If there’s one thing the Hilton Ocala is known for, it’s outstanding hospitality. Beautiful grounds, elegant ballrooms and state-of-the-art meeting spaces make it the perfect venue to host any event, from the casual to the formal. Another thing the Hilton is known for? A dedicated, helpful staff. And it’s growing!
The Hilton Ocala recently welcomed two new members to its expanding sales team: Jessica Whitaker, a native of Nashville, TN, as director of sales and marketing and Hector Acosta, an El Paso native, as business travel sales manager.
“Hotel sales and marketing has been the passion that’s fueled my career” says Jessica. “There’s no place I would rather be. My favorite sound is the sound of rolling suitcases over the foyer floor.”
“I’ve been in the hotel industry for 20 years,” says Jessica. “I started in the sales department and it’s always felt like home for me and my career,” she says. “My number one goal is to share my passion and enthusiasm for the hospitality industry, through motivating and inspiring my team to reach beyond the stars to achieve their own personal career goals as well as the goals of The Hilton Ocala to provide world class service and hospitality in the heart of horse country.”
A single mother raising her 9-year-old daughter, Noble Elizabeth, Jessica certainly stays busy. Between work and her role as a mother, you’ll never find Jessica at a standstill.
When free time does present itself, one of Jessica’s many talents is being musically inclined.
“Music has always been a passion of mine,” she says. “I’ve sung first soprano for several symphonies, and I play the clarinet, piano, sax and flute.”
Jessica adds with a laugh “I’m also a gourmet cook and I love to shop.”
A self-described people person, Jessica admits she doesn’t meet any strangers.
“I meet you and you’re my friend for life,” she says. “That’s the best part of my job—meeting new people.”
Hector Acosta agrees, noting that the hustle and bustle of the hospitality industry is certainly one of its best perks.
“My wife and I came to Ocala to move closer to family in Central Florida,” says Hector. With nine years in the industry, he can easily be considered Hilton’s voice for Ocala’s local business travelers.
“Hector is very outgoing, energetic and dedicated to his role at the Hilton,” adds Jessica. Of course everyone needs a little free time, too. In addition to raising two children with his wife, Diego, 5, and Anna, 10, Hector is an avid outdoorsman and can often be found fishing. He’s also a talented chess player in his own right!
With the new energy in place at the Hilton Ocala, the hotel’s sales and catering team is focusing its efforts on not only maintaining the quality the Hilton is known for, but also on building their social media awareness, one fan at a time.
‘Like’ Us And Win!
Have you experienced a memorable event at the Hilton Ocala? Whether it was your own once-in-a-lifetime moment or someone else’s, we want to know about it! Did you attend a wedding, birthday, anniversary or business meeting at the hotel? Like us on Facebook and share your most memorable Hilton moment. The fan whose comment receives the most “likes” by June 30 will win a fabulous two-night stay on beautiful Amelia Island, compliments of the Hilton Ocala. So check out facebook.com and search “Hilton Ocala” today. Have a smartphone?
Hilton Ocala
3600 SW 36th Avenue
(352) 854-1400
hiltonocala.com
