Skip to main content
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team

Plan with Our Team of Experts

There are many things to consider while planning an event. Whether you are organizing a meeting, business conference, preparing for a reunion, or other milestone events, our team will help you plan everything.

Our event planners will help select the right banquet room or meeting space, coordinate your catering selections, and determine the overall requirements for your event. As experts in the hospitality industry, it is our privilege to deliver the highest level of service with an event that meets all your needs.

Read More Less

 

Catering

Jenny Betlejewski

Jenny Betlejewski

Director of Catering
Bio BioJenny Betlejewski
Close
Jenny Betlejewski

Jenny Betlejewski

Director of Catering

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I have worked at Turf Valley Resort for 32 years and am best known as "Jenny B." My specialty is planning weddings, galas, holiday parties and a variety of social events. I enjoy working with all types of people and problem solving is a game I love to win!

What I Love About My Job: Turf Valley Resort is more than just my workplace. I met my husband here and had my wedding reception at Turf Valley. My son and daughter have modeled in the Wedding Fashion Show and my Goldendoodle, Luci, is featured on Turf Valley's Instagram.

Ask Me… where are the best photo ops at Turf Valley. I love to share that Turf Valley was once a horse farm and the stone spring house makes for a beautiful rustic photo shoot!

My Fun Fact: I have a degree in British literature and my dream is to rehab a house in Italy.

Carol Sirchio

Carol Sirchio

Catering Account Executive
Bio BioCarol Sirchio
Close
Carol Sirchio

Carol Sirchio

Catering Account Executive

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I have worked at Turf Valley Resort for 15 years and have experience in hosting a wide variety of important events from weddings, reunions, and galas to corporate and social events.

What I Love About My Job: I truly enjoy meeting new people who trust me to execute the most important events of their lives. I always strive to exceed their expectations!

Ask Me… how much planning do I need for my wedding. I let my clients know that you are a guest at your own event. Turf Valley is the venue and caterer and we work in collaboration with your vendors (wedding planners, cake, photographer, DJ, etc.) We perform the work behind the scenes so that you can enjoy your special day with family and friends!

My Fun Fact: I love dogs! My dog, Bodhi, a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, is willing to volunteer as the official dog on property at Turf Valley. Just waiting for the invitation!

Jianna Shipler

Jianna Shipler

Catering Services & Special Events Manager
Bio BioJianna Shipler
Close
Jianna Shipler

Jianna Shipler

Catering Services & Special Events Manager

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I started working at Turf Valley in July of 2021 after graduating from Howard Community College's Hospitality Program. My primary focus is to work with our clients on logistics for their events, as well as planning and organizing special events for Turf Valley.

 What I Love About My Job: I love the team-oriented culture at Turf Valley Resort. The staff is very welcoming and makes everyone feel like they are family.

Ask Me… about the types of events held at Turf Valley Resort. Turf Valley Resort hosts a wide variety of events from weddings, anniversaries, reunions, business meetings, corporate events, golf outings, and more. Our ballrooms, meeting rooms, private dining rooms,  and onsite restaurant are the perfect setting for any occasion.

My Fun Fact: I used to be a volunteer firefighter.

Wendy Taylor

Wendy Taylor

Catering Account Executive
Bio BioWendy Taylor
Close
Wendy Taylor

Wendy Taylor

Catering Account Executive

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I started working at Turf Valley in 2023 and bring twenty-five years' experience in hospitality, sales & operations. I specialize in coordinating weddings, reunions, galas and social events. 

What I Love About My Job: Turning moments into memories is what I do best. I create experiences that touch hearts, leaving you with cherished memories to last a lifetime. 

Ask Me… what makes Turf Valley Resort special. I love the serene and peaceful feeling here at Turf Valley. You must visit to experience it! 

My Fun Fact: I love to travel and spend time with my grandchildren and family.

Meetings

Lisa Pearson

Lisa Pearson

Senior Convention Services Manager
Bio BioLisa Pearson
Close
Lisa Pearson

Lisa Pearson

Senior Convention Services Manager

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I started at Turf Valley Resort in 2019 after working here in the 1990s. I focus on the specific details for an event, including the menu and event space.
What I Love About My Job: I had a unique opportunity to see the hotel getting built while working on the property. I enjoy sharing the breadth of services we offer - from large multi-room conferences to small meetings and weddings of all sizes.
Ask Me...about options for guests with food allergies: All food is labeled to address specific dietary restrictions. Depending on the allergen and severity, some guests may require a plated option rather than buffet-style - we are happy to arrange that.
My Fun Fact: I had my high school graduation party in the Ellicott Room and my wedding reception in the Wedgewood Ballroom at Turf Valley Resort.

Betsy Collings

Betsy Collings

Corporate Account Executive
Bio BioBetsy Collings
Close
Betsy Collings

Betsy Collings

Corporate Account Executive

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I joined the sales team in 2016 as the Corporate Account Executive. My primary focus is selling Turf Valley Resort as a destination for meetings, events and group travel for the corporate market and government contractors. I also manage local and national account pricing for inbound business transient travel.

What I Love About My Job: Hands-down, I love the account management aspect of my job. It's all about people and relationships for me! I get to seek out new business while strengthening relationships with existing clients. I enjoy building rapport and learning what makes my clients and their organizations tick.

