wide reporting, and cash flow management
- System implementations: financial/budgeting/forecasting, labor management, AP automation, POS/PMS, and HRIS
- Driving financial transparency and accountability within organizations
Education
- Master of Accounting & Financial Management - Keller Graduate School of Management
- Bachelor's in Business and Technical Management - University of Akron
Merrick Dresnin
Chief People Services Officer
Merrick Dresnin is an accomplished human resources executive with a proven track record of enhancing workplace culture, managing complex labor environments, and driving organizational performance. As Chief People Services Officer, he brings a human-centric, culture-first approach to HR, reducing turnover, improving employee engagement, and fostering high-performing teams.
Merrick Dresnin
Throughout his career, Merrick has successfully navigated union contracts, redefined performance management systems, and developed training programs that have earned industry recognition, including multiple "Top Workplace" accolades. His thought leadership extends beyond HR strategy—he has contributed to numerous publications and has been a sought-after speaker on HR and legal issues within the hospitality industry.
Expertise & Contributions
- Navigating complex labor environments and union contracts
- Enhancing employee engagement and reducing turnover
- Designing performance management systems and leadership training programs
- Contributing thought leadership through industry publications and speaking engagements
Education
- Juris Doctor - American University
- Bachelor's in History and Anthropology - University of California, Santa Barbara
Professional Affiliations & Speaking Engagements
- Human Resources Committee, American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Member, Peer 150 (HR Executive Leadership Group)
- Published Articles - Indian Gaming Magazine, Hotel Executive
- Professional Advisor - Masters in Applied Professional Studies (MAAPS), DePaul University
- Adjunct Professor, Kendall College - Legal Issues in Hospitality, Human Resources Management
- Featured Speaker - Chicago SHRM Chapter Conference (2013)
- Speaker - Bill Moller Radio Show, WGN 720AM (2012)
- Panel Speaker - Law Bulletin: Social Media and Employment Law (2011)
- Speaker - Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Webinar: Coaching for Performance (2010)
- Speaker - Indian Gaming Conference: Human Resources Development & Training (2007, 2006)
Ryan Andersen
Vice President of Revenue Strategy
Ryan Andersen is a strategic revenue management leader with over 20 years of experience across top hospitality brands, including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. As Vice Presdient of Revenue at Cote Hospitality, he oversees revenue management for a diverse portfolio of properties in key markets such as Nashville, New Orleans, and Denver. He collaborates with operational teams to develop and execute revenue strategies that drive profitability and market share, consistently exceeding budgeted objectives.
Ryan Andersen
Ryan's career includes leadership roles at Aimbridge, First Hospitality, and HRI Properties, where he honed his expertise in multi-brand revenue optimization, market segmentation analysis, and data-driven pricing strategies. He played a key role in the successful launch of Embassy Suites Minneapolis Downtown, establishing revenue management processes from the ground up.
Expertise & Contributions
- Multi-brand revenue optimization and pricing strategy
- Data-driven forecasting and market segmentation analysis
- Revenue management system implementation (IDeaS G3)
- Cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, and operations teams
Education
- Degree in Communications - University of Minnesota
Notable Achievements
- Successfully implemented IDeaS G3 to refine pricing and forecasting strategies
- Led revenue initiatives that improved market positioning and stakeholder value
- Built revenue management processes for new hotel openings and repositioned assets for profitability
Ryan is known for fostering collaborative environments that enhance team performance and drive financial success across multiple hospitality brands.
Kelly Puspoki
Vice President of Marketing
Driven by data and innovation, Kelly builds brand equity, guest loyalty and revenue, with award-winning experience growing and repositioning brands such as Coca-Cola, Betty Crocker, Best Buy and Target. At Cote Hospitality, she crafts strategies and stories that win hearts and minds, elevate the guest journey and generate business growth. A former server at Grand View Lodge and head counselor at Camp Lake Hubert in her college years, Kelly brings direct experience with and deep admiration for the Cote family properties.
