In this role, Dan Crooker will lead the team in leveraging strategic programs and sales-growth initiatives, including the upcoming completion of a full meeting space renovation. As Director of Events, Julia Ippolito assumes responsibility for overseeing event management, food and beverage operations for group events, weddings, hotel programming, and entertainment for the 1,300-acre resort.
AAA Four Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, a Marcus Hotels & Resorts property, announces the appointment of Dan Crooker as Executive Director of Sales and Julia Ippolito as Director of Events.
With over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Dan Crooker will further enhance the Grand Geneva sales team’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Prior to joining the team at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Crooker was the general manager at Door County Wisconsin’s largest resort, The Landmark Resort. Before returning to the Midwest where he grew up, Crooker spent time in leadership roles at other industry-leading four season resorts including Boyne’s Sunday River Resort located in Maine and Powdr’s Snowbird Resort in Utah.
“I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to join such a great team at Grand Geneva and look forward to helping continue the success that has already been achieved,” shared Crooker. “My wife, Kate, and I are currently relocating to the area and look forward to enjoying all the Lake Geneva community has to offer.” Having first experienced the resort as a guest in the early 90s, as an avid runner, biker, skier, golfer, and outdoor enthusiast, Crooker’s personal passions align well with Grand Geneva’s experiences.
Julia Ippolito.
Raised in Lake Geneva, Julia Ippolito is a seasoned professional in the hospitality and events industry. “I’m thrilled to bring my event knowledge and experience back home to Lake Geneva,” shared Ippolito. “I am honored to be a part of the team and contribute to the resort’s legacy of delivering exceptional events.”
Ippolito began her career at Levy Restaurants at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA, where she supported high-profile events including The Grammy Awards and The Emmy Awards. During her time in California, she continued to advance her role at Levy Restaurants across the state. She eventually returned to the Midwest as the assistant director of operations at Levy Restaurants at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, a role she held for three years prior to joining Grand Geneva and supported high-profile events, including programming for the Milwaukee Bucks Championship.
“We are delighted to welcome Dan and Julia to the Grand Geneva family,” shared Skip Harless, Managing Director, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. “Their expertise, wealth of knowledge, strategic vision, and passion for the industry will undoubtedly enhance our sales and events departments, enabling us to continue to provide unparalleled experiences for our guests.”
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