Meet Our Event Team

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.

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. 

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!

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 new 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 on the water, activities with family and friends, and exploring new local restaurants around the Triangle.  

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.

After graduating from North Carolina State University with a B.A. in Communications, Kelly began her hospitality career as a Reception Agent at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in 2010. From there she worked as the Guest Relations Coordinator, Sales and Catering Coordinator, and Conference Services Manager until 2015. In 2019, Kelly joined The Beyond Collection as an Events Manager and has been the Senior Events Director since 2021. Fortunate enough to work with some of the most incredible luxury hotels and resorts across the country and internationally for the past six years, she is thrilled to return to The Umstead as the Director of Catering and Conference Services. Kelly is originally from Raleigh, though most of her childhood was spent living in several other US cities as well as abroad in Tokyo and Sydney. She and her husband live in Raleigh with their three sons and pug. Making memories with her family and being near the water is her happy place. 

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.

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.