Our Team

As Vice President of Operations, Dominic is responsible for oversight of all MMI Hotel Group properties including working with different stakeholders to ensure a consistent approach in the management of all properties.  He is active and involved in working with General Managers on the operations at the hotel level, understanding that great performance is driven by great people. Dominic is constantly working with hotel leadership to ensure our team members have the knowledge and tools necessary to produce exceptional results. 

After building a respected reputation in Hyatt’s operational organization, Dominic was successful in repositioning a large Alabama, full-service hotel and joined the above-property team at Hotel Equities where he most recently served as Vice President of Operations, Full Service and Resort Division.  Beyond his industry knowledge, Dominic’s sense of hospitality and appreciation for people appealed to the executive team at MMI.  Micajah Sturdivant, President of MMI Hotel Group shared, “The relationship between VP of Ops and President at MMI Hotel Group must be rooted in trust, caring, and honesty.  It starts with character and communication – two traits which I believe Dominic routinely demonstrates.”
 
Dominic is a veteran of the industry with experience in convention, resort, focused-service, independent and extended-stay hotels and various food and beverage outlets.  At Hotel Equities, Dominic assumed various roles during the company’s rapid growth, including management and oversight of four Regional Directors.  At the time of his departure, Dominic oversaw a portfolio of 16 hotels in the US and Canada.   Dominic shared, “I am excited to be joining MMI to be part of an organization that will allow me to utilize my experience in the industry to drive results.  I want to make a positive impact and represent MMI and myself by making a difference in the lives of those that I serve.”

Dominic is married to his wife Tammy who just celebrated their 28 -year anniversary. They have two daughters Morgan Nicole and Danielle Ryleigh.  Dominic is an avid sports fan who enjoys his hometown teams from Philadelphia and SEC football.   “I am thrilled to be part of the MMI family with such a rich culture spanning 63 years.

Connect

What year did you join the MMI family?
2006

What are three words you would use to describe the MMI family?
Sincere.  Upstanding.  Indispensible.

What is a fun fact that you wouldn’t mind sharing with the world about yourself?
While Micajah dreamed of being a residential architect when he grew up, he got his first job in the hospitality business as a dishwasher at an all-girls camp in North Carolina. The experience must have been a positive one, as he ended up making his career in hospitality.

As President of MMI Hotel Group, Micajah works with the existing portfolio to optimize the relevancy of and experience in each of MMI’s hotels while also considering how additional properties through third party management contracts fit best into the family of franchised and unique offerings.

Micajah became the third generation in the Sturdivant family to assume the role as president in June 2013.

Outside of MMI, he serves commits a great deal of time to professional and civic causes.  Within the industry, he has served on the global Board of Directors for IHG's Owners Association while chairing the Crowne Plaza committee.  He has volunteered for this organization for many years in various capacities focused on brands as well as the Distribution-Reservation channels, but his greatest engagement with IHGOA has been the creation of the Emerging Leaders Council, an under-40 body of above-property leaders who have committed themselves to the industry.  Micajah has also worked closely with the AH&LA Hotel Management Council.  Prior banking and real estate experience includes time spent in lending and leadership for regional and national office, residential and hospitality firms. He holds a MBA from Harvard University and a BBA from the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi.

Micajah and his wife, Grace, live in Jackson, MS where they have three daughters - Eleanor, Garnett and Sykes.

Sturdivant Leading MMI in a Meeting of the Minds

Memphis Lodging Leaders Roundtable

History at the Helm

Connect

A veteran of the hospitality industry, Doug Heinrich joined MMI in 2024 after overseeing growth initiatives for Disney, YUM Brands and 21(C) Museum Hotels.  Whether it was a site selection, creative capital stack, or , Dave's consideration for the frontline team member is not lost in the financial consideration.

 

Connect

Chris DeMers is a seasoned industry professional boasting more than 25 years of expertise in spearheading and nurturing food & beverage concepts. With a keen eye for innovation and intuition, he has successfully managed and developed various ventures, ranging from regional startups to national multi-unit establishments. Throughout his career, Chris has excelled in executive, corporate, franchise, and independent venture settings, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. Most of Chris’ impressive experience has been rooted in the culinary powerhouse that is New Orleans, Louisiana, working his way up the proverbial ladder.

Chris joins us from The Kolache Kitchen Louisiana & Florida where he served as the Vice President and Corporate Director of Operations and Development for the last six years. He has experience in roles such as restaurant owner-operator, director of food & beverage for both hotel and restaurant groups, as well as restaurant executive chef. Chris has also enjoyed consulting as an independent contractor for reputable brands such as Whole Foods Market, Dee Lincoln, and LandMax Development. With a proven track record of building and managing successful teams across the food and beverage industry, Chris stands ready to leverage his expertise and drive results as the Director of Food & Beverage for MMI Hotel Group.

Connect

As Corporate Director of Revenue Management for MMI, Stacey is responsible for setting the day-to-day rates and sales strategy for a portfolio of hotels to maximize revenues and profitability. She also assists in the training and development of the hotels’ sales teams using a variety of new tools as the discipline of revenue management becomes more and more complex.

