Vic Mitchell, Controller
Mitchell brings an extensive background in both hospitality and finance to the Queen Mary management team. Mitchell was previously the director of finance for the Ivy Hotel, a San Diego-based luxury boutique hotel and nightclub. Mitchell was on the team that helped open the hotel and established all of its accounting and finance systems. Previously, Mitchell was controller for a resort and marina in the U.S. Virgin Islands; controller with hospitality management firm; and director of finance and controller for a Carlsbad, Calif resort and spa. His early career also includes six years working in the finance and accounting industry.

Sarah Fonseca, Convention Services Manager
As convention services manager, Fonseca will manage the planning and coordination of convention activities as well as events and functions that require meeting services. Her strategic approach and focus on customer service and guest satisfaction will be an asset in this role at the Los Angeles area’s seventh largest conference venue. Previously with the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, Fonseca regularly managed and directed large meetings and conventions.

Christine Company, Attractions Sales Manager
As attractions sales manager, Christine Company will expand the current product line, drive group sales for this department and also create new products that will help bring the Queen Mary closer to the community of Long Beach. Company’s background includes extensive work in ad sales for an international travel corporation as well as event management for one of the country’s largest conference and event producers.

Shannon Nichols, Sales Manager
In Nichols’ new role as sales manager, she will be responsible for handling convention sales with corporate and national association groups from the L.A. and Orange County areas as well as accounts based in the U.S. Midwest, Northeast and Southeast. During Nichols’ 11 years in hotel managerial positions, her outstanding sales skills have repeatedly been acknowledged, including winning Top Sales Manager of the Year in 2006 at Crowne Plaza in downtown San Jose and Best Director of Sales in 2008 with Residence Inns at the Manhattan Beach property.

Barbara Swaiman, Sales Manager
As sales manager, Barbara Swaiman will be responsible for handling convention sales for the California state associations market, Northern California corporations, national associations and all accounts in the Western U.S. In past positions, Swaiman worked in sales serving Fortune 500 companies in varying industries and was responsible for $6 million in sales volume over a 12-month period in one of her past roles.

Additional New Hires
Sous Chef Jennifer Minichiello joins the culinary team from the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach where she previously served as chef at Café Scuba, serving hundreds of people daily with fresh, hand-picked seafood carefully selected for its sustainability. Marcy Anderson and Karen Tramposh both join the sales team as catering sales managers, bringing over 30 years worth of experience in working with destination hotels. Rooms Division Manager Marcus Story has boarded the Queen Mary team as well.

About the Queen Mary
Located in the Port of Long Beach since 1967, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. Its award-winning restaurants include the signature Sir Winston’s as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon.  History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Behind the Scenes tour while guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends Show. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000 square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms spanning three decks including eight full suites which have hosted a variety of colorful characters from World War II leaders to British royalty and the stars of Hollywood’s golden era. For more information or for reservations, see www.QueenMary.com or call 800-437-2934.

About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations. The company’s portfolio includes historic properties in North America, such as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon national parks; Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite & Cottages at Tenaya Lodge; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach; The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake; Holiday Inn West Yellowstone; The Gideon Putnam Resort; and the Queen Mary. To learn more about Delaware North Companies’ expertise in the hospitality industry, visit www.ExperienceDNC.com.

About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Garden, Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues exceeding $2 billion annually and 50,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.

Media Contacts:
Erika Testo
Queen Mary
562-499-1619
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Julie Wright
(W)right On Communications, Inc.
for the Queen Mary
760-419-4664
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