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Meet Our Event Team

Enjoy Individual Attention & Personalized Service

Plan your events and meetings at the Umstead Hotel and Spa and enjoy the individual attention and personalized service only a five star and five diamond property can provide. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a large corporate event, our dedicated and experienced staff works closely with you every step of the way.

Director of Sales

Bryn Nicholson

Originally from Richmond VA, Bryn came to NC in the fall of 1998 to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating with a B.A. in Communications & Journalism, Bryn spent the next four years in Sales and Marketing for sports radio. Bryn joined the team at The Umstead Hotel and Spa during its preopening phase, and it was there that she began her career in hospitality. For the past sixteen years, Bryn has worked throughout the hotel as Food and Beverage Manager, Senior Conference Services Manager, Senior Group Sales Manager and now as Director of Sales.  Bryn graduated in May 2022 with her Masters of Science, Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management from East Carolina University.  She and her husband live in Cary with their three children and three rescue dogs.

Senior Sales Manager

Rachael McGinnis

Originally from Madison, Virginia, Rachael graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Following graduation, she moved to Southern California, where she began her career as an Event Coordinator at the California Center for the Arts. In 2018, she transitioned into the luxury travel industry, collaborating with high-end hoteliers around the world and deepening her passion for exceptional hospitality.

After relocating to North Carolina, Rachael joined The Umstead Hotel and Spa in early 2020 as Group Sales Manager. She was promoted to Senior Group Sales Manager in 2022, continuing to deliver personalized service and memorable experiences for clients.

She now calls Raleigh home, where she lives with her husband and son. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with her family. 

Group Sales Manager

Maddy Mize

Raleigh native, Maddy is a proud pirate graduate from East Carolina University and received a B.S. in Hospitality Management in 2020. Through her passion for travel and new experiences, Maddy quickly found her niche in the luxury industry while studying sustainable tourism in Ireland. Maddy joined The Umstead team following graduation and has worked in the Spa, Reservations, and most recently, as the Sales and Catering Coordinator before accepting her role as Group Sales Manager. Outside of the office, you can often find Maddy spending time with friends and family, exploring local businesses, and enjoying sunny days on the golf course!

Assistant Director of Catering & Conference Services

Hannah Barton

After joining The Umstead Hotel and Spa in 2019 as Assistant Sommelier, Hannah Barton quickly became an integral part of the Herons team, later serving as Manager of Herons and Wine Director. Born in England and raised in Raleigh, Hannah brings nearly two decades of hospitality experience and a deep passion for creating memorable guest experiences. During her time leading the wine program, she helped shape thoughtful pairings and wine-driven experiences that complemented the culinary vision of Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene.

A Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and currently pursuing her WSET Diploma, Hannah now serves as Assistant Director of Events and Conference Services. In her new role, she brings her hospitality expertise and collaborative spirit to the planning and execution of events, working closely with clients and the Umstead team to create meaningful and seamless experiences for every guest.

Hannah lives in Raleigh with her husband and their one-year-old son, and enjoys spending her free time with her family.

Conference Services Manager

Tori Plath

Originally from California, but Raleigh-raised, Tori graduated from Caldwell Community College with a degree in Hospitality Management. After graduation, Tori moved to Charlotte where she worked at a hotel as a Front Desk agent and later was promoted to the Sales Coordinator. After several years, she was ready to explore working at a larger and more high-end property.  At the start of 2024, Tori joined our team as the Sales and Catering Coordinator and now joins the management team as Conference Services Manager in February 2025. She loves being back in the Triangle and in her free time enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and being active.

Conference Services Manager

Kate Moses

Originally from New Bern, NC, Kate graduated from Appalachian State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In 2018, Kate joined the Umstead as a member of the Front Office team and later was promoted to Guest Relations Coordinator. In her role as Conference Services Manager, she uses the skills she’s learned through her time here, along with her attention to detail, to plan and execute successful events. In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband, on the water, activities with family and friends, and exploring new local restaurants around the Triangle.

Corporate Catering Manager

Madison Hamilton

Madison began her career in hospitality industry at her parent’s business creating vacation memories for families in Panama City Beach, Florida. Madison found her home in North Carolina when she enrolled as a student athlete at Meredith College, where she obtained her B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management in 2021 as well as her Master of Business Administration in 2022. She began her time here with an internship in the Rooms division, gaining experience with the Front Desk and Housekeeping departments. After her internship, Madison joined our team full time as a Front Office Reception Agent before her move into Sales and Catering Coordinator in 2022 and Corporate Catering Sales Manager in 2023. Outside of filling her spare time with True Crime podcasts, Madison finds joy in family time, exercising, reading with a good cup of coffee, or gathering with friends and great wine.

Social Catering Manager

Haley Meinholz

Haley was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from California State University, Fullerton. She earned her degree in Entertainment & Hospitality Management and started her career in Wedding Planning. Prior to moving to North Carolina, she worked at The Atlanta Country Club as a Member Events Coordinator. She had always wanted to pursue a career in the hotel industry and knew this role at The Umstead Hotel & Spa would be a great fit! In her spare time, Haley enjoys attending sporting events, concerts, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.