Ms. Morgan's experience in revenue management stretches across several engagements with industry leaders  Prior to joining MMI Hotel Group, Stacey worked for a large hotel management company where she assisted in growing their portfolio and performance for a number of owners of Hilton and Marriott branded hotels along with an independent resort. Additionally, she served in a similar role at Interstate Hotels & Resorts as a result of the Noble Investment Group/Interstate merger in October 2011 after working directly for Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

A dedicated hospitality professional, Ms. Morgan holds more than twenty years of experience in the areas of Revenue Management and Operations. She brings a proven background in driving hotel revenues and implementing market strategies to increase market share.
Ms. Morgan earned a B.S. in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. A Certified Revenue Management Executive with all of the major hotel brands, she is currently an active member of HSMAI.

An avid sports fan, Ms. Morgan also enjoys reading in her free time. She resides in Acworth with her husband and two sons.

 

Connect

What year did you join the MMI family?
1980

What are three words you would use to describe the MMI family?
Trusting. Honest. Comfortable.

What is a fun fact that you wouldn’t mind sharing with the world about yourself?
Gaines wanted to be many things when he grew up, including a disk jockey, an airline pilot, and a physician. While Gaines started in the hospitality business very early in his career, he did fulfill his dream of becoming an airline pilot and obtained his private pilot’s license.

Leadership from the trenches. Gaines Sturdivant was named President of MMI Hotel Group in 1988 after having begun his career as a management trainee and ultimately serving as a hotel General Manager. Upon graduating from Vanderbilt University, Mr. Sturdivant committed several years to MMI focusing on operations, technical services, and marketing responsibilities before taking a leave of absence to attend the Harvard Business School, completing its Program for Management Development.

Mr. Sturdivant is a Past President of the IHG Owners Association and currently serves as a member of the Past President Committee. He has served on numerous committees of the American Hotel & Lodging Association including its Political Action and International Council of Hotel Management Companies Committee.

Mr. Sturdivant serves on the board of Belhaven College, located in Jackson, MS. Additionally, he is a board member of the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Sturdivant was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2006.

Connect

What year did you join the MMI family?
2017

What are three words you would use to describe the MMI family?
Fun. Sincere. Welcoming.

What is a fun fact that you wouldn’t mind sharing with the world about yourself?
During her four years of undergraduate study at Arkansas Tech, Renee was the football and men’s basketball statistician.

As Director of Human Resources, Renee is responsible for all aspects of Human Resources for MMI Hospitality Group. She brings experience in leadership roles and degrees in human resources and labor relations as well as hotel, restaurant and travel administration. Renee holds two Master’s Degrees one in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and another in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University. Renee began her working career in the restaurant industry working for El Chico Restaurants and later Ruby Tuesday Restaurant. While with Ruby Tuesday’s, Renee was the General Manager in Memphis, TN. After completing her Master’s at UMASS, Renee returned to the restaurant industry working as the Sales and Service Manager for Olive Garden Restaurants in Fort Smith, AR and Okemos, MI.

After graduating from Michigan State, Renee began her HR Career as an HR Generalist with Tritel Communications in Jackson, MS. Renee’s has worked for Fortune 500 companies including AT&T Wireless and Home Depot. She has held various HR positions including Employee Relations Specialist, Transition Specialist and Employment Dispute Resolution Manager. Renee joins MMI from Young Williams, P.C. where she served as Director, Corporate Human Resources.

 

Connect

What year did you join the MMI family?
2000

What are three words you would use to describe the MMI family?
Enthusiastic. Loyal. Proud.

What is a fun fact that you wouldn’t mind sharing with the world about yourself?
Since Lindsay was about twelve years old, she knew she wanted to work in hotel sales. Growing up, her uncle was an Executive Director of an Association Management Company, and she was always able to go with him to his annual conferences. She thought all the people that worked in the sales department had the best job and always had so much fun. Lindsay has surpassed her childhood dreams and become a vital leader of MMI’s sales team.

After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration in 1999, Lindsay began working as Sales Manager for the Cabot Lodge Jackson North, a MMI Hotel Group property. She was then promoted to the Director of Sales of the property. After five years at the Cabot Lodge Jackson North, Hamm was given the opportunity to help open the Hilton Garden Inn Madison as the Director of Sales another MMI Hotel Group owned and operated hotel. In January 2010, Lindsay assumed additional responsibilities as the Area Director of Sales for MMI Hotel Group and in June of 2013 was promoted to the role of Director of Revenue Performance.

In 2019, MMI added to its corporate team providing Lindsay the ability to focus on sales and marketing across the entire MMI portfolio.  

Lindsay has served as President of the Madison the City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is currently serving on the Board for the Mississippi Tourism Association as well as the Mississippi Society of Association Executives. She is active in the Junior League of Jackson serving on the 2010-2011 Mississippi Children’s Museum Steering Committee, the 2012 Mistletoe Marketplace Steering Committee and the 2013-2014 Board of Directors.

Lindsay currently resides in Madison with her husband Brian and twins Addie and Teddy.
 

Connect

What year did you join the MMI family?
1986

What are three words you would use to describe the MMI family?
Ownership. Respect. Responsibility.

