The Team

Aretha's passion for the hospitality industry began when she was in college and has turned into a 20-year career in the field. She is chairwoman of MPI Potomac's Membership Recruitment Committee and is active on the membership committee for the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. Aretha has been active in the Professional Convention Management Association and was a previous recipient of HSMAI's Rising Star Award.

Shaun joined ALHI in May 2022. Native to the Washington DC metro area, she began her career with Hyatt Hotels, cumulating with the opening of the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. Most recently, Shaun has held senior positions at Salamander Resort and Spa and Hotel Nikko San Francisco. With over 20 years of experience in Hospitality, she is thrilled to be joining ALHI, the leader in global sales for our portfolio of independent 4/5 star luxury Hotels and Resorts. Residing in Northern VA, she enjoys cooking, sports and concerts in her free time.

Heather joined ALHI in 2018 and assists in leading the Mid-Atlantic sales team in creating group business opportunities to strengthen ALHI's presence in the region. Before joining ALHI, Heather served as the GSO for Salamander Hotels & Resorts and worked at many of our member partners including Loews Hotels and Omni Hotels & Resorts. She graduated from DePauw University with a degree in communications and resides in Northern Virginia.

Jim joined ALHI in June 2023 and assists in leading the Mid-Atlantic sales team in creating group business opportunities that strengthen ALHI's position in the maket.  Before joining ALHI, Jim has led many sales and marketing initiatives that include the luxury sector as well as opening an award winning property. In addition, he led Starwood Hotels & Resorts GSO Office for the Mid Atlantic marketplace as well as overseeing Groups Sales for North America.  He has also served on and lead committees for both ASAE and PCMA.   He graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in Business Management.

Poll joined ALHI in 2008 in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Office. He began his sales career at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia, where he served as a sales assistant for five years. A native Virginian, he resides in Charles Town, West Virginia, where his two children, Mya and Paul Jr., keep him busy on weekends with their cheerleading and soccer activities.

Sam joined ALHI in August 2016 shortly after graduating magna cum laude from The George Washington University with a bachelor's degree in international affairs. Driven by a passion for travel and excellence, he enjoys supporting the sales and event efforts for the Mid-Atlantic team. Sam is a Maryland native and currently resides in Virginia.

Victoria holds a degree in hospitality management and began her career in the industry in 2016. Having provided Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond customer service, she prides herself on being a maximizer. She has spent several years abroad and loves exploring different cultures. Victoria joined ALHI in June 2022 and is looking forward to cultivating new relationships amongst clients and member hotels.

Victoria is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration and started her career in the Hospitality industry in 2017, where she provided Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond customer service. Victoria thrives on planning and efficiency. In addition, she is passionate about travel and outdoor activities and loves spending time with her beloved dog. Victoria joined ALHI in December 2022, supporting Heather Buss. She looks forward to cultivating new relationships with clients and member hotels.

Jessica joined ALHI in August 2023, after taking a quick break from Hospitality and learning/working in Investment Real Estate. She has a decade of experience in food and beverage and event side of hospitality and learned Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond customer service. Jessica quickly learned that hospitality is her passion, and she loves to create memorable experiences for each guest. Outside of work Jessica loves to be in nature, traveling to new countries and hiking in the mountains where she lives.