Ask Me… about negotiating per diem and corporate rates. As a full-service hotel and golf resort, people are often surprised that we accept government per diem rates and are able to negotiate corporate discounted rates with businesses and organizations. Despite being a resort property, our rates are extremely competitive. The first step is to qualify the travel needs of an account and learn their objectives.

My Fun Fact: I am a huge Harry Potter fan. Luckily my two daughters are as well, so we watch the movies all the time! "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore

Rachel Moxley

Rachel Moxley

Meetings Express Manager
BIO BIORachel Moxley
Close
Rachel Moxley

Rachel Moxley

Meetings Express Manager

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I have worked at Turf Valley Resort since early 2022 and specialize in organizing meetings and events for our clients. My goal is to ensure they always have a great experience. 

 What I Love About My Job: I am very detail oriented and enjoy getting to know people. I am an artist in my personal time, which gives me a good eye for event planning and design. 

Ask Me… about our menu. I get asked the most what is good on our menu and my answer is always EVERYTHING!

My Fun Fact: I teach mediation classes and really enjoy helping people learn new techniques that can better their lives. 

Carmen Zemke, Account Executive at Turf Valley Resort

Carmen Zemke

Account Executive
Bio BioCarmen Zemke
Close
Carmen Zemke, Account Executive at Turf Valley Resort

Carmen Zemke

Account Executive

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I started working at Turf Valley in 2022 and bring ten years experience in hospitality operations and sales. My primary focus is to support the Association and Non-Profit markets by building relationships and welcoming guests to Ellicott City. 

 What I Love About My Job:  I enjoy helping clients create memorable events that achieve their goals. I grew up in a family of seven sisters and learned early on to listen intently, communicate effectively and focus on solutions. 

Ask Me… about Turf Valley's Green Initiatives? I am passionate about making a positive impact on sustainable travel and love to share interactive ways to incorporate these practices into meetings and events. 

My Fun Fact: I raised six puppies during quarantine. It taught me I can do just about anything with the right mindset and lots of Google searches!

Carl Zimmerman

Carl Zimmerman

Convention Services Manager
Bio BioCarl Zimmerman
Close
Carl Zimmerman

Carl Zimmerman

Convention Services Manager

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I recently worked at Turf Valley as the Executive Banquet Chef. In my new position as Convention Services Manager, I have combined my culinary knowledge with operations to help clients plan their events. 

 What I Love About My Job: I am very passionate about cooking and enjoy engaging with my clients about event details and menu selections. 

Ask Me… about our menus. With my culinary background, I am very familiar with our variety of options and the ability to customize the menu to meet all dietary preferences.  

My Fun Fact: I am an active rock climber. I enjoy traveling to different crags and the thrill of hanging on the rockface by just your fingertips. 

Erik Weinert

Erik Weinert

Account Executive
Bio BioErik Weinert
Close
Erik Weinert

Erik Weinert

Account Executive

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: My career in hotel sales spans 30 years from the East Coast to the West. I first started working at Turf Valley in 2008-2009 and was happy to return in 2023 and see many of my colleagues still here. 

What I Love About My Job: As a gregarious extrovert, I love meeting new people and building relationships. It is pure luck that I found a profession which collides with both traits. 

Ask Me… how to create a successful event? Hearing people's life stories is truly interesting. My goal is to create an event tailored to each guest that becomes a new chapter in their story. 

My Fun Fact: I am a bibliophile, and my home library is always growing. 

Leadership and Administration

Tracy Kreiter

Tracy Kreiter

Director of Sales
Bio BioTracy Kreiter
Close
Tracy Kreiter

Tracy Kreiter

Director of Sales

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I manage our Sales Team and focus on account management and contract negotiations. I have worked at Turf Valley Resort for 16 years and the best part of my role is seeing my team succeed. We are proud to promote our unique resort with endless possibilities for meetings, conferences, weddings, and events.

What I Love About My Job: I started as a manager in Alexandra's Restaurant and took the opportunity to create different promotions, even handwriting invitations, to bring people in the door. The positive effects piqued my interest in a sales career. I want my team to have the same opportunity to bring new ideas to our customers.

Ask Me… how to create an unforgettable team building event. Having coordinated my team event "Chopped", based on the competition cooking show, I saw our team form new friendships and develop a more collaborative approach to work.

My Fun Fact: I sing all the time, even at work and early in the morning! (Just ask my team)

Andrea Grant

Andrea Grant

Sales Administrative Assistant
Bio BioAndrea Grant
Close
Andrea Grant

Andrea Grant

Sales Administrative Assistant

My Experience at Turf Valley Resort: I have a background in customer service and started working at Turf Valley in 2024. My role is to support our sales team by greeting customers, distributing inquiries, and serving as a resource in our sales lobby.

What I Love About My Job: I enjoy working with a highly skilled and supportive team. It taps into critical thinking and keeps my mind and hands busy. 

Ask Me… the question I'm asked the most is the availability of our venue spaces. I am happy to put them in contact with a member of our sales team to provide all the details. 

My Fun Fact: I enjoy singing and am most confident at singing when I'm in the bathroom but often can be heard when I am engaged in my daily duties.