What is a fun fact that you wouldn’t mind sharing with the world about yourself?
While Mike’s childhood dream was to become a Pulling Guard for the Green Bay Packers, he started his early hospitality career as a Night Auditor at one of MMI’s hotel properties in Vicksburg, Mississippi. While he may not have become a professional football player, some days may feel like he is leading the MMI Team through a series of (financial) tackles!

After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1966 with a degree in Accounting, Mike Hart joined the national CPA firm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., working in the firm’s Jackson, Mississippi, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana offices. While there, Mike was appointed a Computer Audit Specialist in addition to his other audit and tax responsibilities.

In 1975, Mike established his own successful accounting practice in Jackson, Mississippi where he served as principal auditor for three hotel management organizations – including MMI Hotel Group. Recognizing Mike’s substantial financial management skills, MMI hired him as its Chief Financial Officer in 1987.

 

Connect

As Regional Director of Operations, Gary is responsible for overseeing operations at numerous properties managed by MMI Hotel Group.  In his role, Gary will support the Vice President of Operations and hotel leadership by driving the highest levels of performance throughout the portfolio.  Gary has over 30 years in the hospitality industry, managing all types of hotels.  During his most recent assignment, Gary was Vice President of Operations with Oakfield Hospitality, where he successfully led a portfolio of hotels.  Gary has extensive experience in full-service, focused-service, extended-stay, and food & beverage operations.  Gary's acumen, leadership qualities, and experience within the industry complement MMI's dynamic leadership team to deliver the best in class results to our ownership partners.
 
Gary is a father to two sons, Michael and Nicholas.  He is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he was born and raised.  Gary has studied Hospitality with eCornell and had extensive experience with Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Choice brands. Gary started his career in the food and beverage side of Hospitality before making his way to the rooms side. He has received high honors, notably hotel opening of the year in 2016 for Marriott Properties. He also sits on the Marriott Four Points brand counsel.

Gary shared, "I am blessed for this opportunity with MMI Hotel Group, and I look forward to many years of growth and results in the portfolio. MMI has a great culture which is exhibited by the longevity of the team members it employs."  Gary is a passionate sports fan of all sports, but Penn State Football is his team.

 

Connect

MMI Hotel Group has managed hotels for third-party owners since 1975.  The skill set to be successful in such a relationship has been proven across a number of property types by our team.  For this reason, MMI remains committed to ensuring the team members, guests, and owners at ALL MMI managed hotels experience the benefit of our Southern hospitality.  We are great at what we do!
 
Knowing MMI provides a competitive offering,  Andrew Pace's role as Managing Director of Acquisitions & Partnerships builds on our performance and his personal track record.  Andrew’s experience leading growth initiatives for like organizations spans from feasibility consulting to operations to business development.  His network of equity sources, franchise leaders, hospitality consultants, and property owners is extensive and he is ready to share the MMI story with you.

Since 1999, he has served on the Governor appointed State Board of Architects, a government regulatory body of the State of Georgia. He remains an Advisory Board member of the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality at Georgia State University since 2004. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from Georgia State University and an Executive MBA from Mercer University.

 

Connect

As CEO of HRR3 Mr. Kane Flanary has over 15 years’ experience as an owner representative of over 400 hundred hotel renovation projects throughout the United States.

He also has over 12 years of successful hotel general manager experience in the Marriott CFRST franchise community.

With his combined experience he can see your project from the operator’s perspective as well as the construction project management perspective. By combining this experience, he can provide you with the skills and knowledge that will guarantee the success of your hotel renovation project. No matter what your goal or timeline is, you can trust him to deliver your project on time, within budget, and at the highest quality final product possible.

 

Connect

Jody Brentin joins the MMI corporate office.
She will be responsible for leading administrative support across the three divisions of MMI.

 

Connect

Bob will lead several Shared Services disciplines while also acting as the primary special projects partner for our operating company leaders from a financial perspective.

 

Connect

Chelsea's been working with MMI properties since 2021, and came in-house in 2024! From Florida to Richmond, VA, she's now spearheading PR efforts across our portfolio. From crafting killer campaigns to scoring prime press spots, planning events, and handling brand partnerships, she's our go-to for media magic and influencer connections. 

Experienced Social Media Marketing Specialist. Skilled in Team Building, Creativity, Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, and Sales & Marketing. Strong consulting professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) focused in Marketing and a Concentration in Integrated Digital Media from Mississippi State University.

 

Connect

Garrett Ponder is the Corporate Director of Finance at MMI Hospitality Group. Garrett holds a Finance degree from Mississippi State University and recently completed his MBA at Louisiana State University Shreveport. In his previous role as Senior Corporate Real Estate Analyst at Sierra Space Corporation, Garrett managed annual operating and capital budgets for a diverse portfolio of industrial and commercial properties. His expertise in financial oversight, combined with his strategic approach, makes him an ideal fit for MMI as we continue to innovate and expand.

Outside of his professional achievements, Garrett lives in Brandon, where he enjoys life with his wife, Jessica, and their young son, Porter.

 

Connect