Kelly Puspoki
Perry Grove
Corporate Director of Information Technology
Perry Grove is a highly skilled IT leader with over 20 years of experience in systems engineering, IT management, and project oversight. As the Corporate Director of Information Technology at Cote Hospitality, Perry oversees the company's IT infrastructure, software management, and technical support services. He plays a critical role in ensuring the scalability, reliability, and security of Cote Hospitality's technology systems, aligning IT initiatives with business objectives to drive continuous process improvements across the organization.
Perry Grove
Throughout his career, Perry has demonstrated expertise in managing IT operations, security, and vendor relationships. Prior to joining Cote Hospitality, he served as:
- Senior Engineer Technical Oversight at MYTECH Partners
- System Architect at NETRIX IT
Where he led teams to deliver innovative technology solutions, including system migrations, disaster recovery implementation, and the development of technology roadmaps that significantly improved client infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Expertise & Contributions
- IT operations management and technical project oversight
- Systems engineering, cybersecurity, and data protection
- Vendor management and compliance solutions
- Translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Central Michigan University
Perry's ability to manage IT budgets, lead cross-functional teams, and translate complex technical concepts into clear strategies makes him an invaluable asset to Cote Hospitality's technological advancements and overall growth.
Moe Beyer
Corporate Director of Communications
Moe Beyer is a seasoned public relations and communications professional with over 30 years of experience working with news media, influencers, and key stakeholders to position brands, programs, and new product launches at the forefront. As Corporate Director of Communications, she brings a creative, strategic, and well-connected approach to marketing communications across multiple industries, including hospitality, food and beverage, technology, remodeling and new home construction, sporting goods, fashion, and health and wellness.
Moe Beyer
Beyer's career includes significant time in New York City, where she worked closely with top-tier media to promote emerging brands. She played a pivotal role in the national success of Aveda and Rollerblade, two Minneapolis-based companies, by securing extensive media coverage and brand recognition.
Expertise & Contributions
- Brand positioning and strategic media relations
- Public relations campaigns and influencer engagement
- Marketing communications across diverse industries
- National media outreach and brand storytelling
Education
- Double Major in Mass Communications/Journalism and Speech Communications - St. Cloud State University (Accredited Journalism Program)
Awards & Professional Affiliations
- Speaker - MN Wild Partnership Conferences
- Outstanding Public Relations Executive Award - Inline Skating Association
- Board Member - Hopkins Parent Teacher Organization (2008-2014)
- Board Member - Hopkins High School Baseball (2016-2018)
Dawn Southworth
Managing Director, Grand View Lodge
Dawn Southworth is a seasoned hospitality leader with a track record of driving operational excellence, revenue growth, and guest satisfaction. As Managing Director of Grand View Lodge, she brings extensive experience in resort management, strategic development, and community engagement.
Dawn Southworth
Before joining Grand View Lodge, Dawn managed the 200-acre Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina in Florida, where she led transformative renovations and implemented strategies that resulted in consistent revenue growth. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to enhancing the guest experience while fostering strong community connections.
Expertise & Contributions
- Resort management and operational leadership
- Strategic renovations and asset enhancement
- Revenue growth and market positioning
- Community engagement and guest experience innovation
Terry Hanley
Managing Director, Tanque Verde Ranch
Terry Hanley is a veteran hospitality professional with an impressive 52 years of experience in the industry. His career has spanned every aspect of the hospitality business, from bussing tables at his family's restaurant to managing top-tier hotels across North America.
Terry Hanley
As the Managing Director of Tanque Verde Ranch, Terry ensures that every detail runs seamlessly, creating exceptional experiences for guests. His wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge make him a reliable leader who is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and operational efficiency.
Expertise & Contributions
- Comprehensive hospitality experience across all levels of service
- Operational leadership in top-tier hotels and resorts
- Ensuring seamless guest experiences and high standards of service
Terry's career is a testament to his dedication and passion for the hospitality industry, consistently driving excellence at every step.